multiCLASS™ Reader Targets Companies Seeking Flexibility and Increased Security

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2005–HID Corporation, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, today announced the company’s newest access control reader, named RP40 multiCLASS™, that combines its Prox 125 kHz proximity and iCLASS® 13.56 MHz contactless smart card and reader technologies into a single reader. The multiCLASS™ multi-technology card reader is designed for customers who are upgrading their current card system from HID Prox to HID iCLASS credentials or cards. With multiCLASS™, the customer has the ability to transition to contactless smart cards over time while incorporating the use of multiple card technologies within a single building or across multiple facilities. Unlike contactless smart card serial number readers, you get enhanced security through mutual authentication and data encryption.

“The multiCLASS™ reader offers an ideal upgrade solution. With our unique card technology read selection feature, customers have significant card management flexibility while maintaining the security and simplicity that customers expect from HID,” said Jack Bubany, HID’s product manager, High Frequency Products.

The multiCLASS™ reader is capable of reading the following high frequency technologies:

DESFire™, FIPS 201, ISO 14443B, ISO 14443A (MIFARE®), ISO 15693 and FeliCa™ CSNs, in addition to full read/write on iCLASS and all 125 kHz low frequency formats. The reader allows you to select which technology data to read. Whether it is Prox or iCLASS, only one number is sent. This simplifies card data processing as it eliminates multiple data transfers that can cause “reader confusion” and controller errors or both.

For end users, upgrading is completely transparent since the same Prox format is also utilized with future iCLASS credentials. To make upgrades effortless for dealers and integrators, multiCLASS™ incorporates similar wiring and power requirements as HID Prox readers.

Measuring 3.30” x 4.80” x.85” (8.38 cm x 12.19 cm x 2.16 cm), multiCLASS™ comes with a lifetime warranty, and will be available in the second quarter of this year from HID’s network of distributors, OEMs, and system integrators worldwide.

About HID Corporation

HID is the premier global supplier of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry. With over 250 million credentials (cards, fobs and keys) in use worldwide, HID leads the industry in 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID card and reader technology for a wide range of applications including access control, IT secure authentication, time and attendance, digital cash/cashless vending, automotive vehicle identification, and biometric verification. HID’s award-winning product line includes iCLASS® 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and readers, 125 kHz proximity, magnetic stripe, and Wiegand technology cards and readers as well as the recently introduced VertX™ CS central station managed access controllers. The company also provides specialized card manufacturing services including custom pre-printed graphics, micro printing and anti-counterfeiting elements, holograms or ultraviolet ink for increased card security. HID’s corporate offices are located in Irvine, California, with international offices supporting more than 100 countries. The company is an ASSA ABLOY Group company. To learn more, please visit http://www.hidcorp.com.