Combines IDEX' Eagle Touch Sensor with BIO-key's Universal Windows Biometric Framework Software

Barcelona, Spain, February 22, 2016 - BIO-key International, Inc. (OTCQB: BKYI), an innovative provider of strong interoperable biometric authentication solutions, announced that the company has combined IDEX's (IDEX.NO) advanced off-chip sensor technology with BIO-key's NIST-tested universal Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) fingerprint engine, to introduce a USB fingerprint reader that operates on both Windows and Android  platforms.  SideTouch was developed to address the growing market of enterprise and consumer users wanting to replace passwords with biometric authentication solutions such as Windows Hello, on existing devices.    The initial product launch of SideTouch is scheduled for the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain, February 22nd - 25th.  Learn more and witness a live demonstration by visiting IDEX at Hall 1 Stand 1 H25, and contact bkyi@catalyst-ir.com to receive information on any BIO-key/IDEX press events.

"Our Eagle off-chip fingerprint sensor solution offers a high performing touch sensor at a very compelling price point and is ideal for integration into the SideTouch (TM) USB Reader," said Dr. Hemant Mardia, CEO of IDEX. "We are very pleased to be part of this authentication solution which will drive user friendly security across multiple platforms."

Thanks to the success of Apple's Touch ID and Microsoft's extensive advertising of their new biometric authentication platform Hello, there is a fast-growing market comprised of Windows and Android customers who understand and want the benefits of secure and convenient biometric logon, but who have laptops and tablets that lack an integrated fingerprint touch device.  With the introduction of SideTouch, millions of mobile device owners now have a biometric logon option that is affordable (MSRP $39.99), easy-to-install and easy to use.  Additionally, enterprise customers can use BIO-key's ID Director for Active Directory and WEB-key Biometric Asset Management software along with SideTouch to biometrically secure their Active Directory authentication workflows for protected company files and applications.  Better still, enterprises can mix and match SideTouch with any other of over 40 BIO-key-supported fingerprint scanners across their enterprise.  BIO-key's unique scanner-interoperable capabilities make this possible.

After taking just a few moments to enroll, customers can use SideTouch to identify on any Windows or supported Android device with an OTG USB port.

"There is a growing demand for cost-effective biometric technology, driven by customers that want greater security, but want to improve the user experience and convenience," stated Mike DePasquale, BIO-key Chairman & CEO.  "Thanks to the overwhelming success of Apple's Touch ID on the iPhone, and the inclusion of finger scanners in a variety of smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers, fingerprint is unquestionably the dominant method of biometric authentication.   Numerous media articles have pointed out that most users won't be able to use Windows Hello, because they lack the scanners to do so.  BIO-key is meeting this market need with another great, affordable device incorporating new and innovative technology from IDEX," DePasquale added.

About BIO-key
BIO-key is Revolutionizing Authentication, as our easy-to-use biometric solutions enable convenient and secure information access and transactions, whether in-person or online.   We eliminate the need for passwords, PINs, tokens and cards, and make it easy for enterprises and consumers to secure their devices, as well as information in the cloud. Our premium finger scanning devices SideTouch, SideSwipe and EcoID offer market leading quality, performance and price.  Now anyone can BIO-key their world!  
(http://www.bio-key.com)

About IDEX
IDEX (IDEX:NO) has developed the world's most advanced fingerprint imaging, recognition and authentication technology. IDEX's innovative Intellectual Property is protected by more than 225 patents. As the only vendor in the market the company offers a portfolio of both silicon and off-chip sensors. IDEX's addressable market represents a multi-billion unit opportunity, centered on Mobile Devices, ID and Smart Cards, and the Internet of Things (IoT). IDEX is a Norwegian public company, founded in 1995, and its shares are listed on the Oslo Børs (Oslo stock exchange). For more information, please visit www.idex.no

BIO-key Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release may be construed as "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act").  The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "anticipates," "believes" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Act.  These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of these statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, our history of losses and limited revenue, our ability to develop new products and evolve existing ones, the impact on our business of the recent financial crisis in the global capital markets and negative global economic trends, our ability to attract and retain key personnel.  For a more complete description of these and other risk factors that may affect the future performance of BIO-key International, Inc., see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  The Company also undertakes no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investor & Media Contacts:
David Collins, Tanya Kamatu
Catalyst Global
212-924-9800
bkyi@catalyst-ir.com

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