Upgrade: Die Ultracard wird US-Personalausweis? - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[escapado]

UltraCard Goes to Washington
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept 21, 2001--Upgrade International (OTCBB:UPGD - news) is pleased to announce that UltraCard, Inc. a subsidiary of Upgrade that develops high capacity data storage cards, has been contacted by government officials, biometric security firms, and other U.S. industry leaders concerning security uses of the UltraCard technology.

UltraCard executives will meet with government officials in Washington, D.C. next week to demonstrate the technology.

The UltraCard when commercially available will have 600 times the data storage capacity of a current 32kb capacity smart cards at a much lower cost. Because of this high storage capacity, the UltraCard can hold any form of personal identification, including, but not limited to: FBI level fingerprints, high-resolution iris scans, voice scans, photographs, and digital signatures. The UltraCard web site (www.ultracard.com) will be updated soon with an in-depth white paper covering the details of the use of biometrics, encryption, privacy and security technology that the UltraCard can provide.

While no other smartcard currently contains the capacity to hold the variety of security and biometric applications that UltraCard`s capacity will allow once commercially available, the UltraCard will also provide unparalleled privacy. The UltraCard therefore will offer an ideal solution to our government`s efforts to find security technologies that are effective, but that also ensure individual rights and privacy.

UltraCard technology is based on the hard disk drive technology that is employed in over a billion personal computers and other electronic devices. By using this proven technology in a credit-card format, the UltraCard once commercially can provide 20 megabytes of personal identification information without having to access a potentially hackable central database. All the data is stored on a single card that remains in the individual`s possession. The data can provide positive identification for airline security, customs and immigration, public transportation, and government and industrial installations, including the most secure government facilities.

UltraCard is currently developing a pilot project involving many of the applications described above.

Upgrade International Corp. through its ownership interest in UltraCard Inc., Efornet Corp., and cQue Corporation is engaged in the development and commercialization of a patented ultra high capacity portable data storage technology. UltraCard`s patented method for using existing hard disk storage technology provides both highly durable media in a credit card format and an inexpensive read/write device that together will become the next generation in personal portable data storage for a broad range of existing and new markets. Management believes that the UltraCard technology will potentially provide numerous industrial users with a combination of high levels of security and a vastly greater amount of personal transportable data storage at the lowest cost in the industry. In addition the acquisition and development of existing SmartCard solution providers represents a strategic market strategy designed to accelerate the integration of the vastly superior technology inherent in the UltraCard into existing and newly developing markets.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Daniel S. Bland President and Chief Executive Officer

This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future results, performance, plans, events or other matters. Words such as ``potentially``, ``will``, ``anticipates``, ``believes``, ``plans``, ``expects``, ``future``, ``intends``, and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of the company`s products and services and markets for such products and services, the timing and level of customer orders, competitive products and services and pricing, changes in economic conditions and the markets for the Company`s products and services and other risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, and events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties Upgrade faces can be found in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov or www.freedgar.com.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

UltraCard
Dan Kehoe, 408/317-2026
[e-mail]
or
Upgrade International
[e-mail]

[Funtrader]

Hab ich gerade im Amiboard gefunden...


"Exclusive, JUST RELEASED


XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUNDAY SEPT 23 2001 20:02:37 ET XXXXX

BUSH CONTEMPLATES NATIONAL ID CARD FOR ALL CITIZENS

**Exclusive**

A highly controversial option has emerged for use in fighting terrorism in the United States: A national ID card which would be issued to every citizen.

A proposal for the creation of a national ID card was presented to President Bush in recent days, top government sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

The ID card plan was included in a classified briefing outlining steps the nation can take to limit exposure to terror attacks.

Bush briefly discussed the ID card option with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, according to insiders.

MORE

"I can tell you this, the president is very reluctant [to issue a national ID card]," a top White House source said on Sunday. "But we must look at all options."

Just as House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt [D-MO] says Congress should quickly move to open debate on security measures such as a national ID card.

"We are in a new world," Gephardt said. "This event will change the balance between freedom and security."

SAFETY FROM A CHIP

ORACLE Chairman and CEO Larry Ellison this weekend called for the United States to create a national identification system -- and offering to donate the software to make it possible -- free-of-charge.

"We need a national ID card with our photograph and thumbprint digitized and embedded in the ID card," Ellison said in an interview Friday night on the evening news of KPIX-TV in San Francisco.

Blair has tentatively approved identity cards which will be introduced for the first time in Britain.

MORE

Blair has opted for a voluntary scheme in issuing the card, rejecting a compulsory "on demand" card because of connotations with Nazi Germany, where lack of proper identity cards could result in instant arrest, according to reports.

However, it will be virtually impossible for anyone to live a normal life without the new ID card in England - possession of a valid card will be necessary for boarding an aircraft, buying gas, opening a bank account, starting a job or claiming government benefits.

UK. Home Secretary David Blunkett on Sunday questioned the idea of a "voluntary card".

"It would not be a great deal of help" in the fight against terrorism, Blunkett said on BBC1`s On the Record.

Blunkett stressed the need to balance the fight against terrorism with the freedoms of a liberal society.

But he said that his "instincts" were that beating terror must take priority and that politicians` ability to act must not be hamstrung by an excessively legalistic approach to human rights.

