www.hightechaid.com

August 2003

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the HighTechAIDCourier. 

In a month where most of the news sources seem to be focusing on a worm called Blaster, there has been plenty of news about the industry and technology. 

As a newsletter supplier, we are always aware of the various spam prevention efforts that are going on. HTML newsletters like this one are always a prime target for the spam filters to kill. Are you having a problem with receiving your copy? Let us know how you feel about HTML newsletters. Would you rather receive a PDF copy? Send me an email with any comments (news@hightechaid.com).

Providing this newsletter is just a part of what we have to offer here at High Tech Aid. When your problem needs have you overwhelmed, then you need to get help and that is why we are here. We specialize in education, but the spectrum of services is much greater than that. Call or email us for more information. Visit the web site www.hightechaid.com for more information on basic technology details. Here you will find descriptions of the basic technologies. 

E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free newsletter at www.hightechaid.com. If you have news to share or info you need, let me know at steve@hightechaid.com.

Technology News Briefs

Radio Frequency Identification

RFID - key to pervasive computing?

Pervasive computing is certainly a key to the future. Can RFID be a part of this growth? http://dsonline.computer.org/0306/d/b2app.htm

RFID in humans?

VeriChip RFID technology is launched in Mexico. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/030717/mexico_microchip_2.html
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-mexico-
microchip,0,6308027.story
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20030718S0003

RFID - the ultimate solution?

Can RFID be used to control our lives? Some people believe that it can be used to track our surroundings, but not without some difficulties. http://www.wirelessnewsfactor.com/perl/story/21914.html

Wal-Mart changes direction with RFID

In a statement that confused some people, Wal-Mart stated that it will concentrate on pallet and case tracking using RFID and not get involved in item tracking. http://washingtontimes.com/business/
20030717-095919-1439r.htm

And now Gillette does too!

In what looks like a reversal of its direction, Gillette has now also backed away from tagging individual items. Maybe we can now get back to reality and concentrate on the benefits of case and pallet identification. http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/
StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1059478991469&ft_acl=&
resource=ftarc

Woz does item tracking?

Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, has started a new company which is creating tags to help locate things. Using inexpensive wireless tags, anything can be tracked. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/21/technology/21ZEUS.html
http://www.wirelessnewsfactor.com/perl/story/22001.html

Tesco uses RFID to help prevent theft

Katherine Albrecht, director of U.S.-based Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy and Invasion and Numbering, has alerted consumers to the fact that Tesco uses the tags in Gillette Mach3 razors to trigger a camera. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/
0,3604,1001211,00.html

AmEx tries RFID

A pilot scheme in the Phoenix area is trying out an RFID system based on Texas Instruments' Mobil Speedpass system. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?articleid=4827
http://www.americanexpress.com/expresspay
http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?
lc=a73031ax690zq
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/0721amex.html

Growth in interest in RFID

The message is getting out; RFID can provide business benefits. Individual items may not be the best route for RFID until the cost gets low enough and the privacy issues are worked out, but there are plenty of applications that can use it now. http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,83463,00.html

RFID and item level tracking

"Is still a long way off", says article. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/
articleDetail.jsp?id=64905

RFID in money

As reported before, Japan is looking very closely at putting RFID in paper money in an attempt to reduce fraud. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/32061.html

BART to use contactless smart cards

Replacing magnetic stripe cards for airline employees, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system will use ISO 14443 contactless smart cards. http://www.otiglobal.com

Real Time Locating Standard

INCITS (International Committee for Information Technology Standards), an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited organization has just affirmed a new standard for RTLS. http://www.wirelessdevnet.com/news/2003/218/news3.html

FCC rule change for RFID

The FCC released a statement approving the proposed changes to the 13.56MHz band in the USA for RFID. It takes 3-4 months for the FCC to go through the administrative incorporation process so the rule should be effective and can be used in the 4Q2003 (no later than year 2004 start). http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
FCC-03-149A1.pdf
In good news for the amateur radio enthusiast, the new changes for 13.56 MHz should not affect the 20 meter band. http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/08/04/100/?nc=1

RFID and terrorism

Looking at problems with food stuffs the AutoID Center and the Grocery Manufacturers of America are recommending that RFID be used to help stop terrorist attacks on food supplies. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,59624,00.html

Open source RFID

Loïc Dachary, a developer in France, has produced software to read and write RFID tags under a GPL open source license. http://www.silicon.com/news/500018/1/5212.html

Soup to Nuts

NCR explains their thoughts on the EPC(TM) process and the possible future it brings. 
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business
/0703/ 29radioretail.html?19765

RFID Standards

Details of the ISO process and the current state of the SC31 standards can be found at http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/how_does_iso_work.htm and http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/
RFID_Standards_SC31.htm

This has been a busy month in standards. We continue to wait for ISO to release the FDIS ballot on ISO 18000 parts 1, 3 and 4 but in the meantime the FCD ballot on parts 6 and 7 continue.

