 Los Angeles, November 20, 2004
William H. Saito
William Saito, recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts in biometrics and authentication technology, co-founded I/O Software, Inc. with Tas Dienes in 1991.
Today I/O Software is a global leader in the development of security software and has grown from its humble beginnings without any outside investment. Its clients and partners include such industry heavyweights as Sony, Microsoft, Intel, Panasonic, Toshiba, NEC, AuthenTec and various agencies of both the U.S. and foreign governments.
Saito’s expertise in the area of authentication and his relationships with the world’s top computer company executives have helped propel I/O Software to the forefront of the biometrics and authentication space. In 2000, he closed a deal with Microsoft that will fully integrate I/O Software’s SecureSuite core technology and its biometric application program interface (BAPI) into future versions of the Windows operating system. This licensing agreement is expected to pave the way for widespread growth of the entire biometrics market.
By leading I/O Software’s development of the Biometric API standards consortium, Saito has played an integral role in uniting what was once a highly fragmented industry. He chaired the consortium, which consisted of over 40+ industry leaders in the field of biometrics including Compaq, IBM, Microsoft, Siemens, Intel and many others.
Until the creation of BAPI, the industry had struggled without any standards, causing widespread compatibility problems. Today, I/O Software’s BAPI is the widely accepted standard for the development of biometric devices. A growing number of partnerships continue to strengthen I/O Software’s position in the market. I/O Software has also been awarded considerable public recognition. Its BAPI has become part of the Computerworld Smithsonian Collection. In 2000, William consummated a deal with Microsoft Corporation to license I/O Software’s SecureSuite and BAPI technologies for inclusion in future version of the Windows operating system. Honored by Ernst & Young/USA Today in 1998 as the Inland Empire “Entrepreneur of the Year”.
Saito frequently consults with companies and governments around the world regarding biometric technology and is regularly invited to speak at public events, conventions, conferences and before legislative committees. He has also appeared and discussed information security issues on a number of television segments including CNN, CNNfn, CNBC, NHK, TechTV, ZD Net, and PBS in discussing various issues regarding information security. Saito is active in statewide educational institutions and has dedicated much of his time to the community.
At UCR, he currently serves on the University Board of Trustees and is an adjunct professor in computer science. Other organizations he actively participates in include: the Inland Empire Technology Entrepreneurs (IETE), Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), High Technology Crime Investigation Association International (HTCIA), Association for Competitive Technology (ACT), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Standards Organization (ISO) among others. William is the recipient of the 1998 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Ernst and Young LLP/USA Today. In 2001, as a national judge, he helped establish Japan’s entry into the Entrepreneur of the Year program for the first time.
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