www.hightechaid.com

December 2003

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the HighTechAIDCourier.

Season's greetings to all as we produce the last newsletter of 2003. this month has been extremely busy, both for High Tech Aid and for the industry (as you will see from the content below). Travel has made this issue a few days late, but we hope that you get a chance to read it before you head off for your holiday festivities.

We seem to be past all of the web sign up problems and we welcome all the new subscriptions this month. Next year you will be able to manage your subscriptions with ease as we bring up a new management process.

As always, 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 as well as many other things. 

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

Not all vendors ready for Wal*Mart

It is not just Wal*Mart's suppliers that are not ready for RFID, it is many of the RFID vendors themselves who are not ready to meet the Wal*Mart challenge. http://www.isourceonline.com/article.asp?article_id=4818

EcoTag increases range

By engineering the chip to need less power, Trolley Scan's EcoTag can now work over 9 meters range with a credit card sized tag. http://trolleyscan.com/newslett.html

Hitachi offers cheap chip

To be released in April, Hitachi Ltd. Have announced an RFID inlet that will be available for 10 - 20 Yen (including chip and antenna). http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=281081

Test of IC tags

Testing the supply and distribution of apparel from China to Japan, Toppan Printing Co. and Sumikin Bussan Corp. will use IC tags on  apparel. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=281442

The RFID Revolution

Whether you believe it will be a success or not, the use of RFID is going to stir up the world or is it? http://www.cio-today.com/perl/story/22782.html
http://www.newsfactor.com/perl/story/22798.html

Japan steps into the RFID market

And sets its goals on the five cent tag; forming a consortium to develop chips and systems that follow the ISO standards rather than EPCglobal™. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20031117S0020

Sun details RFID benefits

Helping to explain why RFID is a benefit to users, Sun Microsystems gives details of its role in the EPC™ system. http://www.sun.com/br/manufacturing_1120/feature_rfid.html

RFID to track prisoners

The state of Michigan is looking for proposals to track inmates at the women's prison in Plymouth MI. http://www.usingrfid.com/news/read.asp?lc=x7855bx27zf

Who pays and who benefits from RFID

A report from A.T. Kearney suggests that the retailers gain and the manufacturers lose. http://www.atkearney.com/main.taf?p=5,4,1,89

UK's Tesco details RFID plan

Working with suppliers and technology vendors, Tesco has announced plans for full implementation by 2007. http://www.usingrfid.com/news/read.asp?lc=e84458sx33zb
http://www.computing.co.uk/News/1150553

Wal*Mart rallies suppliers

At its meeting with the top 100 suppliers, Wal*Mart gave them the details of its plan to implement RFID by January 2005, but it gave no detailed directions. http://www.amrresearch.com/content/view.asp?pmillid=16800

Silent commerce

A new way of thinking about transactions is being led by RFID http://www2.cio.com/consultant/report2022.html

AmEx and MasterCard trial contactless credit cards

Imagine not having to "swipe" your card, but simply wave it over the reader. American Express and MasterCard see this as the future, though they have a long way to go. http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/1212goodbyeswiping-ON.html
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,61603,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_3
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/34556.html

M&S trial ends

The test of tagged garments using a removable tag has ended and was a success says Marks & Spencer. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=78595

RFID bubble will burst

So says market research firm IDC, predicting that cost effective implementations will be difficult. http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jhtml;jsessionid=
4NIW22IUJPFTQCTFA4FCFFAKMUDYWIWD?containerId=30499

RFID used at summit

The Organizers of the World Summit on the Information Society have confirmed that they did use RFID tags in the badges, however they have said that the tags had a range of only a few centimeters not long range as reported earlier. http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20031217-115051-5373r.htm

Are YOU ready for RFID?

Here is some thoughts from one person about an EPC system implementation. http://boston.internet.com/news/article.php/3109501

ATM for toll tags

Responding to a need for easier methods to get toll tags, Transcore has announced an ATM style machine for dispensing toll tags. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20031116005010&newsLang=en

Users take control

A growing trend seems to be for the user community to drive technology forward. The Wal*Mart RFID initiative is one example. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1385621,00.asp
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1401469,00.asp

Looking at RFID?

You need to evaluate your need for RFID and this article may help. Note two of the items, get educated and think outside the box! Call High Tech Aid for help here. http://www.internetwk.com/breakingNews/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16101143

The rollouts begin but at what cost?

Wal*Mart, DoD, Tesco and others have all announced large rollouts of RFID, but what does it really cost to do this? Two consulting companies share their thoughts. http://www.crmbuyer.com/perl/story/32188.html

A.T. Kearney report predicts savings

A report from management consultant A.T. Kearney predicts that RFID can bring some savings into the supply chain. http://retailindustry.about.com/cs/it_rfid/a/bl_atk111003.htm

Is there a payback for RFID?

One company says no, and that users should wait for RFID's cost to drop before implementation. http://www2.cio.com/analyst/report1956.html

RFID costs money but it is worth it

Doing business costs money, doing it with RFID will cost more in the short term, but the long term benefits are huge and those that take advantage will benefit most. http://www.newsfactor.com/perl/story/22782.html

RFID Standards

First there were none and now there are two. By not choosing to adopt ISO standards, did EPCglobal™ make it difficult for everyone and what can be done to fix the problem? http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,86486,00.html?f=x2305

IBM to test RFID

By setting up a facility to test RFID systems, IBM hopes to be able to help sort out user requirements and help to make it work. http://news.com.com/2100-1006-5109472.html

One person's view of RFID deployment

Five steps to global deployment of RFID starting at the closed loop stage. http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jhtml?pid=23571113&containerId=VWP000183

The RFID privacy debate continues

At another hearing in California regarding the use of RFID and its implications to privacy, Wal*Mart and Procter & Gamble did not turn up. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16400136

Select your vendor with care

Says market research company Allied business Intelligence Inc. not all vendors can meet the requirements being placed on the technology by Wal*Mart and others. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20031121S0006

Do you really understand the implications of RFID

A look at the technology from the IT manager's perspective gives an eye opener on the other aspects of all AIDC systems. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/11/21/46OPreality_1.html

RFID under your skin

Following up on the program that puts RFID tags in pets, Applied Digital Solutions wants to "chip" humans to give you effectively an embedded credit card. http://news.com.com/2100-1041-5111637.html
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/
2003-11-28-rfid-body-chip_x.htm

RFID in Euros

A new report on something we first reported many months ago. Euro bank notes will have RFID tags embedded in them for security reasons. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20011219S0016

How do you integrate RFID?