New laws are expected to be rushed through the U.K.`s Parliament in coming weeks to allow for the legality of a mandatory ID card.

In a nationwide poll released Sunday, a stunning 85% of Brits would welcome a national ID card system in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States, with an overwhelming majority calling for the cards to be packed with information to clearly identify the holder: These include photograph (97%), date of birth (96%) eye color (92%), a finger print (85%), DNA details (75%), criminal records (74%) and religion (67%).

Stateside, U.S. Rep. George Gekas [R-PA], chairman of the House immigration subcommittee, told reporters last week that Congress could no longer reject out of hand a national ID card system for citizens.

In a survey released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, seven of 10 Americans favored a requirement that citizens carry a national identity card at all times. The proposal had particularly strong support from women.

ORACLE`s Ellison said in the electronic age, little privacy is left anyway.

"Well, this privacy you`re concerned about is largely an illusion,`` he told PIX`s anchorman Hank Plante. "All you have to give up is your illusions, not any of your privacy. Right now, you can go onto the Internet and get a credit report about your neighbor and find out where your neighbor works, how much they earn and if they had a late mortgage payment and tons of other information."

Developing...

-----------------------------------------------------------
Filed By Matt Drudge
Reports are moved when circumstances warrant
http://www.drudgereport.com for updates
(c)DRUDGE REPORT 2001
Not for reproduction without permission of the author


(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)"

Happy trading!

FT

[hweish]

Hi,

ich vermisse all die kompetenten Informationen, Meinungen und die Weitergabe von interessanten Points. Früher war da mal viel mehr!!!. Gibt es denn ein heimliches Forum? Würde gerne wieder rege Informationen einsaugen, habe nämlich ein paar tausend von diesen Dingern und würde die gerne teuer los werden, wie früher. Danke im voraus für Infos

[manolo]

Hier gibt es umfangreiche Informationen:

Deutsch:

http://ragingbull.lycos.com/mboard/viewclub.cgi?board=CLB008…

Englisch:

http://ragingbull.lycos.com/mboard/viewclub.cgi?board=CLB005…

http://www.upgd.com/NewsTitles.asp


Viele Spaß beim Lesen

Gruß manolo

[Faulus]

UltraCard To Demonstrate Visa Entry Card Technology In Shanghai
LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001--UltraCard, Inc., a subsidiary of Upgrade International (OTCBB:UPGD - news), is pleased to announce that it has been invited by officials in the Chinese Government Immigration and Security offices to demonstrate the UltraCard reader/writer and UltraCard technology during the first week of November, 2001. This demonstration will showcase the UltraCard`s potential use as the Chinese national visa card for immigration entry and exit across the Chinese border.

Mr. Arthur Zheng, Managing Director of UltraCard China, states, ``UltraCard technology could replace and dramatically improve the time-consuming and antiquated paper/pencil entry process which is currently used. UltraCard has already announced an ID-card pilot program in China, due to begin later this year. Based on a successful demonstration and further negotiation, the UltraCard ID pilot program may be expanded to include the Immigration Department of China. Furthermore, a student visa and ID card is an obvious application for the UltraCard.``

Tom Parkinson, Vice President of Business Development for UltraCard, Inc. adds, ``UltraCard has completed the demonstration software and we look forward to presenting our technology to the Chinese government. We are confident that the Chinese government will see the superior performance of our technology in the visa and student ID applications.``

The UltraCard can store multiple factor biometrics such as FBI level fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs, all on the same card, as well as updatable border entry records, change-of-address, etc. Portions of the UltraCard data memory can be rendered non-alterable, write-once, read-many and/or re-write-able, similar to a hard disk drive in a computer. The data can be encrypted and re-encrypted as required. The UltraCard technology, combined with the appropriate initial identification and data base management process, could prevent forgeries and duplication of immigration and entry records.

A unique application feature of the UltraCard is that due to its large data storage capacity the use of a web-centric database is unnecessary. Unlike current smart card technologies personal data stays on the card, not on a web site, thus ensuring privacy and security.

[juao]

Personalausweis für das Internet gefordert
Chipkarte soll Identifizierung ermöglichen
Der Datenverkehr im Internet ist nach der Meinung eines Experten nach wie vor zu unsicher. "Wir brauchen für das Internet eine Art Personalausweis, der von allen anerkannt wird", sagte der Leiter des Trierer Instituts für Telematik Professor Christoph Meinel.

Es gebe immer noch zu viele Möglichkeiten, unter falschem Namen Informationen im Internet zu verbreiten oder Daten während ihres Transports zu verfälschen. Bis heute sei der Durchbruch zu mehr Sicherheit in der elektronischen Kommunikation nicht gelungen.

"Vorstellbar ist eine allgemein gültige Chipkarte, die jeder an seinem Computer mit einem Lesegerät benutzen und damit die Daten signieren kann", so der Wissenschaftler. Auch könnte ein Dokument selbst geschützt werden. "Dazu wird von elektronischen Daten mit mathematischen Berechnungen eine Kurzfassung produziert - der so genannte Hashwert", sagte Meinel.

