Panasonic Security Systems, Secaucus, N.J., announced an integrated access control solution to further support the company's open infrastructure initiative. To provide systems applications on the enterprise level, the WJ-HD300A series DVRs can be integrated with access control software solutions from IDenticard Systems, Lancaster, Pa., a producer of biometric identification and access control systems.

Viisage Technology Inc., Billerica, Mass., and Identix Inc., Minnetonka, Minn. entered into a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. The combined company will blend two complementary approaches to establish a single platform for multi-modal finger, face, skin and imaging identity solutions.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2006 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Viisage, while USBX Advisory Services LLC provided a fairness opinion to the Viisage Board. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is serving as financial advisor to Identix and has provided a fairness opinion to the Identix Board.

Viisage also agreed to acquire privately held SecuriMetrics Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, Viisage will pay $28 million in cash, net of the $2 million in cash on the acquired company’s balance sheet.



Blake

Fargo Electronics Inc., Minneapolis, announced that Stephen D. Blake joined the company as product marketing director for secure systems. Blake will direct the growth and development of complete solutions that incorporate Fargo secure printers, secure materials and secure software with other related products. Blake brings more than 25 years of experience in the ID card industry to this position.

Gagvani

Cernium Corp., Reston, Va., named Nikhil Gagvani, Ph.D., as vice president of engineering. Gagvani brings a track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary technical teams in computer vision and video analytics product development to the company. At Cernium, Gagvani will be responsible for the continued evolution of Perceptrak, Cernium’s intelligent video analytics system, and the development of new product lines based on patented Cernium technologies.

TOA Electronics Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., received the 2006 Innovations in Technology Award in the category of Security/Fire/Life Safety for their N-8000 Series IP network intercom systems at the 2006 NSCA Systems Integration Expo, Las Vegas. The award was presented during the NSCA President’s Reception.

The N-8000 Series IP network intercom provides flexible communications for up to 1,280 stations on existing corporate local and wide area data networks.

In other TOA news, the company has been selected as an approved vendor by Tri-Ed Distribution, Woodbury, N.Y., a distributor of low-voltage security and home residential systems equipment in North America. Serving more than 20,000 customers, Tri-Ed has 35 branch offices. Tri-Ed’s newest product offerings include TOA Audio and Security Intercom products.