Work is progressing on the Data Syntax side of RFID. The ballots for CD versions of ISO 15691 and 15692 both passed and the comments were all resolved. these should move to the next stage (FCD) at the October meeting.

ISO work on Supply Chain Applications is now underway and draft documents are expected at the October meeting. 

If you want more information on ISO standardization or on any issue of RFID standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com. 

Identification & Security

ID Cards - who has an ID Card?

When Canadian Members of Parliament wanted to find out more about ID cards they went to Europe to see them in action. The big surprise for them was that no-one is using high tech ID cards in Europe. http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonNews/
es.es-07-17-0041.html

ID theft is growing

The UK government is being urged to provide measures to stop identity theft. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/31895.html

UK ID card - finished?

Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister, spoke out against the scheme for a UK ID card, stating that there was a lot to be resolved before such a scheme could be implemented. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32106.html

Unique ID for military

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a plan to give every item acquired by the department a unique identification number (UID). http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0728/
web-tags-07-30-03.asp

ATM Security

ATM security may be an oxymoron if you review what just one person was able to achieve. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/03/national/03ATM.html?hp=&
pagewanted=print&position=

Aliens continue to get cards

The company that supplies alien identification cards will continue to make them as it wins a new order. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0728/
web-dhs-07-31-03.asp

ID cards - like 'em or not?

Whether you like the idea of having an ID card or you don't, they exist and we have to deal with them every day. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32148.html

China to issue new ID card

Replacing the current paper-based cards, a new smart card ID will be issued to the Chinese people. http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB106061490951443400,00.html
?mod=technology_main_whats_news

Canadians support new ID card

A survey of Canadian citizens shows that they support the issuance of a biometric ID card to enhance national security. http://www.canada.com/ottawa/story.asp?id=
348AEA01-1255-4691-8A56-58853871B7CB

Biometrics

Biometrics to secure records

The U.S.-based National Notary Association will secure its new electronic record-keeping system with fingerprint biometric technology. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/17/
technology/circuits/17shre.html

U.S. announces a biometric passport

The State department has announced a new passport for U.S. citizens that will contain biometric information. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
news-passport-07-14-03.asp 
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/31885.html
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
news-passport-07-14-03.asp 
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993975 

Experts in fingerprints

The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has selected DigitalNet Government Solutions to analyze fingerprints of suspected terrorists. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
web-print-07-17-03.asp

Biometrics not ready for prime time

Although experts agree that the use of biometrics is going to grow, many feel that it needs a lot of work to make the technology available to the masses. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/31865.html

Hype hits biometrics industry

Although there have been many pilots of biometric systems, the hype has prevented many from moving on to full time use. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jul2003/
tc20030722_2846_tc125.htm

New biometric web site

The Department of Defense has opened a new web site for biometrics. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0707/
web-dodbio-07-10-03.asp

Biometric passports for everyone!

They are coming - passports with biometric identifiers in them to help protect us from the bad guys! http://www.msnbc.com/news/945555.asp?0cv=TA01&cp1=1

GAO mentions need for biometrics

The U.S. General Accounting Office released several reports/papers that mention the need for biometrics in security. 
"Transportation Security: More Federal Coordination Needed to Help Address Security Challenges". GAO-03-843, June 30. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-843
Privacy Act: OMB Leadership Needed to Improve Agency Compliance. GAO-03-304, June 30 http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-304
GAO response to a Post-Hearing Question from the May 8, 2003, Hearing on Barriers to Information Sharing at the Department of Homeland Security. GAO-03-985R, July 7. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03322.pdf

Casino has biometrics

Using facial recognition systems to find unwelcome customers is giving Canadian casinos a start in sorting out the good customers from the bad. http://www.onlinecasinonews.com/ocnv2_1/article/
article.asp?id=3800

Biometric patents

New patents for fingerprint and other biometrics have been issued in the U.S. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/11/technology/11PATE.html?
ex=1061265600&en=052b9e761dcd9328&ei=5040

New use for retinal images

In an arena that has used RFID to good use in the past, here is a use for biometrics to identify cattle.  http://www.trib.com/AP/wire_detail.php?wire_num=124974

Biometrics solve airport problems - well maybe!

