Cogent Systems today announced that the United Kingdom's (UK) Home Office has selected Cogent to provide software for the UKvisas Biometrics Program. The software solution will support the capture of both fingerprint and facial images.
The UKvisas Biometrics Program is providing equipment to approximately 250 locations worldwide to capture biometric fingerprint and facial image data for all visa applicants. UKvisas goal is to introduce fingerprinting by 2008 for all visa applicants before they travel to the UK. Cogent's software will be integrated into the approximately 1,000 live scan units being rolled out in this phase of the UKvisas program. The software will support the recording and verification of 10-print finger scans, fingerprint verification matching of applicants as well as enable the recording of facial images per ICAO standards. Cogent will also provide software consulting as well as help desk and incident management services. Current expectations are for an initial roll out by February 2007.
"Cogent clearly demonstrated the strength of their technology and customer support throughout the evaluation process," commented Andrew Pestell (Procurement and Commercial Manager) from the UK Home Office. "The implementation of this software will contribute a significant step towards our goal of introducing fingerprinting for all visa applicants."
"We are very pleased to announce this contract award in the UK which is in the process of rolling out many anticipated biometric programs," commented Ming Hsieh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogent. "Cogent's ability to deliver and to integrate highly advanced software which enables the fast and accurate recording of both fingerprint and facial images with a high level of customer support were key factors in our success. We believe our involvement with this stage of the UKvisas program potentially positions us well for other discussed biometric initiatives in the UK including the AFIS related to the UK visas program, UK-eBorders and a potential National ID card program."
