February 2003

www.hightechaid.com

Steve Halliday

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the i3World Express.  We hope by now we have got you hooked on the information that we are providing every month. 
The combination of news bytes and the in depth articles we believe is right for today's information rich environment. We always welcome comments of course, and last month I received one of those comments that needs an answer.

The comment related to the content of the January issue. There was "not enough information on bar codes". In fact the person was right in saying there was little information about bar codes in that issue, but that comes down to two points. One, there was little "bar code" news last month (or at least little that I found), and two, I received no articles on bar codes. So if you have a topic that you believe needs more attention, then don't feel shy.  Write to me at news@hightechaid.com and I will give you the details for writing for the newsletter. Guest Editorials are always welcome as well as articles of note.

This last month has been an exciting one for the IT community and one where outside forces have taken over the normal day to day routine. First we heard confirmation from both Gillette (http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=g&script=
413&layout=-6&item_id=367635) and Alien (http://www.alientechnology.com/library/pr/alien_gillette.htm) that there is indeed a potential order for 500 million tags. This was reported in a previous issue of the newsletter. The interesting part of all of this is the statement in the Gillette press release that suggests that Gillette is not tied into the purchase and that the order is conditional upon the current tests being a success. The delivery of the tags would then take place over the next few years. You can read more about this and the issues it has raised in the RFID section below. 

The second big event to hit the IT world was of course the "slammer worm", practically bringing the internet to a halt in some parts of the world. The BBC News report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2697517.stm) suggests that around a quarter of a million computers were affected by the worm. Although a patch for the Microsoft software had been released some time before the attack, it appears that many companies (including some of Microsoft itself - http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/29/
1043534095219.html) did not implement the patch. While not implementing security patches seems a little crazy, you have to admit that the volume of patches over the past year have been enough to drive anyone crazy. If you are responsible for your own computer you will know what I mean, if you have an IT department, then pity them!  For more info http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/56/29027.html. If you thought you were safe, ask yourself again. Although Slammer attacked SQL Serve installations, it also hits users of MSDE 2000 and MSDE 1.0.. What's that? You may be saying. If you have Office XP Developer Edition, Office XP Professional Edition, Sharepoint Team Services, Visio 2002 you could be a target. Get Symantec's detector/fixer at http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/
venc/data/w32.sqlexp.worm.removal.tool.html For an interesting discussion on the worm and speed which it spread see http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~nweaver/sapphire/

Of course talking about the slammer virus brings to mind the amount of idiotic spam and unsolicited email we all receive every day. For a light hearted look at the Nigerian Scam email visit http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/28/29034.html. But don't join the masses that have responded to the Nigerian version. They have sent $85 million dollars so far!!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
f=/c/a/2003/01/12/BU114885.DTL

And finally, the world of standards has moved this month. Checkout the section below for more news.

This is the fourth issue of the i3World Express and your free subscription is starting to run out. We will be producing a "free" issue every month, but it will not contain all the articles and information that the subscription issue will contain. If you have found this newsletter to be of benefit to you (and we certainly hope you have) then we hope you will either subscribe to the newsletter or join i3world (membership includes the newsletter as well as many other advantages). For membership or subscription details visit 
http://www.i3worldnews.org/register.php

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.   

For basic technology details you can visit www.hightechaid.com where you will find descriptions of the basic technologies. For more details on the i3World, you are invited to visit www.i3world.org and learn about the various programs that will help you achieve your goals.

From the Professor!

Responding to Change, Growing an Industry

The Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) Industry has come a long way since bar codes started to be used in retail in the 1970’s. Developments in bar codes and other data carriers such as magnetic stripe, and smart cards, have both initiated change and been responsive to change. But never has the need for change been more apparent than it is now. AIDC has evolved to the point where technologies and principles need to be melded into a coherent and robust discipline, with item interface very much the focus.

Other technologies can now be embraced within the AIDC ‘portfolio’, including other data carrier and feature extraction technologies, sensory, locating, local communication and security technologies. Indeed, any technology that relates specifically to items in an item-attendant way (fixed to or accompanying an item for item identification and or item management purposes). Collectively, this extended foundation of AIDC technologies and associated principles may be thought of as item-attendant information and communication technology (item-attendant ICT). As such the opportunity and advantage can be seen for positioning this discipline in main stream ICT.

AIM Global, the parent Association for Automatic Identification Manufacturers, is faced with a profound evolutionary challenge in which the need to embrace the elements of item-attendant ICT, together with developments in communications and systems integration are strategic imperatives. Viewed holistically these elements are the very essence of i3W – the Integrated Item-Intelligent World. I3W provides both the foundations and the strategic framework for meeting the challenge. Why?  Because it stems naturally and logically from the legacy that the AIDC industry has provided. It is about recognising the strength of principles and item focus as the vehicle for accommodating both legacy and change. It is about seeing the outstanding opportunity to grow and exploit a discipline that has radical, revolutionary and innovative dimensions.

