SAN DIEGO, Oct. 11, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- ImageWare Systems, Inc. (AMEX:IW) has been named to Deloitte & Touche's prestigious 2001 Orange County/San Diego Technology "Fast 50" Program, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the area. Rankings are based on the percentage growth in revenues from 1996 to 2000; ImageWare's revenues grew 1,512 percent resulting in a ranking of 19 out of the 50 companies honored.
Jim Miller, ImageWare's chairman and chief executive officer, said, "ImageWare's excellent growth is testament to our innovative software solutions and dedicated workforce. Making the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 affirms our strategies to further penetrate the high-tech security and law enforcement markets, acquire synergistic companies and expand our product offering."
"The Fast 50 recognizes and honors the fastest growing technology companies -- companies such as ImageWare -- whose leaders have the vision and determination to build organizations that contribute important solutions to the world," said John Moulton, partner, Technology & Communication Group, Deloitte & Touch.
To qualify for the Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 1996 and $1,000,000 in 2000, must be public or private companies headquartered in the Orange County or San Diego area; and be "technology companies" defined as companies that produce technology, manufacture a technology product, are technologically intensive and/or use technology in problem-solving, or devote a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology.
Winners of the 21 regional Fast 50 programs in the United States are automatically entered in the Deloitte & Touche Technology 500 program, which ranks North America's top 500 fastest growing technology companies. For more information on the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 or Fast 500 programs, visit www.fast500.com.
About ImageWare Systems:
ImageWare Systems, Inc. develops and markets software used to create and manage databases of digital images and accompanying text records. Through its ID Group, ImageWare applies its core technology to create secure identification systems. The company's smart card ID systems include an associated information database, and are designed to provide facility security for public and private organizations including airports, universities, government agencies and businesses of all sizes. Through its C.R.I.M.E.S.(r) product line, ImageWare empowers its customers to quickly capture, archive, search, retrieve and share digital photographs and criminal history records on a stand alone, networked or Web-based platform. Through its Digital Photography Systems Group, ImageWare creates software and Web-based solutions for professional photographers to capture and modify digital photos for events such as sports or weddings, school photos and studio portraits.
About Deloitte & Touche:
Deloitte & Touche LLP, one of the nation's leading professional services firms, provides assurance and advisory, tax, and management consulting services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 100 U.S. cities. The firm is dedicated to helping our clients and our people excel. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resource programs, Deloitte & Touche has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For in America" by Fortune magazine for four consecutive years. Deloitte & Touche is the U.S. national practice of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity. For more information, please visit Deloitte & Touche's Web site at www.us.deloitte.com.