Tracking TerroristsTracking Terrorists

The State Department is using Business Objects SA's WebIntelligence query and reporting software as part of a system for tracking potential terrorist threats, the software company disclosed last week. WebIntelligence is part of the Tipoff database that was initially developed for use within the department. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the information contained in the database has been made available to other agencies.

The system includes a common database where agencies can share data about suspected terrorists and their activities. Tipoff is used, for example, to compare information from U.S. visa applications against counterterrorism data in the database to prevent suspected terrorists from entering the country. The Analysis Corp. in Fairfax, Va., developed the Tipoff database for the government. The State Department isn't commenting further about the system.