Bellevue-based Saflink and Microsoft said they have partnered to deliver biometric technology to programs associated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Saflink is expected to develop the biometric aspects of the partnership and Microsoft will provide the operating system and other tools to power the technology. The news pushed Saflink’s share price up 78 cents, or nearly 29 percent, to $3.49 yesterday. Saflink has already landed a role in the winning bid for a Department of Homeland Security program that identifies and tracks visitors to the United States. Now, the company said it will work with Microsoft as part of its participation in that program. The two companies will also jointly sell products to other government agencies and businesses that want to roll out biometrics-based systems. Saflink and Microsoft have previously worked together to integrate their software offerings. The partnership announced yesterday will have more of a focus on selling to customers, the companies said.