By embracing the i3W approach the AIDC industry and its representative association, AIM, stands to gain in many ways, including:

• A broader and firmer foundation for the technologies and principles upon which the industry was originally based.
• A wider and richer base for membership and collaboration.
• Visibility as an organisation supporting a radical and revolutionary new sector of main stream ICT.
• Enhanced authority and international ‘voice’ on matters relating to item identification and item management.
• Enhanced promotion of the industry through item-focused attention to integrated business solutions and a stronger foundation for serving the user community.
• A framework for identifying and bringing together and influencing disparate strands of development which are likely to impact upon the industry and user communities.
• A coherent framework for recognising and responding to change and the needs for standardisation.

Through the item focused approach a more embracing business and management visibility can be presented and promoted for the constituent technologies. Moreover, with its view to the future based upon a sound appreciation of technological development and horizon technologies i3W offers a visionary platform that is as exciting and embracing as any offered elsewhere.

The challenge is there, a number of AIM affiliates accept the i3W view. Can AIM Global see the opportunity, seize it and grow?

Want to know more about i3W? – Visit the i3W websites – http://www.i3W.info and http://www.i3world.org

Technology News Briefs

Biometrics

First Really Big Biometrics Order?

Identix Incorporated, the world's leading multi-biometrics security technology company, today announced that it has received a purchase order from the Department of Defense (DOD) for a 5.4 million user license for Identix' BioEngine® fingerprint recognition technology.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030204/nytu072_1.html

Pentagon uses its Eyes

The Pentagon is now using Iris Scanning for access control.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0210/web-iris-02-13-03.asp

UK Schools to use Retinal Scans

How should students pay for lunch seems to be a global problem. The UK has plans to use Retinal Scans to solve the problem.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/28783.html

Identity Theft?

The problems of identity theft seems to be growing but a new study shows that the US is starting to give the nod to biometrics to solve the problems.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/28782.html

Identity Theft – 2

The proposal for a UBID (Universal Biometric ID System) could help solve the problem of identity theft.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/12/politics/
12PRIV.html?pagewanted=print&position=top

Biometrics Makes the TV

The January 5, 2003 the CBS program "60 Minutes" had a segment on whether fingerprint evidence is foolproof. The summary is that they are not. Order a transcript from:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/07/08/60minutes/
main13502.shtml

US GAO report on Biometrics

If you haven't already seen it you can get the US General Accounting Office's report on "Using Biometrics for Border Security"
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-174 

Lifting Fingerprints from Skin

Until now this has proven to be difficult at best. Now experts in Japan have found a way to obtain fingerprints left on human skin. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5
?nn20030105b1.htm

Odoriferous!

The Defense Advanced research Projects Agency (DARPA) hopes to develop a way to detect people by their body odor! http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/05/
weekinreview/05WADE.html?pagewanted
=print&position=top.
The US Army thinks so.
http://www.aro.army.mil/research/odortypedetection.pdf

Ear recognition – the latest Biometric?

University of Southampton, UK, researchers are examining whether hearing can be used for biometric identification http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian_jobs
_and_money/story/0,3605,876746,00.html .
For more information on Otoacoustic emissions visit
http://www.oae.it/

Is the UBID coming?

In a speech on January 15, 2003, Under Secretary of Transportation Admiral James Loy said that the TSA is working on development of universal transportation worker identification credentials that would combine personal information and biometrics to identify transportation employees having access to secure areas
http://usinfo.state.gov/cgi-bin/washfile/display.pl?
p=/products/washfile/topic/econ&f=03012203.cec
&t=/products/washfile/newsitem.shtml.
The UPI story is at:
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030122
-015419-8629r

Face recognition at Sydney

Qantas Airways has installed an automatic passport checking facility using Face Recognition at a cost of A$1.2 million. http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/video/38756000/rm/
_38756523_aus00_mercer_vi.ram

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=
topNews&storyID=2128935

2003 – Year of Biometrics?

2002 didn't reach the levels manufacturers hoped. Will 2003 do it? http://www.computeruser.com/articles/
2112,1,3,1,1201,02.html

National Biometrics ID System?