Not without a lot of thought seems to be the answer according to Modern Materials Handling's editor. http://www.manufacturing.net/mmh/article/CA338394

RFID is coming or is it?

Will this really be the start of the revolution, or will RFID fizzle and flame out? http://www.adtmag.com/article.asp?id=8591

Army tests sensor tags

As part of the DoD's pilot tests, the Army will monitor food shipments using a tag that has a temperature sensor as part of its capabilities. http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,87623,00.html?f=x2305

First DoD, now ADF

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has seen the benefits of RFID and is currently looking at how to deploy the technology. http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php?id=1800542495&fp=16&fpid=0

IT economy to grow

Gantner is predicting a growth in IT spending by 2006 with RFID being a part of this growth. http://www.computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/0/
B0AFDC1DDB83B1AACC256DDD00632567?OpenDocument

And ABI predict large growth for RFID

Allied Business Intelligence Inc. predicts that the RFID market will jump from $1.4 billion this year to $3.8 billion in 2007. http://www.eetasia.com/article_content.php3?article_id=8800324017

RFID - fact or fiction

This article looks at RFID and tries to answer some of the myths that have arisen. Wal*Mart and privacy issues are not going to ruin the world. http://www.crmdaily.com/perl/story/22798.html

DoD explains its needs

And clarifies the need for EPCglobal™ and ISO to get together to make things happen. A single standard will help the industry and bring costs down. http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,87808,00.html
http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=5201
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/technology/
story/0,10801,87912,00.html?f=x2305

Transcore goes FAST

Transcore's RFID technology has been selected for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program for Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20031205005080&newsLang=en

New EPC-RFID research center

Cincom Systems, Inc. working with public and non profit companies have won an $11 million grant to create a center for research into RFID. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/12/prwebxml92775.php

Another RFID test center

Sun Microsystems has set up a facility in Europe to test RFID systems. http://rss.com.com/2100-1006_3-5113755.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news

RFID tracks animals

RFID has been used for animal tracking for a long time (it was the first RFID standard to be published) and now it is being expanded to cover cradle to table tracking. http://www.ifbf.org/publication/spokesman/story.asp?number=21999&type=News

DoD cuts back RFID plan

Scaling back from its original intent, the DoD is now saying that major suppliers to begin using the technology on cases and pallets delivered to its various units by January 2005. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cmp/20031209/tc_cmp/16600185
http://www.forbes.com/markets/newswire/2003/12/03/
rtr1168579.html

Another major user adds RFID

Selfridges, a U.K. based department store chain has announced plans to start a trial of RFID in its food distribution system. http://www.pressi.com/int/release/81572.html

VeriChip wins an award

Perhaps not the most prestigious of awards, but VeriChip was the runner up as the Worst technology of the Year. http://www.fortune.com/fortune/technology/articles/
0,15114,558787,00.html

RFID takes over the world

Another main line article on RFID that doesn't quite get it, with suggestions of bar code being replaced by RFID. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/Business/
bar_codes_RFID_031213.html

RFID is everywhere

From animals to soccer stadiums, from postal to car parts, RFID is not just for supply chain use. http://www.wirelessweek.com/article/CA341641?text=rfid&stt=001

Is RFID too expensive?

As everyone is becoming aware of RFID they are beginning to see that the cost of tags is not the big problem (as we first explained here several years ago). http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,88130,00.html?nas=MW-88130

RFID Standards

Several meetings this month, but the big news is still the lack of movement from ISO in getting the 18000 standard published. Until we can break this free of the editors and get the vote concluded we are all sitting on our hands.

On the EPCglobal™ side, the issues of Intellectual Property have taken center stage again, but now there is a "final" version that vendors can sign and work can start again. You will see press releases from Matrics and Alien detailing their approval, but I have yet to see anything from the big players like Microsoft, IBM, Motorola, and Texas Instruments that they can sign the document. There is a promise that those that sign up will start work on software and hardware groups again in January.

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

Bar Code

Why bar codes are not done

With many saying that the day of the bar code is numbered, this article shows why this is not the case and why we will use bar codes for a long time to come. http://msnbc.msn.com/Default.aspx?id=3606439&p1=0

FDA wants bar codes

By February 2004, every medication sold to hospitals must have a bar code. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/12/09/
hospital.barcodes.ap/index.html

Phone reads bar codes

A team at the University of Tokyo have developed a mobile phone that reads bar codes and gets information on products. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=280984

Identification & Security

Demand for access control increases

A report from The Freedonia Group, Inc. states that the U.S. market for electronic access control is projected to increase ten percent per year through 2007. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=60940

Dell adds security

Using smart cards to gain access is not new. Dell Computers has taken this idea and applied it to access to their computers. http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/edzQ0FtnDk0V30CEAe0Ae

UK ID Cards still an issue

Home Secretary David Blunkett's announcement is now drawing the fire from many who say the scheme cannot work. http://www.whatpc.co.uk/Analysis/1149510
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/computing/20031119-0813-security-britain-cards.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,1088437,00.html

Will biometric ID cards work?