Many organizations are quoting biometrics as the solution to the problems with airport security. But does it work? http://www.wired.com/news/conflict/0,2100,54418,00.html

New fingerprint attack

After all the controversy last year about "gummy fingers" two hackers have announced a new way to beat fingerprint sensors. http://www.securityfocus.com/news/6717

Wireless Computing

GSM phones take over the USA

With ATT moving to GSM/GPRS, the prediction is that GSM phones could become more prevalent in the USA than CDMA in the next couple of years. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/31758.html

WLAN - first casualty

As the market for wireless LANS grows, chip maker Intersil decides to leave the crowded market. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/31775.html

Bluetooth continues to gain support

Even though the future of Bluetooth seems shaky, companies are continuing to push into the marketplace and create new products. http://www.eetasia.com/article_content.php3?
article_id=8800312355

First company out of Wi-Fi

Intersil has sold its Prism line of Wi-Fi chips as the competition grows. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/31787.html 

Hot Spot providers to consolidate

Juniper Research predicts a boom in the use of Wi-Fi devices, but it also says that the providers will consolidate over the next two years. This may be exactly what is needed to make Wi-Fi work. http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/magazine/news.asp?
news=2211

Wireless campus

As universities and colleges everywhere look at Wi-Fi as a means to provide a better computing environment, West point is already there. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,83209,00.html?nlid=MW

Mobile phone or Wi-Fi?

Sprint has jumped into the Wi-Fi arena and plans to let subscribers switch easily between cellular networks and Wi-Fi networks. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,83283,00.html?nlid=MW

Bluetooth chip sales grow

Market research company In-Stat/MDR reported that 35.8 million Bluetooth chips were sold last year and the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 74%. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/32044.html

Wireless laptops

By 2005 we should expect to see 95% of all notebooks with WLAN. Now all we need are the same amount of hot spots! http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32182.html

Bluetooth for laptops

Actiontec Electronics Inc. has announced a Bluetooth adapter for the USB port of notebook PCs. http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800314299_499481,590626.HTM

Hot spots on the rise

SBC Communications announced that it intends to deploy Wi-Fi hot spots in 6,000 locations and provide access to other providers technology as well. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32197.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/06/technology/06SBC.html?
ex=1375502400&en=5f8dbab907537402&ei=5007

WLAN market to double

Dell'Oro Group's recent report on wireless LANs and 802.11 says that the market will double from $1.5 billion in 2002 to $3.1 billion in 2007 with a move from 802.11b to 802.11g and then to 802.11 a/g. http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=37945

Wi-Fi comes to transport

Bringing Wi-Fi to vehicles in a move to bring wireless connectivity to users in a moving vehicle, In Motion Technology announced the launch of its Mobile gateway. http://www.bctechnology.com/scripts/display_news.cfm?id=15816
And the California Department of Transportation has approved a three month test of on-board Wi-Fi service on a train route that connects Silicon Valley with Oakland and Sacramento. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,83930,00.html?nlid=AM

Hot spot - what's that?

The pollster company Mori interviewed 985 home computer users in the UK and found that 70% have no idea what a hot spot is! http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32226.html

Wi-Fi is growing

But is it really the next revolution to shake the computer world? http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2003/mft03080805.htm

Wi-Fi - how fast is fast?

When it says 54 Mbps is it really that fast and what does that mean to the speed we get on our notebooks? http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/wireless/2003/08/08/
wireless_throughput.html

Wireless personal networks get new standard

Allowing up to 245 devices to be connected at speeds up to 55 Mbps and distances of 300 feet, the new standard from the IEEE solves some problems for WPAN users but adds another thing operating in the crowded 2.45 GHz band. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/technology/
story/0,10801,83837,00.html?nas=MW-83837

Alternatives to Wi-Fi

After being wowed by Wi-Fi technology, users are now being tempted with other wireless networking possibilities. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,83925,00.html?nas=MW-83925

FCC offers free Wi-Fi

Visitors to the FCC's offices in Washington DC can now enjoy free Wi-Fi connectivity. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,83729,00.html?nlid=MW

