HID Global announced today that it has acquired Nectar .NET-based smart card technology. The acquisition falls in line with HID's efforts to provide a full range of smart card offerings and embedded products for high-security applications using leading-edge operating systems.

More and more hospitals and medical centers are turning to smart card credentials as a way to solve some of the health care industry’s bigger problems. By providing patients with smart cards, it’s much easier to properly match medical records, including previous conditions and medications, to the patient. In many cases, quick access to this information can make the difference between life and death.

AlphaCard has released two new photo ID systems featuring the Magicard Enduro ID card printer. The Magicard Enduro is an affordable and extremely versatile card printer that can upgrade in-field from single-sided to dual-sided printing with a simple drop-in upgrade kit. Another unique feature of the Enduro is its ability to apply a secure HoloKote watermark across the surface of each printed card at no additional cost. Users can choose between four HoloKote designs selectable from the printer driver. This feature separates the Enduro from other printers of its class, because it allows for cards with increased durability and resistance to tampering.

Have you ever had the sudden urge to dance gleefully upon receiving a gift card? I'm sure you have, but until now, there's never been a way to soundtrack that impromptu jig. Well, thanks to the fine folks at Best Buy, and surely other retailers to follow, we can now give and receive gift cards that not only contain shopping money, but also fully-functioning speakers. Again, that's a gift card with an actual speaker built into it. Amazing!

HID Global, a leader in secure identity products and access control solutions, has expanded its partnership with INSIDE Contactless, a French company that develops contactless chips for smart cards. HID and INSIDE Contactless will work together to create contactless prelaminates based on the company's MicroPass payment platform. The partnership allows INSIDE Contactless to provide card manufacturers with HID prelaminate packages that include the MicroPass contactless payment platform and contactless antenna technology.

Students at Fresno State University are receiving new ID cards this semester with improved functionality, and a new name. The "Bulldog Card" is a student ID that serves as an identification card and as a form of cashless payment. Students can now load up their cards with “Bulldog Bucks” which can be used in the campus food court, at snack shops, and for printing and making copies. The cards can also be used for wireless printing. Each time a card is used to make a purchase, money is deducted from the student's Bulldog Bucks account.

In Springfield, MA, smart card tolling systems have been installed in four downtown parking areas. The smart card systems are designed to make it easier for vehicles to enter and exit the parking garages, and also allow the garages to collect parking revenue 24 hours a day, even when toll booths are unattended.

Datacard has released a new Smart Card Designer Tool for its identification software. The new software feature allows users to personalize smart cards, while reducing the time and cost issues involved in developing customized smart card solutions. Smart card issuers are able to design card encoding processes, including MIFARE card applications, quickly and easily. When used with a Datacard ID printer, ID card software, and a smart card coupler, the tool delivers an integrated solution for producing personalized smart cards.

Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine is in the process of launching a new ID card system in which student IDs will be used to gain access to campus buildings and residence halls. Cards must be swiped through special readers located at the entrance of each building. The system grants access to authorized individuals, and also has the ability to track card-use. A history of card activity is stored on an IT server, where the school can access it in response to specific concerns, for instance investigating cases of theft or vandalism.