www.hightechaid.com

October 2003

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the HighTechAIDCourier.

Welcome to another issue of the newsletter. As always we are trying to keep you up-to-date about all the things that are happening in the world of AIDC. Again this month we have lengthened the newsletter and I hope that you are getting some good information from it.

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Technology News Briefs

Radio Frequency Identification

RFID is here, but is it ready?

At the EPC™ Symposium in Chicago, users said that it will take five to ten years for RFID technology to be fully deployed at the item level. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/technology/
story/0,10801,85199,00.html?nas=AM-85199

Japan looks at using RFID

Using technology based around the EPC™ system, Japanese shoppers could be tracked to determine their shopping habits. http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/systems/
0,39001153,39129324,00.htm

Can RFID do it?

Can trials that show the kill function in an RFID tag allay the fears of consumers? Or will it take more than this to allow RFID to become pervasive? http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?
lc=s43565ix746zw

U.K. tests tags for pedophiles

Is keeping track of prisoners or law breakers an affront to their privacy? http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=9375842
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/
0,6903,1046614,00.html

RFID can help visually impaired

Using an RFID tag's unique number can be a blessing for the visually impaired with a system that is being developed by the University of Rochester to provide location information from a fixed tag and mobile reader. http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/rnb_092403.asp

RFID provides the solution

Whether you need to locate that pallet in the warehouse, the meals in a military container, or the validity of the money in your pocket, RFID is the answer. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/29/technology/
29TAGS.html?pagewanted=print&position=

Japanese children to carry tags

In a scheme to test locating of children, two Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp (NTT) group companies and Dai Nippon Printing Co. announced a three month test of the system in Osaka, Japan. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=274104
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/2003/oct/
02/100205435.html

RFID to help healthcare

As a major contributor to the fight against counterfeit drugs, RFID will be used to authenticate drugs. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=15201340

RFID by the numbers

The numbers are there but can we provide the solution regarding privacy that will allow the companies to install RFID and experience the savings that are waiting. http://www.nwfusion.com/buzz/2003/0929rfid.html

McKinsey weighs in on RFID

A report from the McKinsey organization helps explain why retailers want RFID, but it also talks about some of the issues to be overcome. http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/chart_focus.asp
http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/article_page.asp?
ar=1347&L2=20&L3=74&srid=63&gp=0

U.S. DoD commits to RFID

In a recent announcement, the Department of Defense committed to implementing RFID in its supply chain. Citing "… leverages the Electronic Product Code (EPC) and compatible RFID tags." the DoD policy document said "… will require suppliers to put passive RFID tags on lowest possible piece part/case/pallet packaging by January 2005." http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,85869,00.html?nas=ERP-85869

Soccer rules

And now it rules using RFID. Fans at Manchester City's stadium don't wait in line for tickets. They use RFID cards to gain access to the stadium. http://www.iseriesnetwork.com/nwn/story.cfm?ID=17413

The Guardian reports on EPC/RFID

The bastion of all that is a British newspaper, the Guardian, has weighed in with its opinion on RFID and the Internet of Things. http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,1058506,00.html

PITT tag terminates totally

University of Pittsburgh professor, Marlin Mickle says his new PENI tag is not only smaller and cheaper than other tags, but it also has the ability to self destruct, answering issues about privacy concerns. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/
s_158115.html
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10267110&BRD=
2212&PAG=461&dept_id=465812&rfi=6

RFID - the truth and nothing but the truth?

USA Today tries to put some semblance of normality into the use of RFID tags and why it is a good thing. http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030925/5532478s.htm

RFID helps blind

A scanner that describes articles of clothing (price, color, size, style etc.) to a blind person uses an RFID tag to simplify the process. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/
coventry_warwickshire/3107832.stm

IBM announces it is back in RFID

With the WalMart announcement and the recent EPC™ Symposium, IBM has announced a consulting service to help companies use RFID. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=14704745

Malaysia takes on RFID

Announcing a very small chip, the Malaysian government sees RFID as important for a variety of purposes including embedding in the human body. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?
content_id=42180

Time Magazine sees-it-all

Does a Time Magazine article mean that RFID is really in the big time? The same questions are asked, but maybe to a much wider audience. http://www.time.com/time/globalbusiness/article/
0,9171,1101030922-485764,00.html

RFID provides payment tag

Along the lines of the "SpeedPass" system, a Canadian bank has launched an RFID driven small-value payment tag system. http://www.finextra.com/fullstory.asp?id=10055

Benetton looks to educate consumers

Saying that the privacy concerns of people are real but that education is the solution, Benetton says it has not backed away from RFID. http://www.cioinsight.com/article2/0,3959,1265581,00.asp

RFID in the supply chain

Everyone agrees that the efficiencies to be gained are huge but how is it going to happen? Cost and privacy are just two of the issues. http://www.crmdaily.com/perl/story/22376.html

