by Cindy Alexander, Identity Solutions Manager, MorphoTrak

Three-dimensional photo technology strikes the delicate balance necessary for driver licenses between ownership, privacy, ease of enrollment and cost. This technology provides a first-line security feature that is obvious at a glance and simple to validate.

Laser-engraved 3D portrait technology is difficult to counterfeit and inherently establishes ownership between the ID and its rightful owner. The method used to validate the 3D photo security feature is clear and performed intuitively by examining the image. It is intrinsic to the person being identified and integral to the card structure.

Verification does not depend upon a myriad of first- and second-line features that vary from state to state and can be difficult to check without specialized training or equipment. This 3D technology works with equipment most people have–eyes and a brain that views slightly different images from each eye stereoscopically to create 3D images. Cardholder privacy rights are enhanced with a known and obvious feature–photos–available on all drivers’ licenses. 3D photo enrollment is as simple, fast and non-invasive as typical photo capture and offers the advantage of using low-cost, off-the-shelf components. 

by Fred Emery, vice president and general manger, Heartland Payment Systems Campus Solutions

With the current economic climate triggering budget cuts and heightened cost awareness across the country, many campuses are looking to reduce costs without diminishing the quality of services provided.

In 2010, we’ll see more campuses striving to increase efficiencies throughout their institutions in an effort to reduce administrative burdens in various departments and ultimately minimize costs. Process automation will play a critical role in the initiative to lighten the workload on-campus, while continuing to enhance student services. 

Orange and Barclaycard customers now have the option utilizing a new contactless credit card. The launch of the Orange Credit Card is the latest step in Orange and Barclaycard’s partnership aimed at introducing a range of mobile, financial and payment services to evolve the way consumers make payment transactions in the UK.

The card features contactless technology, budget manager and spend controls which can be managed and accessed via mobile phone.

This move is the next step in the partnership between Orange and Barclaycard to deliver contactless mobile payments  

Contactless smart cards and NFC mobile payments in transit and retail will be the focus of the Smart Card Alliance 3rd Annual Payments Summit. The event is being held February 23rd - 25th at the Marriott City Center Hotel in Salt Lake City.

The Payments Summit aims to bring together members of the Smart Card Alliance’s Contactless and Mobile Payments Council and its Transportation Council. This includes representatives from transportation authorities, issuing banks and payment brands, retailers, mobile technology suppliers, chip and card manufacturers, terminal manufacturers, payments processors, and transit and payment systems integrators. 

Near field communication was still in pilot mode for much of the world but it was the real-world applications that garnered the attention of NFCNews readers during 2009. Mobile POS, payment token, trade show attendee tracking, and more topped the list of application reviews while new handsets and stickers dominated the hardware coverage. Read on to get a glimpse at the NFC world through the eyes (and clicks) of our loyal subscribers and visitors. Here’s to a great 2010 for NFC and you. 

Alternative form factors for contactless payments, near field communications, and the convergence of physical and logical access peaked reader interest in 2009. Read on to find out what our 30,000 readers around the world found most compelling during the year that was 2009. Stay tuned in 2010 as our editorial team continues to explore contactless technologies in identity, security, payments and transit. Happy New Year! 

by Read Winkelman, vice president of sales, The CBORD Group Inc.

As campus cards become increasingly ingrained in campus life, as we have seen over the last several decades, their reach will continue to extend beyond traditional four-year institutions. Facing record enrollments, community colleges are stretching limited resources to serve larger constituencies and prepare for future growth.

In 2010, we will continue to see the growth of two-year institutions and their increased adoption of card systems to improve safety, convenience and the bottom line. Providers, in turn, will be called upon to invest even more in high-quality, accessible customer support, installation and training.