Verändere jemand im Internet das Dokument, stimme der errechnete Wert nicht mehr. Damit werde zwar nicht angezeigt, wer die Information verändert habe, doch aber, dass sie manipuliert worden sei, sagte Meinel.

ciao, juao

[hweish]

Gerade im Internet gefunden, recht interresant!!!

BMI = Bundesinnenministerium des Inneren !!!!

http://www.sicherheit-im-internet.de/themes/themes.phtml?tti…


SmartCard mit 5 MB Speicherkapazität


Während bisherige, in Kredit- und Handykarten eingesetzte SmartCard-Technologien sich laut dem in Silicon Valley basierten US-Unternehmen UltraCard Inc. nur bedingt für speicherplatzintensive Anwendungen eignen, soll der Speicherplatz mit der neuen UltraCard-Technologie wesentlich üppiger ausfallen. Anstelle von unter 100 KB sollen 5 MB Speicherplatz geboten werden, Festplattentechnologie im Magnetstreifen machts möglich.

Das Tochterunternehmen der Upgrade International Corporation entwickelt mobile Datenspeicher mit hoher Kapazität und will die UltraCard-Technologie bis zum ersten Quartal 2001 zur Marktreife gebracht haben. Selbige basiert nicht auf EEPROM-Technologie, sondern kombiniert wiederbeschreibbare Festplattentechnologie im Magnetkarten-Streifen und den SmartCard-Chip auf einer robusten Karte. UltraCard bezeichnet die Technologie deshalb auch als "Festplatte im Portemonnaie".

Die Daten werden verschlüsselt abgelegt, wobei die Verschlüsselungs-Bibliotheken direkt in die Karte integriert sind, was für hohe Sicherheit sorgen und damit den Einsatz auch in sensiblen Bereichen möglich machen soll. Allerdings ist zum Zugriff auf UltraCards ein neues Lesegerät erforderlich.

Die Betatest-Phase der UltraCard-Technologie soll bereits erfolgreich abgeschlossen worden sein. Größere Speicherkapazitäten als 5 MB sind bereits in Planung.


© copyright "Sicherheit im Internet" 2001, BMWi, BMI, BSI

[Rentner]

Sorry, steht dort schon seit Monaten. Manches scheint ja völlig überholt.
Gruß
Rentner

[hweish]

Schaut Euch das mal an!!
http://www.compulenta.ru/news/2001/7/11/15570/

Ultarcard in Russland

[KptnKnaller]

Jetzt beruhige dich mal, hweish,

da KptnK. selbstredend auch des Russischen mächtig ist, empfindet er
es ausnahmesweise mal als selbstverständlich, allen aufgeregten Longs
mitzuteilen, dass es sich hierbei nur um die uralte China-Meldung
handelt .

Versuche also nie, unserem Benschy Konkurrenz zu machen, das kann
nur ins Auge gehen ...

KptnK.

[luna3636]

gerade gefunden:

SEATTLE, Oct 23, 2001, 3:33 PM (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Upgrade International Corp. (OTC:UPGD), an emerging leader in the development and commercialization of high capacity portable data storage technology, announced today that it has retained Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc., as its Investor Relations Firm. Porter, LeVay & Rose, based in New York City, is a 30-year-old, full-service financial public relations firm that represents a wide variety of public and private companies and financial institutions in the United States and abroad.

Daniel Bland, president and chief executive officer of Upgrade International, stated, "We are pleased that Porter, LeVay & Rose is facilitating our communications with the investment community, our shareholders and the business news media. Our goal is to heighten the company`s visibility as we take aggressive measures to reach our full growth potential, particularly as we move forward in our efforts to commercialize the UltraCard and deliver many applications including a revolutionary solution for a national ID card system."

Bland noted that personal identification systems are a huge emerging market and he expects UltraCards will become a widely accepted technology for authenticating individuals. Because of its very high storage capacity, the UltraCard can hold any form of personal identification, including FBI level fingerprints, high-resolution iris scans, photographs, and digital signatures. All data is stored on a single card that remains in the individual`s possession and can provide positive identification for airline security, customs and immigration, public transportation, and government and industrial installations, while at the same time ensuring an individual`s right to privacy.

Michael J. Porter, president of Porter, LeVay & Rose, said, "We are delighted to be working with such an innovative company focused on providing the market with the most protected and cost effective security technology platform in the industry. We look forward to informing and educating a wide audience about Upgrade International`s exciting technologies and growth potential."

In July, 2001, Upgrade Corp. received from the company`s President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel S. Bland, funds in the amount of $1,210,000 as a loan to the company. The company`s Board of Directors intends, effective as of November 1, 2001, to convert the $1,210,000 loan into equity by issuing 2,000,000 shares of common stock to Bland in full satisfaction of the company`s loan obligation to him. As part of this transaction, Upgrade also intends to assume the obligations of Bland, as borrower, under Bland`s loan agreements with International Mercantile Holding Group, Inc. (IMHG), the original lender of the funds. Under the terms of the loan agreements, repayment of the loan amount is secured by collateral in the form of 2,000,000 shares of Upgrade, which have been pledged by Bland to IMHG. Upon repayment of the loan and return of the collateral, Upgrade intends to cancel the 2,000,000 shares of collateral. The term of the loan is five years.


luna

[hweish]

Hi,

ich denke das ist ein sehr wichtiger Satz aus der Meldung vom vom 29.10. "Eine Handvoll Smartcardhersteller stattet das Verteidigungsministerium aus" Und Activcard liefert die Sofware dazu, damit die Dinger auch untereinander funktionieren.