The missing link - software

Has the industry suddenly woken up to the fact that RFID can only solve the problems if the software is there to make it happen? http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/09/26/38NNrfid_1.html

RFID blocker tags

Can they provide the solution or are they more of a problem? This article explains the possibilities of a blocker tag. http://theory.lcs.mit.edu/~rivest/
JuelsRivestSzydlo-TheBlockerTag.pdf

P&G signs up to WalMart's dates

And will probably beat them. Having been involved in the work of the AutoID Lab. (now EPC™ Global), the consumer products manufacturer is getting ready for RFID. http://www.informationweek.com/story/
showArticle.jhtml?articleID=15200580

International Paper has RFID solution

IP has created a fully automated warehouse that not only uses RFID to track assets but all inventory within the facility. http://www.amrresearch.com/Content/view.asp?
pmillid=16648&docid=11050

Auto industry need RFID

Representing 46 percent of the market for RFID, the auto industry is poised to move further with the technology according to an Allied Business Intelligence study. http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/story/
RTGAM.20031008.tw-tags-autos09/BNStory/Technology/

Airport to go with RFID

Las Vegas airport is looking for a vendor of RFID systems to provide them with a system. http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/
Oct-08-Wed-2003/business/22321988.html

RFID replaces barcode

This may not be the message that many are trying to send, but it shows that at least one company is out there trying to get RFID accepted on items. http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/10/13/
business/6443098&sec=business

A Grocer's view of RFID

Taking the viewpoint of the grocer this articles talks about RFID and the implications that it brings. 
http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/
icopyright_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1989061

RFID Standards

We are back in the swing of things again as the summer ends. Meetings of various ANSI groups in RFID have taken place as well as some ISO work.

At the ISO level, we held a ballot resolution meeting for ISO/IEC 18000 parts 6 and 7.This two day meeting reviewed all the comments made about the two prospective standards and resolved all the issues. The next move is to finalize and forward the documents onto ISO for a final FDIS ballot. This is a YES/NO ballot and if they pass the standards are published. For those that have been following the progress of the other parts of 18000, you know that they have got tied up at ISO before this FDIS ballot as we make sure all the ISO formatting rules are agreed. Other than some minor work on the titles of the documents this is now nearly complete and i expect the FDIS ballots to start soon. With any luck we will have published documents by February 2004.

In the U.S. the work on a Multi-Standard Reader standard has taken a step forward as we work to create a mathematical model that will allow us to accurately determine any problems in compatibility between air-interfaces.

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

Bar Code

Click to web

A technology that didn't do well was the ability to scan bar codes and get straight to a web page for more information. Now NeoMedia has brought out a twist on this idea. No more need for a bar code scanner attached to your PC, just click a photo of the bar code with your phone camera and instantly get competitive pricing. http://www.paperclick.com/

Book industry adopts EAN

Following the Uniform Code Council's guidelines to update to a full 13 digit number, the Book Industry Study Group has announced that it endorses the expansion of ISBNs from 10 digits to 13, effective January 1, 2007. http://www.bisg.org/news/news_isbn_what.html

UPS uses smart labels

But they are not RFID. Using the Maxicode technology "bar code" UPS has improved the performance of its system. http://www.computing.co.uk/Features/1144204

Bar code driven robots

One of the largest pharmacies in the Washington D.C. area, the National Naval Medical Center, uses a bar code to tell a robot how to fill a prescription. http://www.thewbalchannel.com/health/2458344/detail.html

Identification & Security

U.K. ID cards OK in Scotland

Although a U.K. ID card scheme has met with challenges, a plan to give Scottish teenagers an ID card is moving ahead to allow for access to school meals and leisure centers. http://www.scotlandonsunday.com/scotland.cfm?id=1073752003

Chip and PIN goes national

Following a successful trial, the U.K.'s Chip and PIN scheme is set to go nationwide by 2005. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/33170.html

France to have "secure" card

A new identity card will be issued in France that is "perfectly secure". It is unclear if the card will have biometrics. http://silicon.com/news/500022-500001/1/6228.html

Canadian national ID card

Even as Canadian Immigration Minister Denis Coderre is putting forward the idea of a national ID card, the critics are lining up to shoot him down. http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?
pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=
1065478211779&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154

Canada looks to biometric driver's licence

Looking to create a new standard for driver's licences in Canada, Manitoba is investigating the use of biometrics on the card. http://www.todaystrucking.com/displayarticle.cfm?ID=2673

Canada wavers on ID card

After an initial strong announcement about a national ID card, now it looks as if the Canadian Immigration Minister Denis Coderre says he is not committed. http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/10/08/privacy031008