UK home secretary David Blunkett unveiled the plans for a UK ID card, but questions are already being raised about its effectiveness. http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994393
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3239556.stm
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/34213.html

U.K. ID card tests

The U.K. ID card will start with a test of biometric technology on passports and driving licenses. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3288589.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/12/03/uid.xml&sSheet=/portal/
2003/12/03/ixportaltop.html
http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2255189

Biometrics

Faking fingerprints

Here's a good collection of links to papers that address this topic. http://www.optel.pl/top.htm

University opens biometric center

The University of Buffalo has announced the formation of the Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors to investigate biometrics. http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol35/vol35n13/
articles/VenuCUBS.html

French airports look at Biometrics

Trying to find ways to speed fliers through airport check-in, France is investigating the use of biometrics. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=581&u=/nm/20031119/tc_nm/
france_biometrics_dc&printer=1

Thumbprint is good as cash

Using a fingerprint scanner at the cash register, a pet store in Herndon, VA will let you use your thumbprint to buy your new pet. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-11-17-biometrics_x.htm

Biometrics not mature

An expert in biometrics reports that the technology is not ready for the big time. http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/biometrics/24354-1.html

Tampa unplugs face recognition system

Saying that the system had not caught one criminal, Tampa Police Department removed a controversial face recognition system. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/
0,39020357,39115875,00.htm

Biometrics set to grow

Yano Research Institute issued a survey result showing that the biometrics market will grow 21% this year. www.yanoresearch.com

Open Sesame?

Is speech recognition the solution to access control? In combination with voice recognition it may be the key. http://www.computerworld.com.sg/pcwsg.nsf/unidlookup/
E854CF16EF97826C48256DE2002F4946?OpenDocument

Palm print more useful …

Police are finding that palm prints are more in evidence at a crime scene than fingerprints and so the New York Police Department is now collecting palm prints from prisoners. http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031121/ZNYT05/311210464/-1/ZNYT

… and a palm reader is announced

Fujitsu announces a palm reader that can recognizing the pattern of blood veins in the palm. http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/102/C1606/

Air travel needs biometrics …

At a major conference on civil aviation security, attendees were told that biometrics are the future. http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2003-11-20-hitech-security_x.htm

…but is it ready?

A report from Foster Bryan Ltd., an independent market analysis firm questions if biometrics technology really is ready for the big time. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/10/prwebxml86476.php

SAS tests iris and fingerprint scans

Using fingerprint and iris scans to identify frequent flyers of Scandinavian Airlines flights will hopefully speed up security checks. http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/11/25/
biz.trav.sas.biometric/

No biometrics here

Australia's new high security passport does not have biometrics identification, even though it will be a requirement for visitors to the U.S. http://www.zdnet.com.au/newstech/security/story/
0,2000048600,20281448,00.htm

Bank tries voice

Lloyds TSB in the U.K. is setting up a trial of a voice recognition system to help reduce fraud. http://www.whatpc.co.uk/News/1151064

Israel uses biometrics

A system using facial recognition and hand geometry is being installed at a Gaza Strip checkpoint to speed access. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031203/ap_on_hi_te/israel_checkpoint_tech_3

U.S. biometric requirement slips

The U.S. government has stepped down from its requirement that all countries begin issuing biometric passports by December 2005. http://washingtontimes.com/world/20031202-091555-8430r.htm

Biometrics IS coming

Make sure you are ready. You will be scanned, recorded and possibly probed as the authorities record your biometric details. http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displayStory.cfm?story_id=2246191

Banks try facial recognition too

Several banks in the U.K. and Europe are about to start trials of a facial recognition technology. http://www.silicon.com/networks/webwatch/
0,39024667,39117316,00.htm?nl=d20031212

New biometrics fusion center

The U.S. Army Chief Information Office (CIO/G-6) announced today that Samuel J. Cava has been appointed Director of the Department of Defense Biometrics Fusion Center (BFC) in Bridgeport, W.Va. http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=5503

Wireless Computing

No Wi-Fi card for Palm yet

SanDisk is blaming the PDA vendors for the fact that it is not shipping its much promised Wi-Fi card, saying that the Palm PDA's are not consistent in their use of the card slot. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/34458.html

Pushing the limits

NASA has managed to send a Wi-Fi signal over 1.3 miles and still maintain a 1 MB per second throughput. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/1208/web-nasa-12-11-03.asp

BT to offer free Wi-Fi

Going one better than Intel, BT is going to offer one week of free access to its Wi-Fi network in January. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/34342.html

T-Mobile continues to grow

By buying Austria's number one provider (4th in the world), T-Mobile adds another 300 hot spots to its growing list. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/34277.html

802.11b isn't dead yet

In fact, even though 11g is taking the world with storm, there are many applications where 11b will be the ideal solution. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3114641

FCC reorganizes

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has restructured the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau into six Divisions in an attempt to support the FCC's strategic goals concerning broadband, competition, spectrum, media, homeland security and modernizing the FCC. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-241586A1.doc.

Taking Wi-Fi to the next level

WiMax is the new 802.16 standard with a range of up to 31 miles, it will bring broadband to new places. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,87555,00.html?nlid=MW
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,87561,00.html?nlid=MW

Playing trains?

The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company has created a system using Wi-Fi to control its trains, letting the driver stay in the office. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/34101.html

Wireless incompatibilities?

Broadcom says rival Atheros Communications' equipment causes degradation of nearby systems. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,87228,00.html?nlid=MW

Wireless incompatibilities - II?

Independent tests seem to confirm there is a problem, but some competitors products are worse than others. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/34594.html

Flying Internet?