Airport adds Wi-Fi

Fort Lauderdale, FL airport is adding an airport wide hot spot for users of Wi-Fi. Until everything is in place, the access will be free. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-zwireless13aug
13,1,2011219.story?coll=sfla-business-front

Wi-Fi is growing

Spurred on by sales of the new 802.11g equipment, Wi-Fi sales are growing but at what cost? Market researcher, Dell'Oro Group, explains the figures. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32331.html
http://rss.com.com/2100-1039_3-5063278.html?part=rss&tag
=feed&subj=news

How do you access the Wi-Fi network

Public access hot spots run by companies like Wayport have grown up everywhere. But what is going to make this model work? http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/11/technology/11WIFI.html?
ex=1375934400&en=cd2d54636616a0ab&ei=5007
&partner=USERLAND

Selling Wi-Fi access or giving it away?

One company has decided that giving away access is the solution to increasing business. http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/start.html?pg=4

Smart Card

Smart Cards tested

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started smart card tests as part of its Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
web-twic-07-16-03.asp

U.S. government looks at smart card

One smart card ID to solve all applications is being looked at by the U.S. government as a solution to the many issues. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/31882.html

Smart card standard released

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) released a new version of the Government Smart Card Interoperability Standard. http://smartcard.nist.gov/gscis.html

Growth for smart cards

The push in credit card security programs and the advent of 3G means that smart card manufacturers should see a rosier future. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/32250.html

Gemplus heads towards profit?

Though Gemplus has reported a better second quarter it looks as if the company will not be profitable until 2005. http://www.cbronline.com/latestnews/
7427CA43BC9B7C3580256D740018C720

Chip and PIN grow

Safeway grocery chain has announced that it intends to equip all of its UK stores with chip and PIN systems by the end of 2003. http://www.piranet.com/pira/piranet.asp?
page=piraitem.htm&newsitemid=4742

Ultra Wide Band

Ultra Wide Band

Looking for some resources to help you understand the possibilities. Check out these links:
NTIA Report 01-383 - http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/ntia-rpt/01-383/
Who's Afraid of UWB by Dan Brody http://www.redherring.com/mag/issue114/2943.html
The origins of UWB http://www.aetherwire.com/CDROM/Welcome1.html

Ultra Wideband standard?

After a lot of discussion the task force that is working in this area (IEEE 802.15.3a) has found something that many of the members agree on. Although not unanimous the group is going to vote on a proposal from the Multiband OFDM Alliance. http://www.ultrawidebandplanet.com/technology/article/
0,,10850_2243681,00.html

Can UWB be the network of the future?

Complementing Wi-Fi and faster than Bluetooth, Ultrawide band may be the wireless networking answer for the future. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/08/08/31NNwireless_1.html

Samsung is the first

Claiming to be the first to offer commercially available products wth ultrawide band communications, Samsung announced its intent to incorporate the wireless technology into products. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/
0,39020336,39115635,00.htm

Homeland Security

US-VISIT program gets help

PEC Solutions Inc. have been selected by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to provide management services for its border entry/exit system. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
web-usvisit-07-16-03.asp

Lockheed bids on US-VISIT

As the prime integrator for the job, Lockheed will lead a team of bidders for this system to track visitors to the U.S. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0811/
web-visit-08-13-03.asp

Web portal tracks cargo

The DHS has launched a web portal to allow shippers to disclose cargo in advance of its arrival in the USA. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/
news-cargo-07-14-03.asp

TIA and CAPPS II challenged

The U.S. Congress has challenged the Terrorism Information Awareness (TIA) and the Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System (CAPPS) programs. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/31791.html 
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0714/web-tia-07-18-03.asp

FCC opens new office

The Federal Communications Commission announced the creation of a new Office of Homeland Security within its Enforcement Bureau. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
DOC-236436A1.pdf

Senate security bill

President Bush is supporting the Senate bill on Homeland Security. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-home-07-21-03.asp

Problems with TIA

The Terrorism Information Awareness plan (or was that Total Information Awareness) seems to have more than just a name problem as the Department of Defense tries to save it. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-tia-07-21-03.asp

TIA is TMI (too much information)

The FBI and the CIA are saying that the TIA (Terrorism Information Awareness) is too ambitious. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-tia-07-22-03.asp