U.K. identity card

UK Home Secretary David Blunkett is still fighting to get the controversial U.K. ID card system moving. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32980.html

U.K. ID cards again

Now David Blunkett is set to close a deal with the U.K. banks to allow the ID cards to double as credit cards. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/6989870?source=
Evening%20Standard

U.K. ID card still controversial

Even though the U.K. government has announced a delay, there is still considerable debate about the idea of a national ID card. (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32815.html) on the introduction
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/
StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1059479956128

U.K. ID cards again

Could this be the nail in the coffin for this scheme. The Sunday Times breaks a story that shows the opposition to the idea. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/33348.html

Biometrics

Use of biometrics in U.K. slows

Although popular movies would have us believe otherwise, maybe Biometrics technology is not quite ready for the big time. http://silicon.com/leader/500022/1/6131.html

Nationwide backs off fingerprints

Although it will move ahead with electronic signatures, the Nationwide Building Society in the U.K. has dropped its plans to use iris and fingerprint technologies. http://silicon.com/news/500013/1/6129.html

EU wants biometric visas

Joining the U.S. in looking at biometrics, the EU is now set to demand that the member states store facial images of people applying for visas and residence permits. http://www.kablenet.com/kd.nsf/Frontpage/
3665860FA7C8A77480256DAC0055962D?OpenDocument

EU looks at biometric passports

As early as 2005 the EU could be issuing fully biometric enhanced passports. http://www.euobserver.com/index.phtml?aid=12405

Fingerprint smart card in Japan

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi intends to issue multi-functional smart cards that will include fingerprint information in 2004. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=273921

Australian biometric identification bill

An overview of what the proposed new Australian laws could mean to a non-citizen traveling to Australia and what the opposition is saying. http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2003/09/55040.php
http://www.michaelorgan.org.au/500_parliament_sub.php?
deptItemID=52

Cash a check, need a fingerprint!

One supermarket chain is now requiring a fingerprint if you want to cash a check at their stores in an attempt to reduce the risk to the store. http://goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031007/
FRONTPAGE/110070328

DHS purchases fingerprint scanners

Looking towards the plan to require fingerprint identification for visa applications, the Department of Homeland security awarded a $27 million contract to Identix Inc. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0929/web-dhs-10-03-03.asp
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20031003005230&newsLang=en

Biometrics - a brief primer

This brief article provides the reasons that biometrics is a technology to be watched and why it should be used. http://legal.pro2net.com/x40536.xml

Wireless Computing

Wireless hot spots to increase

According to EE Times the total number of hotspots should reach 135,000 over the next few years. This should be a major plus to those of us that can never find one when we need it. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030915S0059

First WMAN products to appear

The new 802.16a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) will soon have products available. Redline Communications',Markham, Ontario, 802.16a system offers a throughput of 70Mbps with a range of up to 30 kilometers. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3087271

Boost Wi-Fi range

ParkerVision is claiming that its new Wi-Fi technology can boost the reception outdoors to about a mile, more than five times the range of a standard 802.11 device. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/33234.html

Boingo adds more hotspots

Announcing an arrangement with The Cloud, Boingo has added more than 2500 hotspots in the U.K. to its list of accessible points. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/33361.html
http://www.boingo.com/pr/pr54.html

Smart Card

U.S. plan for smart card hits snag

The technology exists to create a government-wide smart card program, but cultural issues and a lack of top-level management support stand in the way of implementation, experts said last week. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0915/
pol-culture-09-15-03.asp

Schlumberger Smart Cards changes name

Schlumberger Smart Cards and Terminals, a division of Schlumberger, has changed its name to Axalto. This name change will bring more visibility to Axalto and reinforce its image as a leading smart card player in a rapidly evolving market. http://www.axalto.com/press/news.asp?id=110

Tracking commuters causes more concern

Using the new smart travelcards (Oyster contactless smart cards) that Transport for London is now issuing, may allow commuters travel habits to be tracked and so is causing concern. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3121652.stm

Smart card grows

Frost and Sullivan's latest report on the smart card market suggests that growth will be driven by high-end mobile SIM cards and by a growth in demand from financial institutions. http://www.finextra.com/fullstory.asp?id=9669

Contactless cards gain in Japan

As new financial cards are issued in Japan there is a trend to replacing the traditional magnetic stripe cards with contactless technology. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030929S0049

India gets smart drivers license

Using both a smart card and an optical card in one will give India the system it needs to update its drivers license system. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?
content_id=43640

Making smart cards smart

University of Pennsylvania researchers are working on increasing the smarts in credit cards to allow users to program their own spending limits. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/33218.html

UltraWideBand

UWB standard still not set

The vote for support of the Intel and Texas Instruments version of the proposed IEEE's 802.15.3a standard for high-speed personal area networking again failed to get the 75% needed for adoption. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/5/33075.html

UWB to grow

According to a new report from Parks Associates, Ultrawideband communications systems will to a volume of more than 150 million devices by the end of 2007. http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/magazine/
news.asp?news=2509

Homeland Security

US-VISIT has no money!

