Date:14/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101402150400.htm

Back US access control cards major opens office in India

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Oct. 13

THE US-based access control cards major, HID Corp, says it has started India operations and is looking at the huge business opportunity that is emerging in airport security.

The company has initiated dialogue with the Airports Authority of India to introduce technology-based access control systems at the airports.

According to Mr Harish Vellat, Managing Director of the newly opened subsidiary, HID India P Ltd, India is said to be the fastest growing market for access control, especially for use by staff of facilities in existing and 28 upcoming non-metro airports. Currently, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) handles security, which could be strengthened with electronic solutions, he said.

For security technology providers such as HID, the airports would mean a $45-million business scene, Mr Vellat said citing a 2004 Frost & Sullivan study.

The HID Corp President, Mr Denis Hebert, said the airport sector would be the key focus in the country. Among its clients are the airports of Canada, besides Alaska, Atlanta and Houston. The new company based in Bangalore will provide customer and technical and operational support along with warehousing and smart card services.