Electronic manifests for cargo

The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) wants electronic manifests for all truck and rail shipments of cargo. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-cargo-07-22-03.asp

Bad grade for Bush

George W. Bush has been openly criticized about the work that has been done on homeland security by the Public Policy Institute. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-score-07-23-03.asp

TSA issues ID cards

Temporary ID cards are being issued to workers in the Port of Wilmington, Delaware. http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2003/07/
24bdailybriefingb.html

More money for Homeland Security

The U.S. Senate adds $29.3 billion for high-tech systems for Homeland Security. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0721/
web-dhs-07-25-03.asp

TSA on CAPPS II

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) released an interim Privacy Act Notice on its CAPPS II (Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System). http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=8&content=631
The notice itself is at http://www.cdt.org/security/usapatriot/030731cappsii.pdf
For background on CAPPS II and other initiatives http://www.cdt.org/security/usapatriot/datamining.shtml

Poindexter to resign

The man behind the TIA (Terrorism Information Awareness) and a plan to look at terrorism futures is to resign after backlash from Congress. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8656-2003Jul31?
language=printer
And here is an article on Poindexter and a link to his resignation letter. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A51578-2003
Aug12?language=printer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/
transcripts/poindexterletter.pdf

TSA clarifies CAPPS

In an effort to allay privacy concerns, the TSA announced that the CAPPS system will only store passenger data for a number of days. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0728/
web-capps-07-31-03.asp

DHS looks for technology

With about $1 billion to spend on new technology for Homeland Security toe DHS is talking to Silicon Valley for ideas on how to spend it. http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5058618.html

U.S. Post to get smart

Recommendations from a presidential commission that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) needs to get more efficient has led to a recommendation for personalized stamps. http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/privacy/
story/0,10801,83804,00.html
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5062617.html

Ubiquitous Computing

Sensors attached to everything

A European project is showing how the attachment of sensors to everything we use in the day can add to our life experience. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3144405.stm

Smart rooms are coming

Rooms that help us work by providing services to us as we need them may become a thing of the near future. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/0%2C4902%2C
83642%2C0.html?nlid=EMC

Privacy

Loyalty cards are important

According to researchers 85% of U.K. households have loyalty cards that they have chosen to sign up for. So what is the issue with RFID tags? http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,999932,00.html

RFID and Privacy - part n!

The debate continues and the news media is covering it all. http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2003/07/24/rfid/index_np.html
http://www.thisismoney.com/20030727/nm65897.html
http://news.com.com/2102-1071_3-5055782.html

RFID privacy reaches the lawmakers

A hearing in Sacramento California is scheduled later this month to learn more about RFID and the possible effect on privacy. http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-5062009.html?type=pt&part=
inv&tag=feed&subj=news

General Technology

Euro banknotes easy to forge?

The number of forged euro banknotes has risen by nearly 60 percent in the first half of 2003. http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?aid=12170

New technologies are coming

The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) covers some of the "new" technologies that are being used for location. http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/WEBONLY/
publicfeature/jul03/e911.html

Standard handsets?

The Mobile Industry Processor Interface Alliance is working on standards for the processors used in handsets. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,83547,00.html?nlid=MW

Solderless chips

A new glue that conducts electricity and can be tailored to only stick to specific materials may be a means to eliminate lead-based solder. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/3/32223.html

Self assembling devices

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin have demonstrated how electronic devices can one day assemble themselves. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/21987.html

Editorial

The future computing world?

I read an excellent article last week that had me thinking. We all know about Moore's Law that says chip complexity doubles about every 18 months. Well think about that for a while and extend it to a period of 20 years. From 1982 (first IBM PC) the processor is 10,000 times faster today, the hard disk is 25,000 times bigger and one third the cost, RAM has grown by a factor of 2,000. Take it out another 20 years and by 2020 we are talking about a PC with a processor that runs at 10 trillion operations per second, one terabyte (1 thousand gigabytes) of RAM and a petabyte (1 million gigabytes) of hard drive space. Another 20 years and we see a computer with the same processing power as the human brain! If you want to read more about this visit Marshall Brain's web page and read the article at http://marshallbrain.com/
robotic-nation.htm 

What does this mean?  Well, I for one, am ready to sign up for all that power on my desk.  I hope that it comes with better, faster, and more useful ways to hook up to the internet. As someone who depends on the "net" for his information, I feel lost when I don't have a fast connection. I am still trying to work out the best way to get a connection whenever I want one. Wi-Fi gives me a great connection speed, but the available connections are limited (I do have some good feelings for this one though as even Pittsburgh airport has a public hot spot now). But what about when there is no hot spot? I am looking at what the phone companies are offering but the speed isn't there.