The U.S. General Accounting Office has stated that there is not enough money available to make the Homeland Security Department's US-VISIT program a reality. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0922/
web-usvisit-09-23-03.asp

US- VISIT to cost $billions

The program will fingerprint and photograph visa applicants in their home countries and check their profiles against terrorist watch lists and criminal databases. But will the budget of $380 million be enough? http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/
A14287-2003Sep28?language=printer

Will US-VISIT meet deadlines?

Although officials from the Department of Homeland Security are saying they will meet the first deadline, the remainder of the deadlines don't seem so firm. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0922/
web-usvisit-09-26-03.asp

CAPPS II in delay

After a controversial start, the U.S. governments CAPPS II program has been delayed while the General Accounting Office prepare a report on its effectiveness. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0922/
web-capps-09-26-03.asp

U.S. wants passenger data - Europe says NO

A part of about the Transportation Security Administration's plan to ensure no wanted criminals or potential terrorists board planes is to collect personal information on all domestic airline passengers. The European Union says the proposal violates its privacy laws. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/
2003/09/19/national0158EDT0424.DTL&type=printable

Three companies bid for US-VISIT

The Homeland Security Department has chosen three companies, Accenture LLP., Computer Sciences Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. to compete for the U.S. Visit contract. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/1_1/
daily_news/21814-1.html

US-VISIT takes next step

Anteon Corp.'s subsidiary Information Spectrum has stated that it has won an order from the DHS for 1,000 optical card read/write drives and biometric verification systems. Is the program moving forward at last? http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/1_1/
daily_news/21844-1.html

DHS takes first step for visas

Looking towards the issuing of visas for the U.S. that include fingerprint information, the Department of Homeland security ordered $27 million worth of scanners. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0929/web-dhs-10-03-03.asp

US-VISIT doesn't get funds

Getting only about three quarters of its requested budget will put the squeeze on the DHS US-VISIT program for the next year. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/1006/
web-usvisit-10-09-03.asp 

TIA is dead

The Office of Information Awareness (IAO), the division of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that included controversial Total Information Awareness (TIA) has been eliminated in a funding cut by both the House and Senate. http://dc.internet.com/news/article.php/3084671

MEMs

MEMs technology is growing

Sales of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) is growing and we should expect to see more growth next year.http://www.smalltimes.com/document_display.cfm?
document_id=6772

Privacy

RFID in the library

Many libraries now include RFID tags as part of the system they use. A recent announcement by the San Francisco library to use RFID has sparked a debate on privacy issues of tags in books. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1307772,00.asp?
kc=EWRSS02129TX1K0000531

Privacy of RFID and status

An article explaining the status of RFID and highlighting the need for a privacy policy for the future. http://www.nwfusion.com/buzz/2003/0929rfid.html?
fsrc=rss-wireless

RFID privacy and kill switches

Are kill switches the real answer to RFID in the item management area or is it more a question of choice and education? http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?
lc=s43565ix746zw

Item level tags test privacy issues

Tests at two Tesco stores in the UK are at the item level. This has sparked criticism from privacy groups, but Tesco maintains that loyalty cards are more of a risk to privacy. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/england/berkshire/3110650.stm

Tag the clothes not the person

The Scotsman makes a good point about RFID. The technology is a major step forward for the retail industry but the privacy issues need to be dealt with. http://www.thescotsman.co.uk/scotland.cfm?id=1024972003

EU presents case on privacy

A new report from the EU explains the issues relating to personal privacy and includes such technologies as biometrics and RFID as potential problems. http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=9377830

At last a positive voice

Speaking against the activists, Information Week tells users to think of your customers and not the politicians. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=15202237

Privacy in Australia

Laws could affect the use of RFID and biometrics, so make sure you are aware of them. http://www.asianlegalonline.com/detail_article.cfm?ArticleID=1184

One library speaks up for RFID

Librarians in Berkeley, CA say that RFID is good for libraries and will be a major benefit for the library. 
http://www.berkeleydaily.org/text/article.cfm?issue=10-10-03&
storyID=17547

General Technology

Electronic paper speeds up

A single sheet of normal looking paper can be used to show color movies has been developed at Philips Research labs in the Netherlands. http://www.nature.com/nsu/030922/030922-10.html

Mag stripe to replace smart card

In what will seem to many as going backwards, the Department of Job and Family Services in Ohio are going out to bid for a magnetic card system to replace the current smart card system. The reason - smart cards cost too much! http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/
2003-10-07-smart-cards-fail_x.htm

