DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–Daon, a leading provider of biometric identity assurance software, announced today that it is supplying its software to the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) for operational biometric trials. These trials further DIMIA investigations into the use of biometric technology to support their Immigration and Border Management Business Strategy.

The trial is an investigative activity scheduled for completion in April 2006 that will inform the broader joint initiative between DIMIA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Customs Service to develop an integrated approach for the use of biometrics technology for immigration and border management. The technology links a persons identity documents to their unique physical characteristics using facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanning technology.

Based upon Australia’s current advanced visa and border processes, DIMIA is taking a unique approach to trialing better ways to manage identification of persons seeking entry to Australia, and how biometric technology will enhance this. DIMIA have indicated they are very pleased to be taking forward and trialing their approach in partnership with Daon and Ethan Group.

“We are proud to be working with the Australian Government and the Ethan Group to assist DIMIA in developing a program that will enhance the integrity of Australia’s immigration system,” said Tom Grissen, CEO, Daon.

“Following an in-depth assessment of the rigorous demands of DIMIA, Daon was selected based on the value they bring to the team. The sophistication of their identity assurance product technology and their expertise in the area of biometric technology is globally unrivalled,” commented Andrew Rayment, Managing Director, Ethan Group, Daon’s partner in the deployment solution.

About Ethan Group Ethan Group is Australia’s fastest growing Systems Integrator. The Ethan Group is a customer focused company dedicated to providing consistently high levels of service at cost effective rates. Their procurement service is first class with logistical systems that enable reliable deliveries and streamlined procurement related functions. Their vendor accredited engineering team is efficient and capable so that their customers networks are maintained, repaired, enhanced or redesigned without business interruption and with considerable expertise. For more information, please visit www.ethangroup.com.au.

About Daon Daon is a leading provider of identity assurance software products focused on meeting the needs of governments and commercial organizations worldwide. Daon supports customers and system integrators in building enterprise solutions requiring the highest level of security, performance, scalability, reliability and privacy. Daon’s multi-modal authentication infrastructure, DaonEngine, integrates seamlessly with IT platforms and applications, manages the identity life-cycle of small and large populations and delivers a clear return-on-investment. Privately held, Daon’s offices are located in Washington DC, London and Dublin. For further information please visit www.daon.com.