Last week, HID announced a developers edition for the company's Asure ID 2009 badge design software platform. The Asure ID 2009 Developer Edition includes a Software Developer Kit (SDK) that allows customer, integrators, and third-party developers to integrate various Asure ID functions into their own applications.

Reverse-transfer printing is an innovative technology available with high-definition ID card printers such as the Fargo HDP5000, Zebra ZXP Series 8, and the Magicard Prima. The reverse-transfer printing process produces vivid photo IDs with enhanced color clarity and crisp imaging.

Every year golf enthusiasts flock to Augusta, Georgia for The Masters Tournament, the sport's greatest spectacle. The Masters is one of four major championships in professional golf, which means it's a pretty big deal. Large sporting events such as this often require strong security because of the huge crowds they draw. Event IDs help to maintain a certain level of order by quickly identifying who belongs where. These cards are often color coded to distinguish spectators from members of the press, athletes, officials, and volunteers.

Tulane University is preparing to roll out an updated student ID program when fall semester rolls around. Tulane's new "Splash Card" is designed to better protect sensitive information, and offers a host of new features and functionality not available with the school's current IDs. Current ID cards used by Tulane students are linked to their social security numbers. This limits them to on-campus-use only because of the threat of identity theft. The new student card system will solve this issue by featuring unique ID numbers rather than social security numbers.

Depending on your sense of humor, a bad ID photo can be cause for great hilarity or pure unbridled embarrassment. We're going to safely assume most people prefer to look good in their ID photos. After all, an ID photo is something that will likely be seen every single day. There's nothing worse than having a permanent reminder of a less-than-photogenic moment. So how do you go about making sure your subjects are photographed in the most flattering manner?

While a slot punch is probably not the first thing that pops to mind when you think about ID card printing supplies, it is certainly an essential component for programs where ID cards must be visibly displayed. A slot punch, as its name suggests, punches a slot in your ID cards so they can be easily connected to lanyard attachments, strap clips, badge reels, etc. Alpha Card carries a variety of slot punches to meet the needs of ID card programs both large and small.

A number of New Zealand's most popular ski resorts will soon be issuing smart card ski passes that visitors can use to access chairlifts, rent equipment, sign up for ski lessons, and purchase food and drinks. The ski pass program is being launched by NZSki, a company that operates New Zealand's Coronet Peak, Mount Hutt, and The Remarkables ski areas. Similar programs are already in place at Aspen and Alta ski resorts in the US, however those resorts only use the cards to access lifts. In New Zealand, the smart card ski passes will offer a variety of different functions.

There's nothing quite like receiving an A+ on your report card. It's the mark of a job well done. That's why we're extremely proud to announce that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued Alpha Card Systems an A+ rating that reflects our commitment to strong customer service and support. The BBB A+ rating is the highest grade available, and represents the degree of confidence customers can have that AlphaCard operates in a trustworthy manner, and works hard to quickly respond to any and all customer concerns.