RIDGEFIELD, Conn., May 9, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Markland Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MKLD), (www.marklandtech.com) announced today that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire BioDentity Systems Corporation, based in Ottawa, Canada (www.biodentity.com), which specializes in integrated facial recognition solutions. BioDentity is the first vendor to provide a comprehensive turnkey face biometric security solution -- from image capture to processing -- designed to enhance border control, aviation security and homeland security. BioDentity's SecurIDent(tm) facial recognition technology and ID2PASS(tm) person and document inspection systems can be implemented as primary security and clearance systems or added to any existing facial recognition system to enhance performance and reliability.
With BioDentity's SecurIDent(tm) and ID2PASS(tm) intelligent systems, security providers no longer need to rely on methods of identification that are too often unreliable. Those methods depend on what a person can recall (a PIN or a password) or what a person possesses (a photo ID). BioDentity's next generation technology is able to accurately and rapidly confirm identity by focusing on "who a person is," in other words, the unique facial biometric identity.
The SecurIDent(tm) and ID2PASS(tm) intelligent systems do not require a cooperative subject. They are able to seek out and capture a distinct image of a face without the person's cooperation; i.e. the system is optimized to ensure maximum performance of the attached face recognition logic. The image is then compared to photograph databases to confirm identity and/or match against "watch" lists. In support of issuance of travel documents such as passports and visas, SecurIDent(tm) intelligent systems compares the image to millions of photographs in existing databases until the applicant's identity is either confirmed or questioned.
BioDentity is the emerging leader providing optimal security solutions, which integrate, advanced facial biometric technology and solutions for personal identification. It enables the use of face biometric technology with a much greater range of applications than are currently possible, including those requiring broad public participation.
BioDentity has differentiated itself from the competition by developing a suite of enabling technologies and solutions that achieves better and more accurate recognition of the facial biometric. State-of-the-art enabling technologies created by BioDentity include smart cameras capable of capturing detailed facial images at over 60 feet; proprietary data mining (search) technology capable of performing highly accurate checks on voluminous amounts of facial images; technology for extracting the face biometric from a photograph or travel document; next-generation border clearance solutions with fully integrated face biometric processing; and face recognition solutions that secure travel and identification document issuance.. Determining the location and identity of uncooperative individuals through image-capture is a major issue that needs to be addressed by many governments, U.S. and foreign. BioDentity Systems technology can empower nearly any government department, corporate or financial services institution to add a high-level of protection and safety for its citizens or clients with no invasion of privacy.
BioDentity solutions have been developed and sold for applications in border clearance, air travel, travel document authentication, government services and banking. BioDentity has sold its solutions to customers located in countries around the world. The synergies created by the combination of the two companies will greatly enhance BioDentity's marketing to the U.S. Government and the Department of Homeland Security.
Joel Shaw, the CEO and founder of BioDentity, has agreed to join Markland Technologies, Inc. Mr. Shaw is a frequent advisor to border control and travel document-issuing authorities in North America and throughout the world. He has worked closely with the Canadian Passport Office, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. He is the Chairman of the International Standards Organization (ISO) Working Group for the development of standards for machine-readable documents and the ISO's official liaison with the United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
This acquisition is a key component to Markland's strategy of providing comprehensive turn-key solutions to the many security threats faced by the U.S. and other countries.
Markland's executives anticipate that the combined revenue base will lead to positive cashflow by the third quarter of this calendar year.
Markland's Chairman Robert Tarini said, "We are very excited about this business combination and feel strongly it will lead to greater opportunities for both companies. This will increase our asset base and lead to our goal of a major market listing in the very near term."
The Letter of Intent contemplates that Markland Technologies, Inc. will effect a "reverse stock split" prior to acquisition of BioDentity Systems. Giving effect to the anticipated reverse split, the number of Markland's outstanding shares of common stock would be reduced to approximately 5 million.
For additional information about Markland Technologies, Inc. visit the Company website: www.marklandtech.com.
About Markland Technologies, Inc.
Markland Technologies, Inc. is committed to helping secure America by providing innovative emerging technologies and expert services to meet the country's needs to protect our people, our borders and our infrastructure assets. The Company is currently a member of the Homeland Security Industries Association http://www.hsianet.org.
About BioDentity Systems Corporation
BioDentity Systems Corporation is committed to enhance border control, aviation security and homeland defense around the world by revolutionizing personal identification. http://www.biodentity.com
"Safe Harbor Statement" Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this press release and oral statements of Markland Technologies, Inc. officials during presentations about Markland Technologies, Inc., are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Forward-looking statements are statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and may include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future actions, which may be provided by management, are generally forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Some of the factors that could significantly impact the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: insufficient cash flow to continue to fund the development and marketing of the Company's products and technology; a rejection of the Company's products and technologies by the marketplace; and disputes as to the Company's intellectual property rights. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about Markland Technologies, Inc., its products, economic and market factors and the industries in which Markland Technologies, Inc. does business, among other things. These statements are not assurances of future performance and Markland Technologies, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these statements. More detailed information about those factors is contained in Markland Technologies, Inc. filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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