And more to the point what is this going to mean to the AIDC world. Ubiquitous connections, unlimited access to the net, computing power to spare, everything connected to everything. Sounds a lot like the MIT AutoID lab dream to me.

Star Trek, here we come.

Steve Halliday
Editor

Press Releases

A regular feature of HighTechAIDCourier will be a review of interesting press releases from around the world. Please send your press releases to news@hightechaid.com, but do not forget to include a URL to the full release on your web site. Here are this month’s selections:

Industry Veterans Launch The ePC Group, Ltd. To Advance RFID Implementation

Boston July 8, 2003: Pete Abell and John Greaves, acknowledged leaders in the field of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), today announced the formation of the ePC Group, Ltd. The ePC Group's main business is RFID consulting and implementation at the physical level. The company, with main offices here and subsidiary locations in Chicago, Fort Worth and London, will also enter into joint ventures with specific vertical application providers requiring RFID expertise. http://www.epcgrp.com/docs/
ePCGroup_launch.pdf

ACG expands reader product family

RFID reader in the form of a Compact FlashTM card
Wiesbaden, 30.07.2003. ACG, an independent component and technology supplier in the markets for smart cards and RFID products (Radio Frequency Identification), has developed an RFID reader in the form of a Compact Flash card that will be available as of September 2003. http://www.acg.de/Page/corporate
/Press/Start?show=Press
Centre_PressTexts&id=5056401

Siemens Dematic Successfully Completes RFID Integration Testing with Matrics, Inc.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -(Monday, August 04, 2003) Siemens Dematic and Matrics, Inc. announced today they have successfully completed the integration testing of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a method of identifying unique items using radio waves, with their high-rate conveying and sorting technologies used in distribution and warehousing operations. The development of an integrated RFID solution is prompted by the growing number of retailers exploring RFID as a potential alternative to traditional barcodes. RFID provides real-time access to information about products such as 100% inventory visibility and tracking, improved asset management, seamless data integration, higher throughput and productivity levels as well as improved customer service. http://www.rapistan.com/news
display.asp?pressid=45

Matrics Receives $20 Million in Funding From Blue-Chip Investors

Columbia, MD Tech Firm Accelerates Market Expansion Efforts in Radio Frequency Identification Solutions
COLUMBIA, Md. (July 14, 2003) - Matrics, a Columbia-based pioneer in the advanced development and standardization of low-cost, high-performance UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, announced today that it has just completed a $20 million round of Series C financing from a group of financial and strategic investors led by The Carlyle Group, Novak Biddle Venture Partners and Polaris Venture Partners. http://www.matrics.com/pdf/press
/press_7.14.03_final_round_fund
ing.pdf

Savi Technology And Matrics Collaborate To Deliver Breakthrough RFID System That Integrates Passive And Active RFID

Integrating EPC-Based Passive RFID Tags With Global Active RFID Network Enables Real-Time Visibility And Security Of Items, Containers, And Transportation Vehicles
SUNNYVALE, CA and COLUMBIA, MD - July 15, 2003 - Savi Technology, a leading provider of real-time solutions for global supply chain security and asset management, and Matrics Inc., a pioneer in the advanced development and standardization of low-cost, high-performance, EPC-compliant smart label technology, announced today that they have been collaborating on the integration of passive and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies to achieve "nested visibility" throughout the supply chain. http://www.matrics.com/pdf/press
/press_7.15.03_matrics_savi.pdf

Publication Of Latest EAN.UCC E-Business Message Standards

4th August 2003 - EAN International, the global supply chain information management standards body, is ramping up its output of e-Business standards. Today it has published new XML Standard Schemas for Global Data Synchronisation (GDS) and the first tranche of revised message standards for XML Business Message Standards. This is all being published as the "EAN.UCC E-Business Message Standards, version 1.3", but further messages, the second tranche of this publication, will follow in October 2003.
http://www.ean-int.org/Doc/NR_
9_03_Publication_e_business_
Standards1.pdf

SAMSys Technologies and RF Technology Group Drive Home RFID Solutions

Collaborative Partnership Provides RFID Solutions for the Automotive Industry
TORONTO, ON - July 30, 2003 - SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced that it has signed a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with RF Technology Group, a leading provider of RFID solutions for the automotive, process, and retail industries. http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&release
=1059572177