Boeing is looking to increase the availability of internet service on long flights and has signed JAL to provide the service on Japan/London flights by year end. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,87086,00.html?nlid=MW

At last roaming agreements

Solving some of the problems that plague would be users of Wi-Fi technology, two announcements about roaming agreements mean better access for everyone. http://www.internetweek.com/e-business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17000201
http://www.internetweek.com/e-business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16900106

New wireless standard

Aimed at wireless personal networks, 802.15.3 will also occupy the crowded 2.45 GHz frequency range. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/19298.html

Use of wireless to grow

The Yankee Group predicts that the number of users of wireless technology will reach 96 million in 2006. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/16014.html

GR8 Nws

The latest version of the Condensed Oxford English Dictionary (COD) included all those SMS shorthands that you can never remember. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/11979.html

At last quality service

The IEEE has almost reached the final stage in its work on 802.11e, the quality of service standard for 802.11 WLANs. This could mean approval of the standard as early as March 2004. http://www.nwfusion.com/weblogs/wireless/003745.html

Wireless LAN offers more

New products from several wireless LAN providers are helping to push the 802.11x standards to new levels. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,87230,00.html?f=x68

Wireless sales are up …

Infonetics Research said that worldwide sales of WLAN equipment increased 11 percent in the third quarter. http://www.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16400177

… and they are up even more in Europe

Insight Research's analysis of the Wi-Fi industry, suggests that wireless LAN technology will grow faster in Europe than North America. http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Nov2003/6060.htm

Wireless Meshes

Is it possible to create a standard for a mesh of WLAN nodes? http://www.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16504090

IBM boosts production

Of those chips that are used in wireless products such as cell phones, wireless networks and other wireless applications. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/22604.html

Airgo improves WLAN

Using multiple antennas gives a major performance boost says Airgo Networks. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/22322.html

Near Field Communications

A new technology could rival BlueTooth and the chips could be about 5% of the cost. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/19313.html

SDR is coming

Software defined radios (SDR) have been approved by the FCC and will change the face of communications. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/13529.html

Wi-Fi rival

Using new 3G technology, Vodaphone has launched a wireless service exclusively for PCs that will rival Wi-Fi for access to the internet. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3304751.stm

New record for Wi-Fi

Students managed to achieve a distance of 82 miles using an 802.11b link. http://classes.weber.edu/wireless/

Chinese Wi-Fi not compatible

The new standard for WLANs in China is based on 802.11 but it is different and this will cause some problems. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/12/10/
HNchinesecontroversy_1.html
http://www.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16700336

Wi-Fi in the sky

The FCC to investigate the use of wireless LANs (Wi-Fi) in aircraft and will present a report to the FAA next summer. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/pcworld/20031210/tc_pcworld/113833

WLAN industry to grow

Gantner Dataquest is predicting that WLAN shipments will grow 73 percent this year. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/19469.html

Smart Card

San Francisco goes smart

Allowing travelers to use one card on all forms of public transport in the San Francisco area, the French company ASK will supply dual interface smart cards. http://www.ask.fr/uk/news/news_article.php?id=1

Electronic passports

New partnership aims to create solutions for the electronic passport. http://www.st.com/stonline/press/news/year2003/t1386m.htm

MasterCard smart card projects

With over 400 projects around the world, MasterCard is putting a lot of energy into the smart card in its various forms. http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?lc=c77743cx799zo

Conference highlights secure chips

At the Cartes 2003 smartcard conference, secure chips took center stage as the need for a biometric information carrier is coming to a head. http://www.net-security.org/news.php?id=4137

UltraWideBand

UWB Standards

The standards process is going no where fast and now the alliances are becoming more concrete as the two sides will move ahead with or without the standard. http://www.ultrawidebandplanet.com/technology/article/
0,,10850_3110081,00.html

UWB standard not decided

With two factions each promising to go ahead with or without a standard, will we have another VHS/Beta debate on our hands? http://www.planetanalog.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16600437

New Patent for UWB

CACI International Inc has filed a patent application for a means to monitor the contents of sealed shipping containers using UltraWide Band technology. http://www.caci.com/about/news/news2003/08_05_03_NR.html

Can UWB steal the show?

Research company, ON World, says that UltraWide Band may be the killer technology and replace Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/12/prwebxml92564.php

Homeland Security

DHS invites small businesses

Looking for small businesses to submit proposals that address high-priority technology areas, the DHS released a Small Business Innovation Research program solicitation. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/1_1/daily_news/22166-1.html

Border security - what does it take?

With the deadlines looming for biometric technology to be put in place at borders into the U.S. what is this going to mean to the thousands of people who cross borders every day. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104453,00.html

Does US-VISIT compromise privacy

Yes according to Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., and No according to the DHS. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1205/120503c1.htm

US-VISIT needs a prime

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a request for proposals for a prime contractor to implement the US-VISIT program. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/1201/
web-usvisit-12-01-03.asp
http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/US-VISIT_RFP__HSSCHQ04R0096.pdf

Privacy

Is RFID part of 1984?

We are being watched wherever we go. Whether you subscribe to the philosophy of The Matrix or Minority Report or something else, we are being watched. Is RFID going to make a difference? http://washingtontimes.com/national/20031126-113641-3955r.htm

Privacy and CAPPS II

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, PrivacyActivism, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, and CASPIAN comment on the issues of privacy in the CAPPS II program. http://www.eff.org/privacy/cappsii/20030930_comments.php

Privacy and libraries

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) comments on the use of RFID in library books. http://www.eff.org/Privacy/Surveillance/RFID/20031002_eff_pr.php

MIT Privacy Workshop

For those that were unable to attend, a webcast archive has been setup for everyone to hear the debate. The agenda with links is at http://www.rfidprivacy.org/agenda.php and a report on the meeting can be found at http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=16100902

CA Senate hearing on RFID

The hearings on RFID have continued with pressure mounting to prevent the use of RFID until the privacy aspects are completely understood. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/
0,39020357,39115785,00.htm

RFID upsets civil liberties groups

Demanding a stop to all RFID activities until the full implications are understood, several civil liberties organizations believe that the privacy threat is too large. http://www.pcw.co.uk/News/1149927

Stop RFID!

