In a 2013 whitepaper issued by InfoTrends on
document security and compliance within enterprises, a recent IT research study
shows 90% of U.S. organizations experienced loss of sensitive or confidential
documents over the past 12-month period. The paper also cites The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services disclosing a list of over 500 health
information security breaches responsible for affecting hundreds of individuals
over the last several years. Given the prevalence of document-related security breaches
in the workplace, in addition to the potential costs associated with these
breaches, it comes as no surprise that many companies consider security a top
IT initiative.
One company at the forefront of offering a
suite of solutions to this pervasive, growing concern is Document Security
Systems. The company works diligently at developing, manufacturing, marketing
and selling paper and plastic products to protect information from unauthorized
scanning, copying, and digital imaging in the United States and around the
globe. DSS operates through DSS Packaging and Printing Group, DSS Plastics
Group, DSS Digital Group, and DSS Technology Management.
The DSS Packaging and Printing segment
produces custom paperboard packaging products targeted at pharmaceutical,
beverage, photo packaging, toy, specialty foods and direct marketing
industries. This segment also delivers an array of printed materials such as
security paper, vital records, birth certificates, prescription paper, manuals,
receipts, identification material, secure coupons, parts tracking forms,
brochures, direct mailing pieces, catalogs and business cards, and
entertainment tickets.
The DSS Plastics Group focusses on providing
laminated and surface printed cards comprising magnetic stripes, bar codes,
holograms, signature panels, invisible ink, micro fine printing, guilloche
patterns, biometric, radio frequency identification, and watermarks for printed
plastic documents, such as such as ID cards, event badges, and drivers
licenses.
Marketing data center solutions to businesses
and governments, The DSS Digital Group segment delivers services through the
cloud. This segment also develops, markets, and sells digital information
services, including data hosting, disaster recovery, and data back-up and security
services. The DSS Technology Management segment acquires and internally
develops patented technology or intellectual property assets. DSS sells its
anti-counterfeiting products and technologies under the brand, ‘AuthentiGuard.’
The company identifies four distinct
components as part its effort to capture market share and grow its business
profitably. Through acquisition, DSS evaluates opportunities to acquire
internet protocol (IP) with significant commercial/licensing potential through
assignment, exclusive license or by way of minority investments in partner
companies. The company business model is focused on acquisitions that align
with the technology needs of its existing business lines while selectively
considering investments in areas outside of its commercial footprint if it sees
opportunity for commercial and licensing success. Following these acquisition
procedures, DSS ‘incubates’ or funds research and development of its
acquisitions to create new products and services for expanding its product
offerings. During this stage the company can also add new features to its
existing technologies. Partners are actively engaged in the research and
development process – a period where the company determines to fund (or not
fund) R&D within the partner organization. To commercialize its offerings,
DSS releases completed innovations to its lines of business or partners, who
sell value-added products and services backed by its IP portfolio. Closing the
process loop is the licensing and enforcement stage.
A team of patent managers and analysts at DSS
Technology Management identify and capitalize on opportunities for return. One
example among many active engagements at the company resides with Bascom
Research.
Bascom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSS Technology
Management based in McLean, Virginia. The company is focused on creating
solutions for the management of complex and distributed data and has partnered
with the DSS Digital Group to develop next generation track-and-trace solutions
that integrate with the DSS ‘AuthentiGuard’ solution suite.
In 2012, Bascom Research brought claims for
patent infringement against a number of defendants, including Facebook,
LinkedIn, and Salesforce.com. Since litigation commenced, the company settled
with two defendants for royalty rates of approximately 4-5%.
Document Security Systems is publicly traded
on the NYSE/MKT LLC Exchange under the symbol of ‘DSS.’ Formerly known as New
Sky Communications, Inc., the company changed its name to Document Security
Systems, Inc. in July 1992. Document Security Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984
and is based in Rochester, New York.
For more information on the company, visit
www.dsssecure.com
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