Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Carmel, Ind., a global provider of security and safety solutions and manufacturer of Schlage® contactless smart credentials and readers, introduced its new aptiQ Alliance Program. The company stated that the program will bring together global companies to create a technology alliance that makes smart card-based access control integration open. To be officially introduced at the ISC West Exposition in Las Vegas, March 28-30 (booth No. 16053), the tiered program will leverage the strengths of the participants and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies to create cross-technology product solutions and foster co-marketing opportunities.

“Cards, readers, software and hardware must all work together, especially in the smart card world,” affirms Raj Venkat, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Business Product Leader, Readers and Credentials. “That’s why we have formed the aptiQ Alliance Program, to assure an open architecture that lets end users leverage smart cards by building out the number of solutions available to them.

“We are committed to utilizing secure open technologies to increase the interoperability of access control systems,” emphasizes Venkat. “Through a dedicated technical staff, we will work with alliance members to make sure that aptiQ smart cards meet a diverse set of end user needs. Through this comprehensive program, we look forward to sharing breakthrough solutions with end-users.”

The new aptiQ Alliance Program will cover two types of members — technology suppliers and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solution providers. Technology suppliers are those organizations that offer visibility and exposure to entirely new market areas. An example would be the phone network organizations that Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies is now collaborating with to let near field communications (NFC)-enabled smartphones act as access control credentials. OEM solution providers are those who are creating an eco-system of adjacent solutions to create a full suite of opportunities for end-users to extend the use of their smart cards. These are companies that provide vertical market product suites or manufacture ancillary products that can be bundled as part of an overall smart solution.

The program will cover two tiers. The Aspire tier provides such benefits as access to the alliance member portal, use of program trademark and logo, tradeshow marketing exposure, technical integration support and access to technical documentation. The more robust Advantage tier adds joint sales call and lead generation programs, road shows, and webinars to drive adoption in the market.

Although the official launch of the aptiQ Alliance Program is at ISC West, members may sign up now by contacting Jeremy Earles, product marketing manager, credentials and readers at Jeremy_Earles@irco.com.