The government has announced that IBM has won the deal to build the pilot for the eBorders scheme, as revealed in Computing two weeks ago.

The three-year deal - called Semaphore - includes building a working proof-of-concept system and working with the government on the main eBorders procurement.

The scheme includes plans for a system linking government agencies with travel operators and overseas transport terminals, to log, cross-check and authorise every traveller coming into the UK. Those rejected by the system will not be given permission to travel.

By the end of the year Semaphore will be processing advanced passenger information and passenger names provided by airlines, says the government.

Immigration Minister, Des Browne said: 'The signing of this contract with IBM marks the next stage in the Government?s programme to transform and strengthen UK border controls.

'Project Semaphore will enable us to record simply and effectively details of passengers intending to enter or leave the UK before they begin their journey.'

eBorders will be led by the Home Office but will be closely linked to the Foreign Office's iVisa scheme, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, the intelligence agencies, HM Customs & Excise, the Passport Service's biometric passport programme, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the ID cards scheme.

'eBorders will use cutting edge technology and will play an important part in safe-guarding against terrorism, serious and organised crime and illegal immigration,' said Browne.

'At the same time, it will allow legitimate passengers to travel more efficiently and securely both into and out of the UK,' he said.

eBorders dovetails with Project Iris - an automated border entry system using iris recognition technology due to pilot towards the end of this year and be fully operational by next summer.

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