Cross Match Technologies recently said it has acquired a minority stake in document authentication software developer AssureTec Systems to position itself to be able to offer more complete identity management solutions.

Financial terms of the investment weren’t disclosed. Cross Match does get one seat on AssureTec’s four member board of directors.

Cross Match’s main sales generator is its fingerprint devices. The company does have document readers and related software but wants access to what it believes is AssureTec’s leading capabilities in document authentication software.

“Our investment in AssureTec aligns with our business strategy to support leading biometric technologies that provide the smartest, most reliable and cost effective ID management solutions for our customers,” James Ziglar, chairman and CEO of Cross Match, said in a statement.

“Biometrics have a permanent role in securing our borders and highly integrated document authentication software is essential to help combat identity fraud and forgery worldwide.”

AssureTec, which is privately held, was founded in 2001 and up until this year largely relied on development contracts and pilot projects for its sales. This year the company expects sales of about $4 million, a 650 percent increase over last year, Gary Olin, vice president for AssureTec, told Defense Daily.

Olin said that any potential co-development and co-marketing arrangements with Cross Match still need to be worked out.