Growth in such price-driven ID card systems for small companies, K-12 schools, health clubs and loyalty applications has been fueled by the Internet and its convenience in researching and purchasing products, contends Sharon Steinhoff Smith of Fargo Electronics, Eden Prairie, Minn. By unofficial count, she says, there are more than 20 card printer manufacturers worldwide, the majority of which are focused on entry-level products.

As card functionality, ease of use and basic security increase at the entry level through new technologies such as inkjet, organizations without current card programs will get on board.