Firming up access to a key biometric technology, Lockheed Martin [LMT] has signed a cooperative agreement with IriTech, which specializes in advanced algorithms and software systems for iris recognition. Lockheed Martin works with both L-1 Identity Solutions [ID] and IriTech currently for iris recognition technology but wanted to strengthen its relationship with IriTech to guarantee a second source of supply for when Lockheed Martin competes against L-1 on programs, John Mears, who has the lead function for Lockheed Martin’s Biometric Task Force, tells TR2. He points out that a lot of the company’s customers want it to have two sources of supply for various systems and products. The agreement is non-exclusive, he says. For IriTech the partnership gives it stronger access to Lockheed Martin’s global presence and allows it to be in closer touch with potential customers’ needs, Mears says. Fingerprint, facial recognition, iris and palm print technology are the most important biometric technologies in the near-term, Mears says.
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