Und Upgrade wird mit Sicherheit auch dabei sein.


(http://ragingbull.lycos.com/mboard/boards.cgi?board=CLB00864…

"The ID cards ordered by the Defense department will be supplied by a handful of smart card makers, including Oberthur, Gemplus and Schlumberger. Inter-operability software from ActivCard means the different cards will be compatible"

[hweish]

Und dann noch der Satz vom 21.9. Finde ich sehr intersseant!! so long


"UltraCard is currently developing a pilot project involving many of the applications described above"

[ulli]

Upgrade (WKN: 917 594)

UPGD Longs Board
By: reckon
Reply To: None Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001 at 12:25 AM EST
Post # of 5282



Any way you slice it…

…this Infineon announcement is major news. This is the first company of its ilk to join forces with Ultracard. Make no mistake about it, this is major-league validation for the company, its technology and its business plan. Infineon is THE Big Gorilla in the IC smart card chip arena. We couldn’t have partnered with anyone more impressive if we had wanted to. This is exactly the kind of partnership we’ve been hoping to hear about for the last two years.

For all those with doubts and concerns, this announcement proves two things:

1) The technology is real. Most of us knew this already, but ANY lingering doubts anyone may have entertained are now gone forever.

2) The China deal is real. There is no way Infineon would have partnered with Ultracard if they weren’t certain the China project is the real thing. If you do a bit of research on Infineon, you’ll find that they do quite a bit of business in China. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if it was the China deal that brought Infineon to the table to begin with. Perhaps that’s also why Mr. Huser came on board.

Moreover, what I find interesting is this: it has been reported and is generally accepted knowledge that the Chinese have in fact decided to go ahead with their on-again/off-again national ID card program. But there hasn’t been one other company that has announced plans to run an ID card pilot program in China. Certainly this bodes well for Ultracard.

After visiting Los Gatos early in October, my comfort level on this whole thing is higher than ever. I do find it odd that the share price tripled on the Washington announcement, which really wasn’t all that important, and then barely moves on this one, which is arguably the most validating and impressive announcement they’ve had yet. Oh well, hoping for a rational market is a fool’s dream I guess. I know that in time the market will realize what an amazing story is unfolding here and respond accordingly.

I now only read the old board for the occasional laugh and don’t feel the need to check this board daily at this point either. But this announcement was just too rock-solid and exciting not to throw my two cents in.

I also wanted to say “hi” to all my old friends here.

Longer and stronger than ever.

The good times are starting to roll.

[ulli]

Wednesday November 28, 2:36 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Upgrade International Corp.
UltraCard China, Inc. a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of UltraCard, Inc. Receives Fifteen Million Dollar Purchase Order From Shanghai, China
SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2001--UltraCard China, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UltraCard, Inc. (www.ultracard.com), whose parent company, Upgrade International (OTCBB:UPGD - news; www.upgd.com), is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the UltraCard Technology Demonstration in Shanghai earlier this month.

Shanghai G-Pro Technology Co., Ltd., a procurement company for the Shanghai Government has issued a Purchase Order to implement a pilot program consisting of two million UltraCards(TM) and ten thousand UltraDrives(TM) (Reader/Writers). The Fifteen Million Dollar (US) Purchase Order is subject to delivery of the UltraCards(TM) and UltraDrives(TM), conforming to mutually agreeable specifications and will include the 5 1/4`` Half-Height UltraDrive(TM) with USB interface and triple-read capability. Delivery is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2002.

President of Shanghai G-Pro Technology Co., Ltd., Yang Yan says ``After attending the UltraCard technology demonstration in Shanghai we are prepared to move forward on the pilot program for the use of the UltraCard(TM) as an end to end solution for the Security Control System application.``

Dan Kehoe, Chairman and CEO of both UltraCard China, Inc. and UltraCard Inc., stated ``We have been working with Arthur Zheng, President and Oran Chang, Vice President of UltraCard China, Inc. for many months and are very confident that under their leadership, UltraCard China, Inc. will be a strong and reliable source for sales of UltraCards(TM) and UltraDrive(TM)reader/writers for many years.``

Daniel Bland, President of Upgrade International, stated, ``This Purchase Order marks the first implementation of the UltraCard(TM) as a revolutionary product in a Credit Card Format for use in a Security Application. I am very proud of the UltraCard team that developed the UltraCard(TM) and prepared the presentation and demonstration.``

About Upgrade

Upgrade International Corp. through its ownership interest in UltraCard Inc., Efornet Corp., and cQue Corporation is engaged in the development and commercialization of a patented ultra high-capacity portable data storage technology. UltraCard`s patented method for using existing hard disk storage technology provides both highly durable media in a credit card format and an inexpensive read/write device that together will become the next generation in personal portable data storage for a broad range of existing and new markets. Management believes that the UltraCard technology will potentially provide numerous industrial users with a combination of high levels of security and a vastly greater amount of personal transportable data storage at the lowest cost in the industry. In addition the acquisition and development of existing SmartCard solution providers represents a strategic market strategy designed to accelerate the integration of the vastly superior technology inherent in the UltraCard into existing and newly developing markets.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,


