Press Release
SOURCE: International Biometric Group

Microsoft Sponsors International Biometric Group's Comparative Biometric Testing

New York City , New York -- January 8, 2002 -- International Biometric Group announced today that Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is an official sponsor of International Biometric Group's Comparative Biometric Testing.

"We are pleased to sponsor IBG's Comparative Biometric Testing - it provides us with a wealth of information regarding the real world performance of the leading biometric technologies." Said Glenn Pittaway, Program Manager at Microsoft. "IBG's role in the biometric industry is critical, helping customers make the right technology decisions by establishing metrics for biometrics technologies."

IBG's Comparative Biometric Testing, the de facto industry standard for evaluating biometrics, details the short-term and long-term enrollment and verification capabilities of finger-scan, facial recognition, voice-scan, iris-scan and other biometric solutions. IBG's Testing also assesses user perceptions on ease-of-use, privacy and security. Round Three was completed in August, 2001 and Round Four will commence later this year. Other sponsors include EDS, Lockheed Martin, Fidelity Investments, Star Systems and Financial Services Technology Consortium.

IBG has been conducting formal biometric testing since 1998, and has gathered extensive data on the leading biometric system, including: AcSys, Advanced Precision, Ankari, AuthenTec, BES, BioPassword, Cyber-SIGN, Digital Persona, Ethentica, Identix, Iridian, Nuance, Precise Biometrics, Sagem, SecuGen, Sony, T-NETIX, Viisage and Visionics.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

About International Biometric Group

International Biometric Group is the leading biometric integration and consulting firm, addressing the identification and authentication needs of mid to large size organizations. IBG works on behalf of both private and government clients to evaluate, design, and integrate biometric solutions for Internet applications, public sector programs, network security, point of sale applications, physical access and time and attendance systems. Learn more at http://www.biometricgroup.com.

Contact:

Public Relations Department
International Biometric Group
212-809-9491