IBM and the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), an executive agency of the UK Home Office, have signed a seven-year agreement for IBM to provide a core element of the Government's plans to upgrade to biometric passports and enhance the security of the UK border. IBM will also provide a replacement for the UK Border Agency's (UKBA) Immigration and Asylum Fingerprint System (IAFS) which holds biometrics collected from visa applicants.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

James Hall, Chief Executive of the Identity and Passport Service, said: "This contract will provide a secure database for storing facial and fingerprint images for the next generation of biometric passports and will support the delivery of the National Identity card."

John Granger, General Manager, IBM Global Business Services, said: "At a time when the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, both through personal travel and electronically, these new systems are part of building a smarter and safer planet where identifying ourselves when we travel is easier and more convenient. We look forward to extending and enhancing our existing relationship with the IPS and the UK Border Agency."

As the prime contractor, IBM will integrate and operate the solution, the majority of which will be built with IBM hardware and software. IBM will obtain integration and operations support from Atos Origin and will obtain biometric services and software from Sagem Securite (SAFRAN Group).

  The contract between IPS and IBM was signed in May 2009.

  Notes to Editors

Today's announcement concludes the NBIS contract award made in the Home Office statement on the 7th April 2009: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=398018&Subjec tId=2

  About the Identity and Passport Service

  For further information visit: http://www.ips.gov.uk/

  About IBM

For more information about IBM in the UK public sector, visit: ibm.com/easyaccess/publicsector

  Contacts

  Home Office
  Philip Skelton, Press Officer, Philip.Skelton@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk,
  0207 035 3851

  IBM
  John Galvez, UK Media Relations, john.galvez@uk.ibm.com, 07734 104275

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rzane@us.ibm.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: IBM