Several groups involved in privacy have called for a stop on all aspects of work involving RFID until the privacy issues can be resolved. http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/RFIDposition.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3224920.stm

Don't stop RFID

Privacy think-tank Privacilla.org has issued a press release condemning the group that has called for a stop to RFID, saying it is based on science fiction rather that real privacy concerns. http://www.privacilla.org/releases/press027.html

RFID is not easy

And contrary to the many statements made by privacy organizations, it will not be able to tell what color underwear you have on. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,61264,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
story/0,10801,87286,00.html?f=x68

Privacy and RFID

The pressure mounts but the facts are not all correct. http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20031201S0009

National ID System?

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has called for a national driver's license system for the U.S. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/15775.html

Face scanning OK in school

A Phoenix, Arizona school has installed a face recognition system that is linked to the national databases of sex offenders. Missing children, and alleged abductors.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/
sns-ap-school-facial-scans,0,4701860.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

General Technology

Miniature thermoelectric generator

Applied Digital Solutions has created a miniature generator to replace a battery based on body heat. http://www.techextreme.com/perl/story/13874.html

Sensor networks get attention

Continuing on with the concept of networks of sensors that can report on the state of anything, Intel has funded some research. http://wired.com/wired/archive/11.12/intel.html
http://www.intel-research.net/berkeley/index.asp

Cell phone credit card

Cell phone users in Japan can use the phone as a credit card in a new test that has just started. http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994486

Who has the credit card?

Or is it even a credit card? As alternatives like cell phones, implanted chips (and of course - cash) are appearing at every turn. http://www.crmdaily.com/perl/story/22753.html

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:

Infineon Takes Chip Labels to a Higher Plane - 25 Times Faster than Current Products

Munich, Germany - December 2, 2003 - German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX) wants to revolutionize electronic labels for industrial and logistics applications with innovative RFID technology. The newly unveiled chips can be read and written at lightning speed by wireless. They are suitable for contactless electronic identification of fast-moving objects. The focus is on applications for baggage handling at airports, textile industry logistics, mass merchandising and dispatch, conveyor belt production, and courier and postal services. Infineon co-developed the chip with Australian company Magellan Technology on the basis of Magellan's PJM technology. In line with its Agenda 5-to-1 strategy, Infineon intends to do more than just produce the chips in future. It also wants to develop and plan entire electronic identification systems including the infrastructure and software for the industry.
http://www.infineon.com/cgi/ecrm.dll/
jsp/showfrontend.do?lang=EN&news_
nav_oid=-9979&content_type=NEWS&
content_oid=94782

Barcodes Watch Out! New RFID Chips from Infineon Read 500 Smart Labels Simultaneously

Munich, Germany - December 2, 2003 - Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX) is expanding its RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) solutions portfolio. Its new PJM (Phase Jitter Modulation) chips can be read and written at high speed. They boast a large storage capacity and extensive security functions. Unlike current RFID solutions, PJM chips are suitable for simultaneous contactless electronic identification of several hundred objects or very fast-moving objects. The focus is on applications for transport logistics, goods tracking and dispatch, baggage handling at airports, and for mail and courier services. Infineon co-developed the chip with Australian company Magellan Technology on the basis of Magellan's PJM technology. http://www.infineon.com/cgi/ecrm.dll/
jsp/showfrontend.do?lang=EN&news_
nav_oid=-9979&content_type=NEWS&
content_oid=94777

Applied Digital Solutions' CEO Announces ``VeriPay'' Secure, Subdermal Solution for Payment and Credit Transactions at ID World 2003 in Paris

PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2003--Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX) an advanced technology development company, announced that the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Scott R. Silverman, in his speech today at the ID World 2003 in Paris, France, revealed the Company's newest subdermal RFID solution called VeriPay(TM). VeriPay is intended to be a secure, subdermal RFID (radio frequency identification) payment technology for cash and credit transactions.
About the size of a grain of rice, VeriChip(TM) is the world's first subdermal, radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and other applications. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031121005207&
newsLang=en

BIO-key Selected by Global Profile Services, as Finger-based Biometric Identification Technology for Identity Theft Prevention Subscription Service

New Method to Prevent Identity Theft and Protect Personal Information
MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BIO-key International (OTC Bulletin Board: BKYI - News), the leader in finger-based biometric identification technology, today announced its identification solutions were selected by Global Profile Services (GPS) to be embedded in its +id(TM) ("plus I. D.") product. +id utilizes smart card and finger biometrics to positively identify users of financial transactions and authorized users of federated trusted computer networks. The +id process facilitates the provisioning of users for security applications, and provides a method to "fast-track" members through security checkpoints. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031125/
nytu048_1.html

Bluesoft's AeroScout Tag - the Only Commercially Available Wi-Fi Tag - Meets With Success in the Market

Wi-Fi Planet Conference, SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluesoft announced today its successful delivery and deployment of AeroScout Wi-Fi Tags during the first six months of commercial shipment. AeroScout Tags are unique in their combination of Wi-Fi compatibility and long battery life (up to 5 years). http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/12-02-2003/
0002068236&EDATE=TUE+Dec+
02+2003,+05:11+PM

Intermec RFID Products Meet U.S. Department of Defense Requirements Outlined Today

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 2, 2003 - Intermec Technologies Corp., a pioneer in radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies and global supply chain automatic data collection systems, today announced the availability of RFID products and services that comply with the requirements for the U.S. Department of Defense's unique identification (UID) initiative, outlined today in Washington, D.C. http://www.intermec.com/eprise/main/
Intermec/Content/About/NewsPages/
pressRelease?section=about&press
ID=520

HID and INSIDE Team Up to Offer Complete Access Control Solution

AIX EN PROVENCE, France, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- INSIDE Contactless (leading supplier of contactless chips and couplers) today announces the result of a strong and productive partnership with HID Corporation (the world's largest manufacturer of contactless readers and cards for the access control industry). iCLASS, HID's new read/write contactless smart card optimized for multiple applications based on INSIDE Contactless' technology, will be displayed at Cartes 2003 on INSIDE's booth 3J041. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/11-14-2003/
0002058253&EDATE=FRI+Nov+14
+2003,+03:00+AM

