Q|A year or so ago, the satellite centre in Soweto was in its infancy. How are things going now? What success stories can you report back on?

The Soweto Centre now has five researchers doing research on identity authentication systems (IDs, drivers’ licenses, passports, etc.) and network security. We are focusing on biometric-based smart cards system using open source software. This system will comprise of the following components: smart cards running an Open Source operating system for smart cards; Javacard API and an Open Source Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for smart card applications; and biometrics (fingerprint) recognition.