Daniel S. Bland
President and Chief Executive Officer

This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future results, performance, plans, events or other matters. Words such as ``potentially``, ``will``, ``anticipates``, ``believes``, ``plans``, ``expects``, ``future``, ``intends``, and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of the company`s products and services and markets for such products and services, the timing and level of customer orders, competitive products and services and pricing, changes in economic conditions and the markets for the Company`s products and services and other risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, and events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties Upgrade faces can be found in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be accessed at http://www.sec.gov/ or http://www.freedgar.com/.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Upgrade International Corp.
Daniel Bland, 206/903-3116
Fax - 206/903-3117
[e-mail]
or
UltraCard, Inc.
Mr. Tom Parkinson, 408/317-2016
or
Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc., New York
Michael J. Porter or Sarah F. Torres, 212/564-4700


Email this story - Most-emailed articles - Most-viewed articles


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Quotes and News: Upgrade International (OTC BB:UPGD.OB - news)
Related News Categories: computer hardware, computers, networking

[ulli]

Wednesday November 28, 2:36 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Upgrade International Corp.
UltraCard China, Inc. a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of UltraCard, Inc. Receives Fifteen Million Dollar Purchase Order From Shanghai, China
SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2001--UltraCard China, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UltraCard, Inc. (www.ultracard.com), whose parent company, Upgrade International (OTCBB:UPGD - news; www.upgd.com), is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the UltraCard Technology Demonstration in Shanghai earlier this month.

Shanghai G-Pro Technology Co., Ltd., a procurement company for the Shanghai Government has issued a Purchase Order to implement a pilot program consisting of two million UltraCards(TM) and ten thousand UltraDrives(TM) (Reader/Writers). The Fifteen Million Dollar (US) Purchase Order is subject to delivery of the UltraCards(TM) and UltraDrives(TM), conforming to mutually agreeable specifications and will include the 5 1/4`` Half-Height UltraDrive(TM) with USB interface and triple-read capability. Delivery is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2002.

President of Shanghai G-Pro Technology Co., Ltd., Yang Yan says ``After attending the UltraCard technology demonstration in Shanghai we are prepared to move forward on the pilot program for the use of the UltraCard(TM) as an end to end solution for the Security Control System application.``

Dan Kehoe, Chairman and CEO of both UltraCard China, Inc. and UltraCard Inc., stated ``We have been working with Arthur Zheng, President and Oran Chang, Vice President of UltraCard China, Inc. for many months and are very confident that under their leadership, UltraCard China, Inc. will be a strong and reliable source for sales of UltraCards(TM) and UltraDrive(TM)reader/writers for many years.``

Daniel Bland, President of Upgrade International, stated, ``This Purchase Order marks the first implementation of the UltraCard(TM) as a revolutionary product in a Credit Card Format for use in a Security Application. I am very proud of the UltraCard team that developed the UltraCard(TM) and prepared the presentation and demonstration.``

About Upgrade

Upgrade International Corp. through its ownership interest in UltraCard Inc., Efornet Corp., and cQue Corporation is engaged in the development and commercialization of a patented ultra high-capacity portable data storage technology. UltraCard`s patented method for using existing hard disk storage technology provides both highly durable media in a credit card format and an inexpensive read/write device that together will become the next generation in personal portable data storage for a broad range of existing and new markets. Management believes that the UltraCard technology will potentially provide numerous industrial users with a combination of high levels of security and a vastly greater amount of personal transportable data storage at the lowest cost in the industry. In addition the acquisition and development of existing SmartCard solution providers represents a strategic market strategy designed to accelerate the integration of the vastly superior technology inherent in the UltraCard into existing and newly developing markets.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,


Daniel S. Bland
President and Chief Executive Officer

This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future results, performance, plans, events or other matters. Words such as ``potentially``, ``will``, ``anticipates``, ``believes``, ``plans``, ``expects``, ``future``, ``intends``, and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of the company`s products and services and markets for such products and services, the timing and level of customer orders, competitive products and services and pricing, changes in economic conditions and the markets for the Company`s products and services and other risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, and events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties Upgrade faces can be found in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be accessed at http://www.sec.gov/ or http://www.freedgar.com/.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Upgrade International Corp.
Daniel Bland, 206/903-3116
Fax - 206/903-3117
[e-mail]
or
UltraCard, Inc.
Mr. Tom Parkinson, 408/317-2016
or
Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc., New York
Michael J. Porter or Sarah F. Torres, 212/564-4700


Email this story - Most-emailed articles - Most-viewed articles


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Quotes and News: Upgrade International (OTC BB:UPGD.OB - news)
Related News Categories: computer hardware, computers, networking

[Faulus]

http://www.ultracard.com/html/uc_technology_new2.html

November 2001



The Unique Security Solution Offered by UltraCard, Inc.



By Jorg Huser

Director of System Integration





White Paper

Introduction



The online society and Internet world have emerged exponentially when compared to other technologies like TV and telephone historically. Most of the network models are database centric, which is beneficial in terms of short-term business models and existing business intelligence. Since 9/11 the world has changed its mindset in terms of national security and personal privacy. Centralized databases are mainly under the control and protection of service providers, which bears a justified privacy concern. In addition to that, hackers could invade centralized databases to distort and/or steal personal information.