A new Bio ID system for the U.S. is being reviewed by the government. http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/
20030203-67404832.htm

NIST says use Biometrics

A statement from the National Institute of Standards and technology says that fingerprint and face recognition is the way to go for border security.
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/n03-01.htm

Radio Frequency Identification

Gillette confirms RFID use

The Gillette company announced that it will start testing of RFID tags on consumer package goods.
(http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?
ticker=g&script=413&layout=-6&item_id=367635)
The tags will be used to track products from manufacturing to the point of sale, giving Gillette an improved view of the stock. http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?lc=
l72187cx523zx

Tesco tracks Razor Blades in UK

Tesco is using RFID on razor blades to help improve service. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2661825.stm

Tire tags!

Michelin, the tire maker, announced that it has begun embedding tires with RFID tags to enable the tires to be tracked electronically. See the press release opposite column.

Flying Null takes a Flying Leap!

Flying Null's electromagnetic identification (EMID™) tags are being used in a variety of places reports Pira International, leading commercial consultancy business which specializes in the packaging, paper, printing and publishing industries. In security documents -
http://www.piranet.com/pira/piranet.asp?page=
newsitem.htm&NewsItemId=4306&Group=2&SubGroup=0 and inside packages -
http://www.piranet.com/pira/piranet.asp?page=
piraitem.htm&newsitemid=4303

Chips in Bank Notes

The European Central bank is considering embedding chips in Euro notes as a deterrent to counterfeiting. http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=5444434

RFID – The new Spy Tool?

Will RFID tags be the new way to spy on us? Some people think so. http://news.com.com/2010-1069-980325.html
Privacy and RFID tags will be a big issue in the coming months:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/
2003-01-27-rfid_x.htm

http://www.cw360.com/bin/bladerunner?REQSESS=
Jc4467BV&2149REQEVENT=&CARTI=118877&CART
T=1&CCAT=1&CCHAN=13&CFLAV=1

http://www.washtimes.com/business/20030123-
21029049.htm

Using RFID in The Supply Chain

While the US DoD are using RFID, others are asking the question – how do we do it?
http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/
0,14179,2908740,00.html

RFID - The Next Wave?

Printing circuits may seem far off but several companies are already demonstrating such technology. http://www.business2.com/articles/web/
0,1653,46893,00.html

Will RFID take off?

The popular press seems to have started to notice RFID. Maybe this really is the year?
http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/01/31/
05wireless_1.html?s=tc

U.S. Army Awards RFID Contract

The US Army has awarded Savi Technology a $90 million contract for RFID equipment.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0210/
web-rfid-02-10-03.asp
also see Press Release opposite.

RFID Standards

Lots of news this month on the ISO 18000 series of standards. The ballots are closed and the committee had its ballot resolution meetings earlier this month in Florida.

For those not sure what ISO 18000 is, you should visit http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/18000.htm. Here you can see the brief descriptions of the standard and learn which one is right for you.

Each of the parts of the standard have just gone through a ballot and as such have met a milestone in the life of an ISO Standard (for a description of the ISO process visit http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/how_does_iso_work.htm). So here is a summary of the situation for ISO/IEC 18000 Information Technology AIDC Techniques-RFID for Item Management - Air Interface:

18000-1 Part 1 – Generic Parameters for the Air Interface for Globally Accepted Frequencies.  Final Committee Draft (FCD) ballot closed February 8th, 2003. Ballot passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Draft International Standard ballot at ISO (two month yes/no ballot)

18000-2 Part 2 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications below 135 kHz. Final Committee Draft (FCD) ballot closed February 8th, 2003. Ballot passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Draft International Standard ballot at ISO (two month yes/no ballot)

18000-3 Part 3 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 13.56 MHz. Final Committee Draft (FCD) ballot closed February 8th, 2003. Ballot passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Draft International Standard ballot at ISO (two month yes/no ballot)

18000-4 Part 4 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 2.45 GHz. Final Committee Draft (FCD) ballot closed February 8th, 2003. Ballot passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Draft International Standard ballot at ISO (two month yes/no ballot)

18000-5 Part 5 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 5.8 GHz. Committee Draft (CD) ballot closed January 7th, 2003. Ballot failed. Document comments not resolved, and committee recommendation is that the project be abandoned in its present form. The committee felt that a new work item reflecting the current state of the technology would have a better chance of reaching resolution.

18000-6 Part 6 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 860 to 930 MHz. Committee Draft (CD) ballot closed January 7th, 2003. Ballot passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Committee Draft ballot at ISO (four month ballot).

18000-7 Part 7 – Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 433 MHz. New Work Item and simultaneous Committee Draft ballot closed January 14th, 2003. Both ballots passed and all ballot comments resolved at meeting, document sent to parent committee for registration and ballot for Final Committee Draft ballot at ISO (four month ballot).

As you can see, this means that parts one to four are now within three to four months of being available as published standards. parts six and seven are still about eight months to one year away from publication. 