Gemplus' SafesITe System Helps Enterprises Create a More Trusted and Efficient Work Environment for Their Employees

LUXEMBOURG and PARIS, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CARTES 2003 -- Gemplus International S.A. (Nasdaq: GEMP; Euronext: LU0121706294 - GEM), the world's leading provider of smart card solutions today introduces "SafesITe," its smart card-based offering for corporate & B2B security. SafesITe is based on Gemplus' proven portfolio of smart card technology and expertise, and enables enterprises to offer more secure and convenient identification services to their employees. The SafesITe system provides customers and system integrators with all the products (cards, readers & software) and services necessary for quick and easy deployment of multi-purpose employee cards capable of consolidating physical and IT security features. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/
story/11-17-2003/0002059209&EDATE=

Thomson Media Announces 14th Annual CardTech/SecurTech Conference and Exhibition

Keynote Series Features Glen Salow, CIO of American Express and Dr. John Deutch, Former Director, CIA
NEW YORK, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Media Conferences and Exhibitions announced today that its 14th Annual CardTech/SecurTech (CTST) Conference will held at The New Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C., from April 26 to April 29, 2004. CTST is the largest U.S.-based smart card, biometrics, and security technology trade show and the leading showcase for technologies that are speeding transactions, protecting identities, securing perimeters and giving marketers a new tool in the fight for consumer loyalty. CTST's keynote series will feature leaders from government and financial sectors. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/11-17-2003/
0002059331&EDATE=
MON+Nov+17+2003,+07:04+AM

STMicroelectronics Samples World's Most Advanced Smart Card Chip

32-bit SmartJ(TM) chip with 1Mbyte Flash memory set to power new applications
GENEVA, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has announced that it is now sampling the ST22FJ1M, an advanced 32-bit smart card processor with 1Mbyte of embedded Flash memory, to key customers. The exceptionally high memory capacity opens up a host of new market opportunities in the Mobile, Pay TV, IT security and Identification markets. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/
story/11-20-2003/0002062280&EDATE=

Metrologic's industrial bar code scanners selected for mail tracking

Blackwood, New Jersey - November 20, 2003 -- Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS:MTLG), experts in optical image capture and processing solutions that design, manufacture and market sophisticated imaging and scanning solutions for a variety of applications today announced that its Industrial Systems Division, headquartered at its subsidiary Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc. ("AOA"), received a substantial order from a major airline to provide portable bar code reading stations to the airline. http://www.machine-vision.de/portal/
modules.php?name=News&file=
article&sid=246

Zebra Technologies Acquires Atlantek, Inc.

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) today announced that it has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Atlantek, Inc. Located in Wakefield, RI, Atlantek is a designer and manufacturer of thermal digital printers. Atlantek had net sales of approximately $16 million for its most recent fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2003. Terms of the cash transaction were not disclosed. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?partner=
46000&storyId=98816

Zebra Technologies and Porter Lee Partner to Fight Crime

CSI Bar Code Application Increases Security and Accuracy, While Reducing Time In Tracking Evidence From Collection to Disposition
VERNON HILLS, Ill., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a worldwide leader in delivering printing solutions for business improvement and security, today announces its latest alliance partner, Porter Lee Corp. Based in Schaumburg, Ill., Porter Lee provides software, hardware and support services developed specifically for evidence tracking. Under Zebra's partner alliance agreement, Porter Lee offers law enforcement agencies and forensic crime laboratories its Crime Fighter Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistics and Tracking (BEAST) property room evidence management, and laboratory information management system software, sold exclusively with Zebra's desktop and mobile bar code label printers and media. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?
partner=46000&storyId=98604

John Paxton Retires as President of Zebra Technologies Bar Code Business Unit; To Continue on Board of Directors and in Consulting Capacity

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a recognized leader in bar code labeling solutions, announced today that John Paxton, 66, President of the Bar Code Business Unit is retiring to spend more time with his family and outside business interests. Mr. Paxton joined the Zebra senior management team in February 2002, in his current role. Effective immediately, Mr. Paxton will transition into a consulting capacity with the company, where he will primarily focus on developing Zebra's government business and building key strategic alliances with companies that further Zebra's growth objectives. Mr. Paxton's new role will provide him the opportunity to attend to his personal matters, give Zebra the benefits and value of his vast industry experience, and provide for a smooth management transition. He will act as an advisor to Chairman and Chief Executive Edward Kaplan and will continue as a member of Zebra's Board of Directors. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?partner
=46000&storyId=99359

Robert B. Cornick Joins Zebra Technologies as Vice President General Manager For RFID Solutions

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a recognized leader in bar code labeling solutions and the rapidly emerging area of radio frequency identification (RFID), announced today that Robert B. Cornick has joined the company as vice president and general manager of RFID solutions. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?partner
=46000&storyId=98808

Animal disease control: Byrne welcomes Council adoption of eartagging for sheep and goats

The Council of Ministers has adopted a Regulation on the identification and registration of sheep and goats as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Stopping animal disease epidemics requires quick action. To do this it must be possible to quickly determine an animal's place of origin and its movements throughout the EU. The Regulation will reinforce current measures, specifically by gradually introducing in all Member States an identification system to mark each animal, making it possible to trace the individual movements of sheep and goats.