Despite the current high speed of Internet and Broadband connections and in the future, it seems that the proven “divide and conquer” models is the solution for the protection of identities, personal information and valuable assets. For personal privacy, the end-user should be empowered to “totally protect” his personal information.

The Challenge



In today’s information age there is a steadily increasing need to handle larger amounts of data rapidly. The current Internet migration from pure brochure ware to web services requires protection of new business models. The key security measures are Identification, Authentication, Encryption, Non-repudiation, Copyright Protection, Digital Rights Management, etc. Physical access points to countries, corporations, private locations and information databases have to be established and controlled. Sensitive data has to be protected when it is in storage, in transit or in use.


Smart cards - high secure and active encryption IC’s embedded in a plastic card have been introduced to address the stated problems above. Smart cards have been very slow in adapting to the needs of the memory required for today’s information society. The high cost and the large amount of the silicon chip on the small credit card form factor is limiting the data storage size of the chip. The hard drive (called EEPROM) of today’s smart cards is less than 64 kilobyte. In addition to that, the limited memory size has been responsible for the relative high cost of establishing the infrastructure and systems for smart cards – lots of data on the central data base. The increasing need for security has brought a few smart card systems into the US, e.g., AMEX Blue, Department of Defense cards, University Campus Cards, VISA and Mastercard.


An ID card system for the US is currently under discussion. The high adoption rate of Internet usage in the US and the increasing demand for security and personal privacy will empower the highest growth rates (1999-2004 CAGR 85%) in the world if the memory demand on card can be fulfilled to reduce the infrastructure cost.

The Solution



The UltraCard Technology allows users to store 20 MegaBytes of data and the smart chip can remotely process sensitive operations. The memory of one UltraCard equates to 600 smart cards, 13 floppy disks or 400 photos in a credit card size form factor. The large UltraCard memory opens the door to new, more secure, personnel authentication and identification systems. UltraCard has overcome the data storage capacity and performance limitations imposed by the traditional mag-stripe and smart card technology. This was accomplished by using hard disk technology concepts by recording on flexible media inserted in the card body for protection. The media is commonly called “the shim” and is made of an extremely robust and durable material. The “shim” is actually more durable than the card body or the smart card chip. Capacities from 0.5 Megabytes to several gigabytes are possible. The 20 megabyte UltraCard will store 600 times more information than a high-end smart card can provide today. The price of the decentralized and highly secure “shim” memory on an UltraCard costs 300% less than the price of database-centric solutions. This allows the system providers to minimize online cost, network infrastructure and centralized database service provider models.


Without consideration of UltraCard, the chairman and CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison is right when he says “In the electronic age, little privacy is left anyway.” The database-centric models have left very little privacy in the last few years.


Ultracard is paradigm shift in terms of personal privacy, smart card technology and decentralized models as the shim technology enables every user to control private information in his wallet. On the other hand, the crypto chip technology is so enhanced that it is impossible for the card holder to perform “do-it-yourself ID forgery” as he cannot access and manipulate the private keys and biometric information on the card.


Airports and access points can be controlled very effective and efficiently. The crime scenes biometric information can be matched in the card/terminals against the cardholders biometric information. This type of decentralized processing does not infringe the cardholders privacy but does protect the national security.


The Ultracard is a platform for various biometric information. The data storage capability can store multiple biometric reference data (multiple fingerprints, FBI level fingerprints, iris scans, face scans, heart beat characteristics, DNA, etc.) on the card. Each little piece or incomplete biometric information of the crime scene can be used to match against the various biometric information on the UltraCard’s at national borders or at other control points such as airports.


Face composition tools can be provided such that each citizen can contribute to tracking a crime or terrorist activity. The face scan information on the card has a compatible format to the composite face pictures created by citizens and can be used to catch intruders.


Each biometric trait on the card is a “speed bullet” to track, trace and detect criminals. The more biometric information on card the more law enforcement evidence is available to monitor, analyze and detect the crime scene at a distance away. The System can be configured such that after the initial enrollment of the cardholder’s data, the biometric information will never leave the card and will remain under the full protection of the cardholder’s privacy. The matching algorithms can be stored and performed on the card such that the custom security chip protects the sensitive biometric and private information. Hence, the communication and centralized storage risks as well as the centralized processing risks are eliminated.


The idea is to take sensitive information out of public accessible networks and databases by the use of the UltraCard. The sensitive information is distributed over millions of UltraCards and it is much more difficult for the “bad guy” to attack or manipulate millions of cards individually than one centralized database.

The Paradigm Shift


The Ultracard shim technology can be combined with any smart chip technology available in the market. The paradigm shift created by Ultracard’s Intellectual Property in the large memory size is immense:

Multiple applications on card (security and other)

Multiple Biometrics, Matching Algorithms on card and Biometric Encryption

Configuration Switch of Data, Processing and Crypto Algorithms

Private Information, Mail Folders, File Folders, Databases on card

Private Keys, Certificates, Payment Mechanisms are protected and is tamper proof

Benefits of Using ULTRACARD`s Technology for ID Card Systems

Biometric and Psychological Profiling applications, which are implemented on the card, enable cardholders to process the evaluation algorithm within the chip. It also saves detailed results under privacy protection of the cardholder until he appears to be a potential risk – “sleeper agent awakes”. The results of previous processing or profiling can be stored on the card and can be reused to reduce the testing time. The card can provide automated check-in or access systems with the minimal information necessary, whether the cardholder has the potential to commit acts of terror or not.