AIM Releases RFID and Privacy Primer

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 22 July 2003 - AIM announces the publication of RFID FAQs, not Fiction developed by the recently formed AIM RFID Privacy Work Group. The primer addresses commonly asked questions and misconceptions about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) its applications, and recent privacy questions.  http://www.aimglobal.org/
aboutaim/pressreleases/RFIDand
Privacy.htm

Supply Chain RFID - From Wish List to Reality

Main Conference, October 21-22, 2003
Pre-Conference Master Class, October 20, 2003
Sheraton Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
The URL is: http://www.iqpc.com/cgi-bin/
templates/1059507483955688476
56100002/genevent.html?topic=
40&event=3634

Savi Technology Names Former Lucent And At&T Executive As Senior Vice President Of Its Public Sector Group

David P. Stephens Will Drive Expansion of Savi's Real-Time Supply Chain Solutions For the U.S. Department of Defense and Throughout The Federal Government
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - July 24, 2003 - Savi Technology, the leading provider of real-time solutions for global supply chain security, visibility and asset management, today announced the appointment of David P. Stephens to the newly created position of Senior Vice President-Public Sector. Based here at the company's offices servicing Federal Government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Stephens will lead the overall strategic direction, business development, operations and sales activities of Savi's U.S.-focused Public Sector team. He will report directly to Bruce Jacquemard, Savi's Executive Vice President and General Manager of Global Field Operations. http://www.savi.com/news_events
/2003releases/july24-03.html

Savi Technology And MIT's Auto Id Center Collaborate In Bringing Product Identification Standard To Global Supply Chain Asset Management And Security

Enabling Total Supply Chain Visibility Through a Global Information and Security Network Where Automated Technologies Interoperate and Communicate
SUNNYVALE, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - July 15, 2003 - Savi Technology, a leading provider of real-time solutions for global supply chain security and asset management, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Auto-ID Center, an industry-funded research program to advance automatic identification technology, today announced that they will collaborate to include support of the Electronic Product Code (EPC), an emerging standard for identifying items in the supply chain, in Savi's SmartChain platform and SmartChain suite of software applications - including the Savi Transportation Security System and Savi Asset Management System. http://www.savi.com/news_events
/2003releases/july15.b-03.html

Power Paper Completes $15 Million Series D Fundraising Round

New investor Amadeus Capital Partners leads round
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - July 21, 2003 - Power Paper Ltd., a leading provider of thin and flexible micro-power source technology and devices, today announced that it has completed a $15 million fundraising round, the company's fourth round of financing. Amadeus Capital Partners Ltd, a UK-based technology investor, led the financing round, which also includes investments from Banc America Capital Partners (US), the PolyTechnos Funds (Germany), Millenium Materials Technologies Funds (Israel), Toppan Forms (Japan), Yasuda Enterprise Development Co. (Japan) and other current shareholders. http://www.powerpaper.com/
5_news_pr/pr030721.htm

Christopher D. Hook Joins Zebra Technologies as Director for RFID Market Development 

VERNON HILLS, Ill., July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) announced today that Christopher D. Hook, an industry leader in radio frequency identification (RFID), has joined the company to head its activities in developing market opportunities for RFID technology. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?
partner=Mzg0TkRZd01EQT1QJFk
EQUALSTO&product=MzgwU1ZJP
VAkWQEQUALSTOEQUALSTO&
storyId=91223

Texas Instruments Announces 13.56 MHz RFID Tag for Textile Rental and Dry Cleaning Applications

Dallas, TX (August 11, 2003) Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems, a worldwide leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, today announced its new 13.56 MHz RFID tag for textile rental and dry cleaning applications. The ultra-thin, 22 mm circular transponder, housed in plastic, is fully compatible with the ISO 15693 standard and has been designed and tested to withstand the harsh industrial cleaning process. Sewn into or attached to textile items, TI-RFid tags provide more accurate identification and greater accountability as well as improve handling through each stage of cleaning and processing to final customer delivery. http://www.ti.com/tiris/
docs/news/news_releases/2003/
rel8-11-03.shtml

Alien Technology Receives $38 Million in Funding

Morgan Hill, CA. Alien Technology Corporation announced today the closing of its Series F round of financing. The round, which was led by Advanced Equities Inc, totaled $38 million. http://www.alientechnology.com/l
ibrary/pr/PR_080503_funding.html

