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In the morning of 21 May 2015 eu-LISA successfully managed the Entry into Operation (EiO) of the Biometric Matching System (BMS) v2.1. This entry followed extensive discussions and work carried out in close cooperation with EU Member States and proved that eu-LISA, together with Member States and partners, is capable of big achievements even in short timeframes.
All the complex tasks related to the EiO were carried out during the last year and a half in close and efficient cooperation with Member States. This provided for the Entry into Operation without delays or interferences. In its first day of operation of the new platform, the Visa Information System processed successfully more than 550,000 transactions (close to 80,000 for BMS), which represents almost twice the maximum total daily amount of operations ever processed by the Central System. In comparison to the previous version, the current BMS has a significantly larger processing capacity, providing thus considerably better response capability to the additional capacity needs of Member States.
As it stands now, the Biometric Matching System is able to provide full support for the final phase of the Visa Information System worldwide roll-out, foreseen to be completed in November 2015, and meets the business requirements of all Member States.
Background:
The collection of biometric data is a joint decision of the Schengen countries to better protect applicants against identity theft and prevent false identifications. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, are recorded in the VIS central database. The VIS central database is secure and data will be processed in accordance with the highest data protection standards of the EU. eu-LISA is responsible for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of EU internal security and for the communication networks that support the systems.
Contact:
for media requests: Communication and Information Officer
e-mail: press [at] eulisa [dot] europa [dot] eu (press[at]eulisa[dot]europa[dot]eu)
for general information: info [at] eulisa [dot] europa [dot] eu (info[at]eulisa[dot]europa[dot]eu)