DBS is now working directly with LEGIC as an independent system integrator. DBS stands for the German equivalent of "Service, Budget and System". The company was founded in 1993 by Peter Rakebrandt and Lothar Dehnbostel. With around 140 employees, it currently generates annual revenues of Euro 11 million. It comprises two business areas, Services and Technology, each of which is managed by one of the two founders and managing directors. DBS generates around three-quarters of its revenues from its services for the catering industry and project management. Technology associated with IT systems and vending machines accounts for the remainder. The clientele of this Hannover-based company includes a number of well-known customers - principally in northern Germany. For example, it has equipped all 13 staff restaurants at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg with a LEGIC cashless payment system.

DBS has already gained extensive experience of LEGIC contactless smart card technology in work with another LEGIC licence partner. For example, cashless payment transactions in the canteens at VW in Wolfsburg are processed using LEGIC technology. The versatility of LEGIC contactless technology, with up to 127 applications on a single card, combined with the security of contactless identification, makes it attractive not only for staff canteens in industry, but also for catering solutions in other sectors. Examples include vending machines, hospital kitchens and sport and leisure centres.

Under the new licence, DBS will operate primarily in Germany as a system integrator and is currently planning projects in leisure parks and golf courses. Some projects will involve the deployment of additional applications, such as access control or contactless locker locks with LEGIC technology.

"We like to demonstrate a pioneering spirit and are staying ahead of the market," says Peter Rakebrandt, Managing Director and Head of Technology at DBS. "We have already gained experience of LEGIC technology and are keen to go further in the development of our integrated solutions with contactless personal identification. We are pleased to be working directly with LEGIC as an official licence partner. It will enable us to offer greater speed and proximity to our customers."

Stephen Neff, Vice President Sales & Business Development at LEGIC, welcomes the new licence partner: "This partnership underlines and strengthens our co-operation, which has already proved successful in the past. DBS appreciates the potential of our contactless smart card technology. We are familiar with the company as an innovative system provider and are delighted with the licence agreement."