Symbol still has woes

The AIDC giant continues to try to resolve its financial problems with the SEC investigation still ongoing. Restated 2002 figures due in March, then June, have still not been filed. http://www.cbronline.com/cbrnews/
2319933c166bc65780256dbb003173cc

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:

Verichip Corporation Announces New Verichip™ Distribution Milestone - Exclusive Distribution Agreement Signed For Spain, Verichip's First Major Western European Country

Four countries in Latin America included in new five-year distribution pact - Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay
Agreement includes initial purchase of 1,000 subdermal RFID VeriChips and 70 proprietary scanners - Five-year minimum purchase of 33,000 VeriChips and 2,470 scanners required to maintain exclusivity in these five countries
PALM BEACH, FL- September 22, 2003 - Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX), an advanced technology development company, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, VeriChip Corporation, has reached a new milestone in the worldwide distribution of VeriChip™. The Company has signed a five-year, exclusive distribution agreement for Spain, the first major western European country with such an agreement. The distributor, Metro Risk Management Group, LLC, is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and has twelve offices worldwide, including an office in Madrid, Spain. http://www.adsx.com/news/2003/
092203.html

Infineon Expands in the USA and Establishes New Presence in New York City

New York - September 30, 2003 - Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX) has opened its U.S. office facility in New York City, the world's largest capital market, to reaffirm its commitment to growing the company's presence in the Eastern United States. The office, located in Manhattan, will serve as a platform for Infineon to establish closer relationships with key financial, political and commercial audiences. http://www.infineon.com/cgi/
ecrm.dll/jsp/showfrontend.do?lang
=EN&news_nav_oid=-9979&
content_type=NEWS&content_oid=
90891

LXE Inc. And Savi Technology Announce Joint Product Development That Integrates RFID And Bar Code Readers Into Rugged Mobile Computers For Intermodal Transportation Applications

Product to be Released Later This Year Aimed at Enabling the Efficient and Secure Flow of Supply Chain Assets and Their Contents
CHICAGO - September 16, 2003 - Savi Technology, a leading provider of real-time solutions for asset management and supply chain security, and LXE, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and the back-to-back winner of the Mobile Star Award(tm) for best customer service, have agreed to joint product development of a new rugged handheld data collection device that will read both active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and bar codes. This product, expected to be introduced later this year, will enable users to automatically capture, store and transmit data from RFID-tagged supply chain assets, such as ocean cargo containers, as well as their contents for real-time, multi-level visibility, inventory management and security. http://www.savi.com/news_events/
2003releases/sept16-03-b.html

Digital Angel Corporation Awarded United States Department Of Agriculture Contracts To Supply 300,000 RFID e.Tags

Traceability System To Assist in Eradication Efforts to Stop Spread Of Fatal Diseases In Sheep, Elk and Deer
SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN -- OCTOBER 7, 2003 -- Digital Angel Corp. (Nasdaq: DOC) has received orders from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for more than 300,000 proprietary RFID animal tags and implantable microchips for use in Federal programs to study and eventually eradicate transmissible neurological conditions found in captive deer, elk and domestic sheep. http://www.digitalangel.net/
about_pressreleases.asp?
RELEASE_ID=1

STMicroelectronics Signs IC Development Agreement for Radio Frequency Identification Market

Geneva, September 15, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced it has signed an agreement with Alien Technology Corporation to collaborate on the development and manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs) for ultra-low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. http://www.st.com/stonline/
press/news/year2003/t1330m.htm

Solusat, Exclusive Distributor of VeriChip for Mexico, Signs Cooperation Agreement with Mexico's National Foundation for the Investigation of Lost and Kidnapped Children

VeriKid(TM) Program Launched as Part of Emergency Child Identification and Safeguard Initiative - VeriChip Corporation Donates 25 Subdermal RFID Verichips to National Foundation to Kick off Program in Mexico 
PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2003-- Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX - News), an advanced technology development company, announced today that Solusat, the Company's exclusive distributor of VeriChip(TM) products and services in Mexico, has signed a cooperation agreement with Mexico's National Foundation for the Investigation of Lost and Kidnapped Children. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/031001/
15410_1.html

Savi Technology And Gainsystems Integrate Software Tools To Introduce Real-Time Inventory Optimization

Combination of Savi's Real-Time Visibility and GAINSystems Inventory Chain Optimization Create Powerful Solution for the Dynamic Management and Optimization of Supply Chain Assets
CHICAGO - September 16, 2003 - Savi Technology, a leading provider of real-time solutions for asset management and supply chain security, has expanded and enhanced the functionality of its Asset Management System (AMS) software by integrating unique inventory optimization tools from GAINSystems, which has provided sophisticated optimization solutions for more than 400 major companies since 1971. http://www.savi.com/news_events/
2003releases/sept16-03-c.html