Vocollect Maintains Record Growth Momentum and Announces Move to New Facility

Pittsburgh - August 11, 2003 - Vocollect™, the market leader in voice technology software and hardware solutions for industry, announced that it will cap record financial performance in the first half of 2003 by moving into a new, purpose-built headquarters on August 15.
The building, an 80,000-square-foot, four-story, office, research lab and production facility, is located adjacent to Vocollect's current offices in Wilkins Township, in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. "Our consistently strong results reflect the company's steady growth over the past few years," said President and CEO Jack LeVan, adding, "We started to actively plan for this new building two years ago. We were able to put off the move for a couple of quarters, even though our sales grew faster than planned, because our staff has been resourceful and flexible. But now we really need the room - and the labs, demo areas and training facilities." http://www.vocollect.com/us/
news/2003-08-11_record_gro
wth_capped_with_move.php

Zebra Technologies Records Strong Sales and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter of 2003

Vernon Hills, Ill., July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) today announced its fifth consecutive quarter of sales and earnings growth, with a 33.2% increase in diluted earnings per share on 12.0% growth in net sales. For the three months that ended June 28, 2003, the company recorded net income of $22,262,000, or $0.70 per diluted share, compared with $16,460,000, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2002. Quarterly net sales of $129,863,000 advanced to the second-highest level in the company's history from $115,951,000 for the same period a year ago. Both net sales and net income exceeded the upper levels of the company's previously forecasted range. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx
?partner=Mzg0TkRZd01EQT1
QJFkEQUALSTO&product=
MzgwU1ZJPVAkWQEQUALST
OEQUALSTO&storyId=91589

Available Soon From HHP IMAGE KIOSK™ 8870 With World-Class Adaptus™ Imaging Technology!

(Skaneateles Falls, NY) August 5, 2003, HHP adds a new generation to its Transaction Team™ family of products - the IMAGE KIOSK™ 8870 for in-store data collection applications. Delivering more than just price checking, this state-of the-art device offers unmatched power and value to the retail marketplace. Powered by HHP's exclusive Adaptus™ Imaging Technology, this new platform opens up a world of communication options for an ever-evolving consumer marketplace. http://www.hhp.com/hhp/
spotlight/press.tpl?article=
3787337467217

WhereNet's Industry-Leading Wireless Location technology complies with New ANSI/INCITS Standard

Boeing, EDS, Ford, and General Motors Among End Users That Drive Quick Adoption of New Standard Sanctioned by the American National Standards Institute 
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—August 6, 2003—WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today its compliance with the technical standard for real-time locating systems (RTLS) recently adopted by the International Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS). This new standard defines two air interface protocols and an application programming interface (API) to facilitate broad international adoption and integration of wireless location systems by Global 2000 companies. INCITS is accredited by, and operates under rules approved by, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Through remarkable collaboration among end users, government entities, and vendors, the INCITS T20 committee developed and adopted the location system standard in just 18 months. As the world’s leading provider of wireless location systems, WhereNet expects that its compliance with this standard will accelerate economies of scale driven by orders from a host of new customers, partners, and infrastructure providers.  http://www.wherenet.com/
PressReleases/
PRMaster.cfm?ID=79

The Final Comment

We always try to find something to keep away those boring evenings while you wait to get back to work. This month is no exception, try these:

Like jigsaw puzzles. Try this: http://www.referencetable.net/
puzzels/jigsaw/stainedglass.htm

Whack the Hungry Spiders! http://ferryhalim.com/orisinal/
g3/spider.htm or try one of the other games at http://ferryhalim.com/orisinal/

Had a bad day, let the Bard insult you http://www.sunbelt-software.com
/stu/insult.htm

Everyone loves Lego (at least in our house they do), see what you can build https://club.lego.com/build/
junkbot.asp

This was very addictive, but I am not too good http://hosting.makaimedia.com/
highlifter/tiretoss.asp

Nice optical illusions, but a lot of popups http://www.optillusions.com/

See what the weathermen see and predict your own weather http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/
GOES/

Ever wondered what's inside you, take a look http://anatline.nlm.nih.gov/

Stuck with that crossword? Never again. Here's some words that can help you out http://www.kokogiak.com/
logolepsy/

The Fine Print

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newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm

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