David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, welcomed Council's adoption of the Regulation: "The foot and mouth disease crisis showed us the urgency of having systems in place to prevent the spread of contagion. The tagging system introduced by this Regulation will make it possible to rapidly determine where animals come from and where they have been, making it possible to trace the movements of infected animals. Great care has been taken to make sure the practical implications of this legislation do not become a burden for farmers". http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/
guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=
IP/03/1761|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display=

United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory to Install SAGEM Morpho Fingerprint Processing System

TACOMA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2003--SAGEM Morpho, Inc., the world's largest biometrics company, today announced that it has been awarded a contract by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) for the installation of a new MetaMorpho Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). USACIL is located at Fort Gillem, Forest Park, GA (near Atlanta), and is responsible for collecting and processing evidence from all crime scenes at all military installations throughout the world. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=
20031118005829&newsLang=en

Fingerprint Technology wins prestigious InfoWorld 100 Award

TAMPA, Florida. November. 17 -- realtime North America, Inc. has announced today that Brevard County of Florida has won the prestigious InfoWorld 100 Award with bioLock, the first and only fingerprint access and function control system for SAP. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003
/11/prweb89740.php

McDonald's Reduces Payroll Costs up to 22% with IR Recognition Systems Biometric HandReaders

HandPunch Eliminates Expensive "Buddy Punching." Over 3,400 Employees at 85 Restaurants Have Clocked In and Out Biometrically.
CAMPBELL, CALIF (PRWEB) October 21, 2003 - IR Recognition Systems, the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand's (IR) Security & Safety Group's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD), today announced that 85 McDonald's restaurants are cutting payroll costs by up to 22 percent annually after incorporating IR Recognition Systems' biometric HandPunch biometric terminals to record time and attendance. The HandPunch terminal eliminates expenses associated with employee badges and fraud caused by buddy punching. Over 3,400 employees at 85 McDonald's restaurants in Venezuela have been enrolled with the HandPunch over the past four years. On average, the system generates over 7,500 transactions each day resulting in over 2.5 million "punches" annually. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2003/10/prwebxml85613.php

IBCOL Enters U.S. Market; Its Multi-Biometric Platform Integrates All Fingerprint, Face, Iris, Signature Identifiers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- IBCOL, an advanced technology company in Germany, today announced it was entering the U.S. biometric market by offering the most advanced, integrated border and access management systems that already meet all present national and international security requirements. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/11-24-2003/
0002064494&EDATE=MON+Nov+
24+2003,+12:23+PM

Metal Storm Adds Handgun Manufacturer to 'Personalized Handgun' Team

Taurus International Manufacturing to build platform for electronic handgun with dynamic grip recognition
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2003-- Metal Storm Limited (NASDAQ Small Cap ticker symbol: MTSX and ASX trading code: MST) New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Taurus International Manufacturing (Taurus) announced today they had signed a collaboration memorandum with the goal of developing and bringing to market a 'personalized' handgun that electronically recognizes pre-authorized individual users. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031126005147&
newsLang=en

Identix Selected to Provide Facial Recognition and Live Scan Fingerprint Technology for United Kingdom Passport Service Biometric Pilot

SchlumbergerSema Leads Technology Team Selected for the UK Passport Service Six-Month Biometric Pilot
MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2003-- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX), the world's leading multi-biometric security technology company, announced today that it is part of a team led by SchlumbergerSema that has been selected by the UK Passport Service (UKPS) to provide the technology for the UKPS six-month trial of biometric enrollment. SchlumbergerSema is the information technology (IT) business segment of Schlumberger Limited. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031208005297&
newsLang=en

Advanced ID Secures Partnership Agreement with Applied Wireless

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 2003--Advanced ID Corporation (OTCBB: AIDO), a pioneer in the radio frequency identification (RFID) market, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. (AWID) for the production and marketing of RFID readers for Advanced ID's field tests in Taiwan where a total of 32,000 readers will be needed to fulfill the needs of the Taiwan hog industry according to the government. Advanced ID has utilized AWID's expertise to jointly develop an RFID reader exclusively for the livestock identification market, and which will be used for its field tests in Canada, Taiwan and Argentina. AWID readers were previously used in Advanced ID's field tests conducted at Ballco Feeders Custom Feedlot and at Cargill's beef processing plant. The AWID readers performed flawlessly offering a significant read range under extreme conditions. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031125005180&
newsLang=en

INSIDE Introduces Another Innovation to its Product Portfolio

AIX EN PROVENCE, France, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- INSIDE Contactless, leading supplier of contactless chips and couplers, today announced the immediate availability of the Hand'IT(TM)-2G, the new generation of a plug and play advanced compact Flash type I contactless module.

The Hand'IT(TM)-2G has been designed to operate with any laptops and PDAs running with Microsoft Window(R) 98/XP/Me/Pocket PC 2002/2003. The new module is compatible with CF card slot types I and II enabling communication with INSIDE's contactless chips: PicoPass(TM), PicoTag(TM) as well as other contactless chips. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/11-17-2003/
0002059446&EDATE=MON+Nov+
17+2003,+08:07+AM

Printronix Aligns With Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF) to Help Suppliers With RFID and Other Compliance Issues

Printronix Offers VCF Members Insight Into Wal-Mart's RFID Initiatives and Shows Suppliers How to Include RFID Technologies in Their Own Environments
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Printronix Inc. (Nasdaq: PTNX), the leading manufacturer of integrated enterprise printing solutions for the supply chain, has formed a global strategic alliance with Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF) by becoming a sponsor of the organization. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK5.story&
STORY=/www/story/11-20-2003/
0002062509&EDATE=THU+Nov+
20+2003,+08:31+AM

RedPrairie Builds Supply Chain Execution Industry's First-Ever Interactive RFID Lab for EPC Compliance; Cutting Edge RFID Lab Drives Customer Pilots and Enables Real-World Testing

WAUKESHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 2003--RedPrairie Corporation, a leader in global supply chain technology solutions, today announced it has built a fully functional, EPC-compliant RFID laboratory - the first of its kind in the supply chain execution industry - to test RFID technology in a real-world environment. The RFID Lab is driving customer pilot programs, enabling RedPrairie customers and prospects to research RFID tag placement and readability as they prepare for RFID compliance. In addition, using company-specific data and scenarios, the RFID Lab is helping companies determine how RFID will impact their supply chain and how they can achieve maximum value from RFID investments through supply chain process improvements. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031124005101&
newsLang=en

Printronix Ships Industry's First RFID, UHF, Class 1, Commercial Printer

Retailers and Key Suppliers Seek Ease and Expertise of Printronix's Solution for the Printing of EPC-compliant Labels
FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Printronix Inc. (Nasdaq: PTNX), the leading manufacturer of integrated enterprise printing solutions for the supply chain and a member of EPCglobal US, today confirmed it has completed several revenue shipments of its Smart Label Developer's Kit. The kit is the first UHF, Class 1 smart label solution available commercially to help Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense, their suppliers and other retailers conform to the new radio frequency identification (RFID) specifications. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-02-2003/0002067624&EDATE=

Ecma Welcomes ISO/IEC Adoption of NFC Standard for Short Range Wireless Communication

Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol establishes instant network connections between devices
GENEVA, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- ISO and IEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC 1) have adopted Ecma-340 (NFCIP-1 -- Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol) as ISO/IEC 18092.