New York City's first subdermal RFID VeriChip "chipping'' procedure performed yesterday at lower Manhattan Authorized VeriChip Center

Journalist researching a story about RFID technologies undergoes brief outpatient procedure at the office of Dr. Christopher Mills and Dr. Vincent Scarpinato 
PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2003-- Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSX - News), an advanced technology development company, today announced that New York City's first subdermal VeriChip(TM) "chipping" procedure was performed yesterday (September 24, 2003) at the Company's lower Manhattan Authorized VeriChip Center. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030925/
255320_1.html

Cubic Technology Combines Public Transport with Third-Party Applications in Hanau, Germany

Cardholders Use "Get-In'' Smart Card to Pay for Bus Rides and Municipal Services
SAN DIEGO & HANAU, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2003--Thanks to multi-application smart card technology developed by Cubic Transportation Systems Inc., a subsidiary of San Diego-based Cubic Corp. (AMEX: CUB), residents in Hanau, Germany can now pay for municipal services, admission to cultural venues and other applications with the same dual-interface smart card they use to pay for local public transport. http://www.businesswire.com/
cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file
=day1/232825569&directory=/
newsknowledge&header_file=
header.shtml&footer_file=
footer.shtml

Gemplus Delivers Cost-Effective Secure Network Access to Denver Health in Less Than Three Weeks

LUXEMBOURG, and HORSHAM, Pa., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gemplus International S.A. (Euronext Paris SA: GEPL.PA; Sicovam: 005768; Nasdaq: GEMP), the world's leading provider of smart card solutions, today announces the delivery of smart cards and software to Denver Health, allowing employees to securely access patient information across its healthcare network. Interlink Group consultants working close with Denver Health department were able to integrate Gemplus smart cards utilizing Active Directory certificates to provide a Single Sign-on solution. Gemplus smart cards allowed Denver Health to develop a solution that was cost-effective and allowed for the implementation to be completed within three weeks. http://www.prnewswire.com/
cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&
STORY=/www/story/10-07-2003/
0002030716&EDATE=

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Announces Plan to Redeem $35 Million of 5 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 2003--Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) today announced that it will redeem $35.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of its existing 5 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2005 ("the Notes"). The redemption will take place on November 8, 2003. The Company will use cash flow from operations in addition to borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the pending redemption. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20030923005933&newsLang=en

U.S. Homeland Security Adopts Drexler's Biometric Verification Technology and LaserCard Visa for US-VISIT Ports of Entry and Orders 1,000 Drives/Systems

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2003--Drexler Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:DRXR), the supplier of multi-biometric ID cards to the governments of the United States, Canada, and Italy, announced that it has received an order through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to manufacture and deliver 1,000 optical memory card read/write drives/Biometric Verification Systems for the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology (US-VISIT) Program. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20031009005812&newsLang=en

Printronix Announces Second Quarter Results for Fiscal Year 2004

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2003--Printronix, Inc., (Nasdaq:PTNX), the leading manufacturer of integrated enterprise printing solutions for the supply chain, today announced second quarter revenue of $29.1 million, down 9.2% from $32.0 million in the year ago quarter. Revenue for the six-month period ending September 26, 2003 was $59.6 million, down 14.0% from $69.3 million for the same period a year ago. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20031009005704&newsLang=en

HHP and SIRIT Announce Strategic Alliance to Add RFID Technology to Dolphin Mobile Computers

SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y. and TORONTO, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- HHP, Inc. the world leader in imaged-based bar code data collection & mobile computing systems and SIRIT Technologies Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIRIT Inc. (TSX: SI), a leading provider of RFID technology, announce a strategic technology alliance today. The two companies are working together to integrate SIRIT's innovative "dual mode" RFID engine technology into HHP's industry leading Dolphin mobile computer product lines. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin
/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK5.story
&STORY=/www/story/10-03-2003/
0002029278&EDATE=FRI+Oct+
03+2003,+09:32+AM

Savi Technology Enhances Industry-Leading Software Applications For Real-Time Management And Security Of Supply Chain Assets And Their Contents

Full-Featured Apps Integrate All Forms of Automatic Identification Technologies Providing Real-Time Visibility, Command and Control of Items and Assets
CHICAGO - September 16, 2003 - Savi Technology, a leading provider of real-time solutions for asset management and supply chain security, today announced newly upgraded versions of its Asset Management System (AMS) and Transportation Security System (TSS) software applications, which provide greater depth, breadth and robustness of features for dynamically managing and securing a wide spectrum of supply chain assets, equipment and inventory. When plugged into the powerful Savi SmartChain® platform, which integrates all types of Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT), including bar codes, electronic sensors, passive and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and satellite tracking systems, the enhanced software applications provide real-time nested visibility of assets and their contents along with operational features that improve the management, monitoring, and security of these assets as they move through the global supply chain - from point of origin to final destination. http://www.savi.com/news_events/
2003releases/sept16-03-a.html

