IBM now looks to be a sub-contractor in the FBI's identification program

Initially, IBM was upset and voiced its vehement protest when the FBI did not award it the contract, in a public bid, for its biometric identification program called NGI (Next Generation Identification); instead, the contract went to Lockheed Martin Corporation. But now, IBM seems to have decided that if you can't beat them, you join them. Over the next 10 years, some one billion dollars is to be invested in the development of new systems for scans of fingerprints, palms, irises, and facial biometrics. The project also includes the establishment of a large database that, according to current plans, will not only be used by criminal prosecutors and border guards to identify criminals and potential terrorists, but will also serve as a platform for companies who want to review their staff.

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As a subcontractor, IBM IT-Services plans to supply specific software and hardware for the MGI system. Lockheed Martin's team includes other companies and organisations such as Accenture Ltd, BAE Systems Information Technology Inc, Global Science and Technology Inc., Innovative Management and Technology Services LLC, Platinum Solutions Inc. and the National Center for State Courts.

(trk)