Summary Benefits of the UltraCard Technology and How UltraCard Can Increase the Nations Security:



Personal Privacy and National Security simultaneously

No centralized databases required, which carry a high risk of being a terrorist or hacker target. A successfully performed attack on a central database can provide hackers with the opportunity to get private and sensitive information of an entire nation.

Decentralized processing and storage of highly sensitive private information reduces the risk dramatically by applying the “divide and conquer” principle. Smart cards are the best known way of storing sensitive information. The Ultracard system can be configured such that even cardholders are not able to access all information on the card because it is protected by sophisticated chip, memory and encryption technology.

Extremely effective identification of potential terrorists in short time by reusing and saving processing parameters on card. The Ultracard Technology can reduce the investigation time for Psychological Profiling from 10 minutes (6 specific questions) to less than 2 minutes after initialization.

Authorized security personal can be provided with a Master key to get access to the high risk individuals information once the initial automated investigation is positive. Hierarchical investigation methods can be activated depending on the risk level.

Combination of multiple biometrics (Heart Beat, Fingerprint, Iris scan, Face scan etc.). Composite Face Creation (software tool) and Psychological Profiling with the capability of storing the reference data and processing the matching algorithms on ultra cards.

Card Applets, high-risk profile parameters, psychological profiling algorithms and matching algorithms can be exchanged on the “fly” for continuous improvement processes (secure field loading of card applications – Global Platform Specification).

Express check-in at airport counters (fast track) for Frequent Travelers and Zero Risk Profiles.

Multiple biometric metrics can eliminate the False Rejection and False Acceptance problems



Ultracard is the combination of high capacity, high security portable data storage with innovative applications that allow the highest available level of privacy, security and user convenience. Ultracard combines the security of smart cards with user-controlled private storage capacity into a credit card form-factor. Ultracard enables you to have the power and ability to control your private database in your own pocket as well as providing intelligence bullets to detect intruders effectively and instantly.

[Faulus]

http://www.ultracard.com/html/uc_technology_new2.html

November 2001



The Unique Security Solution Offered by UltraCard, Inc.



By Jorg Huser

Director of System Integration





White Paper

Introduction



The online society and Internet world have emerged exponentially when compared to other technologies like TV and telephone historically. Most of the network models are database centric, which is beneficial in terms of short-term business models and existing business intelligence. Since 9/11 the world has changed its mindset in terms of national security and personal privacy. Centralized databases are mainly under the control and protection of service providers, which bears a justified privacy concern. In addition to that, hackers could invade centralized databases to distort and/or steal personal information.


Despite the current high speed of Internet and Broadband connections and in the future, it seems that the proven “divide and conquer” models is the solution for the protection of identities, personal information and valuable assets. For personal privacy, the end-user should be empowered to “totally protect” his personal information.

The Challenge



In today’s information age there is a steadily increasing need to handle larger amounts of data rapidly. The current Internet migration from pure brochure ware to web services requires protection of new business models. The key security measures are Identification, Authentication, Encryption, Non-repudiation, Copyright Protection, Digital Rights Management, etc. Physical access points to countries, corporations, private locations and information databases have to be established and controlled. Sensitive data has to be protected when it is in storage, in transit or in use.


Smart cards - high secure and active encryption IC’s embedded in a plastic card have been introduced to address the stated problems above. Smart cards have been very slow in adapting to the needs of the memory required for today’s information society. The high cost and the large amount of the silicon chip on the small credit card form factor is limiting the data storage size of the chip. The hard drive (called EEPROM) of today’s smart cards is less than 64 kilobyte. In addition to that, the limited memory size has been responsible for the relative high cost of establishing the infrastructure and systems for smart cards – lots of data on the central data base. The increasing need for security has brought a few smart card systems into the US, e.g., AMEX Blue, Department of Defense cards, University Campus Cards, VISA and Mastercard.


An ID card system for the US is currently under discussion. The high adoption rate of Internet usage in the US and the increasing demand for security and personal privacy will empower the highest growth rates (1999-2004 CAGR 85%) in the world if the memory demand on card can be fulfilled to reduce the infrastructure cost.

The Solution



The UltraCard Technology allows users to store 20 MegaBytes of data and the smart chip can remotely process sensitive operations. The memory of one UltraCard equates to 600 smart cards, 13 floppy disks or 400 photos in a credit card size form factor. The large UltraCard memory opens the door to new, more secure, personnel authentication and identification systems. UltraCard has overcome the data storage capacity and performance limitations imposed by the traditional mag-stripe and smart card technology. This was accomplished by using hard disk technology concepts by recording on flexible media inserted in the card body for protection. The media is commonly called “the shim” and is made of an extremely robust and durable material. The “shim” is actually more durable than the card body or the smart card chip. Capacities from 0.5 Megabytes to several gigabytes are possible. The 20 megabyte UltraCard will store 600 times more information than a high-end smart card can provide today. The price of the decentralized and highly secure “shim” memory on an UltraCard costs 300% less than the price of database-centric solutions. This allows the system providers to minimize online cost, network infrastructure and centralized database service provider models.


