Document Security Systems (DSS)

The market of security printing has grown considerably over the years. With the rapidly increasing popularity and convenience of communication via the Internet, developments in security printing have abounded. Also, information technologies, which encompass all technologies used to generate and distribute information, is one of the driving forces behind the growth of this field of the printing industry. The creation of such common items as bank notes, passports, stamps, and identification cards all include security printing processes.

Document Security Systems, Inc. (DSS) is just one of the companies making technological strides in document protection. The company is known for developing quality processes and products to prevent counterfeiting and unwarranted copying, scanning, and photo imaging. In March 2006 DSS announced that it had signed a three-year licensing agreement with HSBC Mexico that will provide for an Internet delivery system using DSS's document security technology Securdocs. The technology, which is patent pending, will allow for the production of secure, confirmable documents that can be sent over the Internet and then printed by consumers of the product on their office printers.

This is a milestone in document security and information technology because it is the first time this particular process has been used to create a protected document in more than one location. Patrick White, who is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of DSS, said, "We are employing for our customer a disruptive technology, which we expect will revolutionize the security printing industry. Highly secure and verifiable documents can now be electronically transmitted to commercial clients and consumers via the internet who can then print on location." While Securdocs is not expected to bring in considerable revenue, DSS believes in its capacity to develop into a much more significant and popular product and perhaps even replace the "widely used" bar code system that White considers "defenseless against imitation and forgery." Also, White noted that customers would save money because Securdocs would reduce the costs of security printing and direct mail.

Once the technology is implemented, HSBC Mexico will be able to enter information that is converted into the form of a secure document using the Securdocs technology. The document can subsequently be opened and printed by DSS bank clients by any printer they desire. Securdocs will protect against forgery through the hidden verification feature contained in the hard copy document; a digital document with Securdocs cannot be copied when printed and the original retains the technology. Also, the technology cannot be compromised or destroyed like bar codes. It will make the delivery of secure and verifiable documents immediate; currently secure documents are printed by security printers and delivered by hand. Any document requiring protection and authentication can apply Securdocs.

This technology is a significant development in graphic communications as it changes the way important documents are transferred and printed. No longer will the safe transportation of such papers be an issue. This will make a considerable impact on banks, businesses, and other institutions that possess and require secure documents, and will thus affect the lives of average citizens everyday.