VeriChip Corporation Increases Its Washington, D.C. Presence -- Retains Stanley L. Reid to Market Subdermal RFID VeriChip to Federal Agencies

PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29, 2003--Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSX - News), an advanced technology development company, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, VeriChip Corporation, has retained the services of Stanley "Stan" L. Reid, a longtime technology industry executive and former congressional aide with extensive experience and wide contacts in Washington, D.C., to market VeriChip(TM) secure identification solutions to federal agencies. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030929/
295722_1.html

Cross Match Technologies Named Number 5 on 2003 Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies

Live Scan Fingerprint Solutions Innovator Recognized for Five-Year Growth of 11,517 Percent
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2003--Cross Match Technologies, Inc., a leading global provider of forensic-quality fingerprint and palm print biometric solutions, has been named the fifth fastest growing private company in 2002 according to Inc. Magazine. The Inc. 500 ranks privately held companies according to sales growth over the past five years. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20030930005764&newsLang=en

Department of Homeland Security Awards Contract to International Biometric Group

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a three-year contract to International Biometric Group (IBG) for research into the impact of identity determination systems and processes on international travel, border management and homeland security. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
031008/phw012_1.html

ICAO Issues Statement On Biometric Identification For Border Clearance Security Applications

Markland's Pending Acquisition of BioDentity Facial cognition Firm is Positioned to Benefit From Fast Growing Market for Facial Recognition Products
RIDGEFIELD, Conn. (PRWEB) June 13, 2003 -- Markland Technologies, Inc., an integrated security technology company, (OTC: MKLD - News), (www.marklandtech.com announced today that the recent selection of facial recognition as the blueprint by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (www.icao.int for the integration of biometric identification information into passports and other Machine Readable Travel Documents. http://www.emediawire.com/
releases/2003/6/emw69213.php

Identix Biometric Technology Now Available Through HID's bioCLASS Product Offerings 
Provides Strong Established Channel for Identix Technology Into Physical Access Control Marketplace 

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2003-- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX), the world's leading multi-biometrics security technology company, announced today that HID Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, has integrated Identix' BioEngine(R) biometric fingerprint algorithms into HID's newest 13.56 MHz contactless smart card offering, bioCLASS. The bioCLASS product family, which will be marketed by HID, will provide customers added security for access to their facilities through the combination of a contactless smart card and a biometric identifier. A prototype of HID's fingerprint biometric reader with iCLASS technology, an LCD screen and a keypad will be on display at the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) convention in New Orleans beginning September l5, 2003. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20030915005147&newsLang=en

Intermec Compact, Powerful Intellitag RFID Handle Reader for Popular 700 Series Handheld Computer Available in Europe in First Half of 2004 

Brings Power of Radio Frequency Identification to Mobile Workers 
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2003-- Intermec Technologies Corp. today announced European availability of its Intellitag(R) IP3, a new radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured as an accessory handle for the company's popular 700 Series Pocket PC mobile computer. The Intellitag IP3, introduced in the U.S. in June, adds the ability to read and write to Intellitag RFID tags to all Intermec 700 Series Color mobile computers. European availability is scheduled for the first half of 2004. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20030916005894&newsLang=en

Tesco Demonstrates EPC Class 1 UHF Commitment with Alien Technology Tags and Readers 

MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2003--TESCO and Alien Technology announced today the use of Alien Technology EPC Class 1 radio barcodes and readers for tray / case level tracking to improve supply chain visibility between one of their Distribution Centres and stores in the United Kingdom. The system, which takes advantage of Tesco's existing network infrastructure, was installed without disruption to Tesco's business operations. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20030917005894&newsLang=en

DoCoMo-Developed Area Information Service to be Tested in Roppongi Hills 

(PRESSI.COM 09/29/2003) TOKYO, JAPAN, September 29, 2003 --- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that its R-Click Service, a new area-information service incorporating mobile phones and a "wireless tag" device, will be tested by Mori Building Co. Ltd. at the Roppongi Hills complex in Tokyo. The test will be conducted from November 1, 2003 to February 1, 2004.
Individuals participating in the test will each receive a wireless tag transmitter, called a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag. Approximately 4,500 RFID tags will be distributed for the test. http://www.pressi.com/int/
release/74246.html

The Wireless Data Research Group: Global RFID Market to be $3 Billion by 2007 

Analyst Firm Releases Exhaustive RFID Study; States Supply Chain Standards is the Primary Market Driver 
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2003-- Today, the Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) announced it has found the market for RFID hardware, software and services will increase at a 23 percent CAGR from more than $1 billion in 2003 to $3 billion in 2007. According to the newly available research, the adoption of RFID for inventory and supply chain management applications, coupled with the finalization of a global air interface standard and architectural framework, will add significantly to the already growing base of RFID applications. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20031001005273&newsLang=en

OAT secures $11.5 mn first round VC funding

Matrix Partners and Greylock fund innovative RFID software company
Watertown, Mass. (September 15, 2003): OATSystems, Inc., a privately-held software company headquartered in Watertown, Mass., announced today that it has secured financing totaling $11.5 million from two top-tier venture capital firms: Matrix Partners and Greylock. http://www.oatsystems.com
/press/press_vcrelease.html

ASSA ABLOY signs agreement to acquire majority position in Sokymat S.A.