NFC is a very short-range protocol, for distances measured in centimetres, and is optimised for intuitive easy and secure communications between various devices without user configuration. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
031208/lnm017_1.html

Microchip Technology Enhances Power Management With New PICmicro Microcontroller Family, Meeting the Demand for Total Control of Power Consumption

8-bit Flash Microcontrollers Offer Low-Cost Enhanced Power Management for Utility Metering, Motor Control, Battery Powered and General Purpose Applications
CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2003-- Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced four new PICmicro(R) 8-bit Flash microcontrollers optimized to address the demand for effective control of system power consumption in battery-powered and line-powered control applications. This new PIC16F family delivers fault-redundant clocking and the ability to shut the system down reliably, meeting the needs for safety-critical and power-managed motor control in the automotive and general purpose markets. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031208005235&
newsLang=en

VeriChip Corporation Signs New International Distribution Agreement for South Africa

Minimum purchase requirement to maintain distributor exclusivity for 5 years calls for sale of over 51,000 VeriChips - initial order placed
PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2003-- Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX), an advanced technology development company, today announced "immediately after its CEO's appearance on CNNfn" that its wholly owned subsidiary, VeriChip Corporation, has signed a 5-year exclusive international distribution agreement with AfriTrace (Pty) Ltd. of South Africa. AfriTrace's sister company, IdentiPet (www.identipet.com), has purchased over 300,000 animal microchips from Applied Digital's majority owned affiliate, Digital Angel Corporation (Amex: DOC) over the past 14 years. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=n
ews_view&newsId=20031209005757&
newsLang=en
 

EXE Announces API Program for Meeting Multiple RFID Standards for Commercial & Governmental Warehouse Applications

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2003--EXE Technologies(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:EXEE) today announced a major application program interface (API) solution for radio frequency identification (RFID) systems that enables the company's EXceed Warehouse Management System (WMS) to take advantage of this important emerging technology more efficiently. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031210005197&
newsLang=en
 

RF SAW, Inc. Announces Gamma Radiation Hard RFID Tags; Doses Up To 5 Mega Rads --500 Million Ergs/Gm-- With No Measurable Degradation

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2003--RF SAW the leading developer of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and product solutions for supply chain, asset management, security, and government organization applications worldwide announced today that their Global SAW RFID Tag withstands gamma sterilization without degradation. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20031210005147&
newsLang=en

To the EPCglobal community:

Alien Technology Corporation is pleased to announce we have signed EPCglobal's
Memorandum of Agreement to become a founding member of that organization. Alien has also agreed in principle to EPCglobal's Intellectual Property policy. In accordance with this policy, Alien is prepared to make available royalty-free use of its IP included in the EPC Class 1 UHF protocol specification to others abiding by the terms of the agreement. We encourage other members of the RFID community to join us in these steps, and embrace EPCglobal's leadership in facilitating the rapid global rollout of RFID solutions.
http://www.alientechnology.com/library
/pdf/EPCglobalIPPolicyLetter.pdf

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:

Let it snow. Here's a wacky variation on the old snow globe, watch the kids play and then shake their world! http://ww12.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm

You do believe in time travel don't you? http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa004&articleID=0000AB94-
4016-1FBE-801683414B7F0000&
pageNumber=1&catID=4

Fruitcake anyone? In a more lighthearted theme, Wal*Mart has used RFID to confirm that there really is only one fruitcake in existence. (For our non-U.S. readers, there is a persistent rumor in the U.S. that if you give a fruit cake as a gift it is passed on to the next person as a gift and no-one actually eats the cake). http://bbspot.com/News/2003/12/
fruitcake.html

Could you have passed the Eight Grade in 1895?
http://www.snopes.com/language/
document/1895exam.htm

This may be the most amazing car commercial ever made! They claim no computer generated images or trickery. It took 606 takes, over three months and cost $6 million dollars. http://multimedia.honda-eu.com/accord/

How to do math in ancient Babylon http://www.math.tamu.edu/~don.
allen/history/babylon/babylon.html

Learn all you can about space, great for kids of all ages
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

This is not your regular 404 error page http://www.coxar.pwp.
blueyonder.co.uk/

See some of those amazing photos from NASA http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/
ap030630.html

You always wanted a jey powered vehicle didn't you? http://aardvark.co.nz/pjet/
turbinenuts.shtml

The internet soapbox, what to do with all that email http://www.smilepop.com/index.cfm?action=viewcard&content_id=8407&
page_id=8407

How much do you know anout sharks? http://www.nationalgeographic.com
/sharks/

The Fine Print

Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of the Hightechaid.com web site are not within our control. If you end up with an error message, try a search of the site in the link to find the topic. Magazines and newspapers often move content on their sites, but you can usually find it with a little work. Back issues of the newsletter are available at
http://www.hightechaid.com/
newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm

Please tell us what extra you want from the newsletter and don’t forget to tell your friends to subscribe. You can forward your ideas to news@hightechaid.com. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced without written permission. No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of the newsletter; readers are advised to seek professional opinion on the use of any products described. Opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers of the newsletter.