Without consideration of UltraCard, the chairman and CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison is right when he says “In the electronic age, little privacy is left anyway.” The database-centric models have left very little privacy in the last few years.


Ultracard is paradigm shift in terms of personal privacy, smart card technology and decentralized models as the shim technology enables every user to control private information in his wallet. On the other hand, the crypto chip technology is so enhanced that it is impossible for the card holder to perform “do-it-yourself ID forgery” as he cannot access and manipulate the private keys and biometric information on the card.


Airports and access points can be controlled very effective and efficiently. The crime scenes biometric information can be matched in the card/terminals against the cardholders biometric information. This type of decentralized processing does not infringe the cardholders privacy but does protect the national security.


The Ultracard is a platform for various biometric information. The data storage capability can store multiple biometric reference data (multiple fingerprints, FBI level fingerprints, iris scans, face scans, heart beat characteristics, DNA, etc.) on the card. Each little piece or incomplete biometric information of the crime scene can be used to match against the various biometric information on the UltraCard’s at national borders or at other control points such as airports.


Face composition tools can be provided such that each citizen can contribute to tracking a crime or terrorist activity. The face scan information on the card has a compatible format to the composite face pictures created by citizens and can be used to catch intruders.


Each biometric trait on the card is a “speed bullet” to track, trace and detect criminals. The more biometric information on card the more law enforcement evidence is available to monitor, analyze and detect the crime scene at a distance away. The System can be configured such that after the initial enrollment of the cardholder’s data, the biometric information will never leave the card and will remain under the full protection of the cardholder’s privacy. The matching algorithms can be stored and performed on the card such that the custom security chip protects the sensitive biometric and private information. Hence, the communication and centralized storage risks as well as the centralized processing risks are eliminated.


The idea is to take sensitive information out of public accessible networks and databases by the use of the UltraCard. The sensitive information is distributed over millions of UltraCards and it is much more difficult for the “bad guy” to attack or manipulate millions of cards individually than one centralized database.

The Paradigm Shift


The Ultracard shim technology can be combined with any smart chip technology available in the market. The paradigm shift created by Ultracard’s Intellectual Property in the large memory size is immense:

Multiple applications on card (security and other)

Multiple Biometrics, Matching Algorithms on card and Biometric Encryption

Configuration Switch of Data, Processing and Crypto Algorithms

Private Information, Mail Folders, File Folders, Databases on card

Private Keys, Certificates, Payment Mechanisms are protected and is tamper proof

Benefits of Using ULTRACARD`s Technology for ID Card Systems

Biometric and Psychological Profiling applications, which are implemented on the card, enable cardholders to process the evaluation algorithm within the chip. It also saves detailed results under privacy protection of the cardholder until he appears to be a potential risk – “sleeper agent awakes”. The results of previous processing or profiling can be stored on the card and can be reused to reduce the testing time. The card can provide automated check-in or access systems with the minimal information necessary, whether the cardholder has the potential to commit acts of terror or not.



Summary Benefits of the UltraCard Technology and How UltraCard Can Increase the Nations Security:



Personal Privacy and National Security simultaneously

No centralized databases required, which carry a high risk of being a terrorist or hacker target. A successfully performed attack on a central database can provide hackers with the opportunity to get private and sensitive information of an entire nation.

Decentralized processing and storage of highly sensitive private information reduces the risk dramatically by applying the “divide and conquer” principle. Smart cards are the best known way of storing sensitive information. The Ultracard system can be configured such that even cardholders are not able to access all information on the card because it is protected by sophisticated chip, memory and encryption technology.

Extremely effective identification of potential terrorists in short time by reusing and saving processing parameters on card. The Ultracard Technology can reduce the investigation time for Psychological Profiling from 10 minutes (6 specific questions) to less than 2 minutes after initialization.

Authorized security personal can be provided with a Master key to get access to the high risk individuals information once the initial automated investigation is positive. Hierarchical investigation methods can be activated depending on the risk level.

Combination of multiple biometrics (Heart Beat, Fingerprint, Iris scan, Face scan etc.). Composite Face Creation (software tool) and Psychological Profiling with the capability of storing the reference data and processing the matching algorithms on ultra cards.

Card Applets, high-risk profile parameters, psychological profiling algorithms and matching algorithms can be exchanged on the “fly” for continuous improvement processes (secure field loading of card applications – Global Platform Specification).

Express check-in at airport counters (fast track) for Frequent Travelers and Zero Risk Profiles.

Multiple biometric metrics can eliminate the False Rejection and False Acceptance problems



Ultracard is the combination of high capacity, high security portable data storage with innovative applications that allow the highest available level of privacy, security and user convenience. Ultracard combines the security of smart cards with user-controlled private storage capacity into a credit card form-factor. Ultracard enables you to have the power and ability to control your private database in your own pocket as well as providing intelligence bullets to detect intruders effectively and instantly.