Fingerprints today are being electronically captured with livescan stations and compared with an automated identification system (AFIS). Like many security-related technologies, livescan sales have increased since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. They are expected to continue increasing, especially within the civil segment of the market. And increased use is expected to change the technology. Civil applications of livescan technology require products that are easier to deploy and operate and are smaller. Even changes to the capture process are being considered. As agencies upgrade their fingerprint technology, it is likely that palmprint technology will be included. The article includes operating characteristics, specifications, and sales information for a number of commercially available identification systems. The article comments on the need for interoperability and networking among vendors, a need also expressed by the vendors.