(PRESSI.COM 10/02/2003) The acquisition strengthens ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group's position in RFID solutions in the global market and provides it with important synergies and high technology manufacturing and development strength. 
http://www.pressi.com/int/
release/74778.html

Savi Technology is Recognized by NDTA for Its Support of the Defense Transportation System 
Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Support Software Have Enabled Defense and Industry to Improve Efficiency and Security 

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2003-- Savi Technology, which has provided data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification systems and support software to the U.S. Department of Defense for nearly a decade, was recently named as the recipient of the "National Transportation Award for 2003" by the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). Savi Technology has the distinction of being the first technology company to win the prestigious award, which has been given in past years to companies such as Boeing Corp., Maersk Sea Land and other major transportation and service providers. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20031007005298&newsLang=en

Philips expands RFID chip portfolio for global supply chain management applications

September 15, 2003 -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced the next innovative evolution of its RFID semiconductor product portfolio for supply chain management applications. With the introduction of the Philips ICODE EPC and the UCODE HSL chips, Philips now offers RFID solutions for all major types of supply chain management applications. Logistics and supply chain systems greatly benefit from recent developments surrounding the Electronic Product Code (EPC) specification because chips based on the specification, such as the Philips ICODE EPC, can achieve up to 200 labels to be read per second, can store information electronically and offer greater user flexibility than current barcode technology. 
http://www.semiconductors.philips
.com/news/content/file_987.html

ASSA ABLOY acquires the Identification Technology business of ACG and the majority position in OMNIKEY AG

(PRESSI.COM 10/08/2003) ACG identification technology business covers all services along the value chain from procurement through to end-customer sales to the markets of smart cards and RFID technology. The business has been a part of the ACG Group since its foundation 13 years ago. ACG is based in Wiesbaden, Germany with distribution companies and sales activities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, North and South America. Excluded from this transaction is ACGs mobile communications business. http://www.pressi.com/int/
release/75445.html

Lowry Computer Products Expands Its Labels Business With Cutting Edge HP Digital Press Technology

BRIGHTON, Mich., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowry Computer Products, Inc., a leading provider of bar code, wireless, RFID and data collection solutions, today announced its acquisition of a Hewlett-Packard Indigo ws4000 high-speed digital press for its labels business -- Lowry Labeling -- located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The HP Indigo digital press enables Lowry to produce short-to-medium run, high quality color labels -- quickly and on-demand.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/10-14-2003/
0002035742&EDATE=TUE+Oct+14
+2003,+04:09+PM

Zebra Technologies Welcomes FDA Stand on High-Tech Weapons to Combat Counterfeit Drugs 

Zebra Advocates Multi-Pronged Strategy Combining Bar Code, RFID "Smart Label" and Other Technologies to Help Secure Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Improve Consumer Safety 
VERNON HILLS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2003-- Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security, announced today that it welcomes and supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force Interim Report on the use of high-tech weapons and other promising new countermeasures in the fight against counterfeit drugs. The FDA report cites a blend of technologies such as bar code, radio frequency identification (RFID) "smart label," and brand protection solutions that have the potential to prevent and reduce counterfeit drug threats. Zebra was invited by the FDA to present and showcase its anti-counterfeiting technologies at the FDA's public meeting on anti-counterfeiting held today in Bethesda, Md. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20031015005525&newsLang=en

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:

How about a virtual radio museum http://www.sparkmuseum.com/
RADIOS

Or maybe the life and times of Einstein http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/
einstein/

Or perhaps you just need info on volcanoes http://www.volcanoworld.org

On the lighter side, maybe you just want to play a relaxing game? Try this site: http://www.popcap.com. In particular try the following games: mummy maze, typer shark, and wordstalk.

Or if you want some more taxing puzzles try http://www.allstarpuzzles.com/. The cryptogram and quotation puzzles are especially good.

Like to do Origami - maybe this is for you http://www.soiku-mm.co.jp/
origami/gallery/plain/0001.html

Or perhaps you just want to keep the boss busy for a while! http://www.pagetutor.com/idiot/
idiot.html

The Fine Print

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http://www.hightechaid.com/
newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm

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