Other major steps forward occurred in Florida with the last of the demonstrations of the technologies that make up the the 18000 standards. As a requirement for publication, the committee required that the technology be demonstrated in its standardized form. The last two of these were for Part Two (125 - 134 kHz) with the annex technology being demonstrated with the main body and for Part Six with Type A being demonstrated and then both Type A and B demonstrated together in the field at the same time.  Both demonstrations were successful and the committee agreed that the standards should progress on schedule.

If you want more information on ISO standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com

Identification & Security

UK Public Support ID cards?

The UK Government says that there is overwhelming support for ID cards in the UK.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/28833.html

UK ID Card – The answer is?

Did the UK government break its own rules in this examination of the needs. Privacy advocates say it did! http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/29131.html http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t269-s2129590,00.html

Total Information Awareness

Admiral John Poindexter's massive spy proposal to create a detailed computerized dossier on every American.
http://news.com.com/2010-1071-979276.html

Canada's Opinion

Canada doesn't seem to be on board with an ID Card system or the gathering of data.
http://canada.com/national/story.asp?id=
EAE431D8-7415-4D74-8935-79B14D821B8E

and

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?
pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&
cid=1035777204704&call_pageid=968867495754&col
=969483191630

Smart Card

Catuity gets Smart Card Patent

Catuity, a loyalty software solutions company has received a "Notice of Allowance" from the US Patent Office for a "Data carrying device, and systems for use therewith".
http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?lc=
g27939mx531zb

NCR and TranStar announce Loyalty System

A new smart card based point of sale loyalty and security system was demonstrated at the NRF Annual Conference. The new system is aid to speed up sales, increase security and improve data collection ability.
http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/read.asp?
lc=n2872nx526zy

FAA smart card pilot delayed

The FAA has delayed a pilot program for smart cards, but is moving forward on other procurements.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0113/
web-faa-01-16-03.asp

Gemplus woes continue

Now a Luxembourg based company, Gemplus International SA, the worlds largest smart card vendor, expects last year's sales to be low.
http://www.cbronline.com/cbr.nsf/latestnews/
D79ACABCC9EF8A1380256CC20015FA90?Op
enDocument

U.S. GAO Releases Report on Smart Cards

A report showing how successful the U.S. Government has been in its roll out of smart card programs is available.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-144

BLM implements Smart Card Access

The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management plans to equip its 13,000 employees with smart cards.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0210/
web-blm-02-12-03.asp

Bar Code

Pfizer Implements RSS

Pfizer Inc. has announced its intent to use RSS (Reduced Space Symbology) on Hospital Unit Dose products. RSS allows the encoding of the national drug code, expiration date and lot number.
(http://www.pharmalive.com/news/show_article.asp?
articleID=73725&catid=_news).
For more technical information on RSS, visit
http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/symbinfo/
rss_overview.htm

Bar Code firm goes global

Udex's cutting edge software is already utilised by some of the UK's leading supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Iceland and Safeway and now they are looking to the rest of the world.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0300business/
0100news/page.cfm?objectid=12581751&me
thod=full&siteid=50082

Bar Code Protects Babies

A hospital in Spain is using a bar code to tie in a baby with its mother and other information about the birth.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2680249.stm

UWB

Is Ultra Wide band about to take off?

It certainly looks like it.
http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=27416

UWB MoU!

Philips Electronics and General Atomics announced that they will produce UWB chipsets.
http://www.cw360.com/bin/bladerunner?REQSESS=
5Z8051F3&2149REQEVENT=&CARTI=118500&CART
T=1&CCAT=1&CCHAN=7&CFLAV=1

Information on UWB

Looking for a good starting point on UWB? try this
http://www.multispectral.com/UWBFAQ.html

Homeland Security

Homeland Security Department starts up

The Homeland Security Department has been launched, along with a new web site.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0120/
web-hsd-01-24-03.asp

"High Risk" Homeland Department

The general Accounting Office has put the startup of the Homeland Security Department on its high-risk list.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0127/
web-risk-01-30-03.asp

New Department looks at Privacy

While scaling back the security aspects of the new department, President bush has created a "Privacy Officer" to look at privacy issues.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/7/28763.html

Homeland Budget request

President Bush will ask for $41.3 billion for the 2004 budget for homeland security projects.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0127/
web-dhs-01-31-03.asp

US Data Management Improvement Act

The DMIA Task Force was created to provide recommendations on ways to improve the flow of traffic at Ports-Of-Entry while enhancing security. The first annual report is available at: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/
DMIA_ConRpt1202.pdf
or you can read a summary at
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/
DMIAExecSum1202.pdf

The INS (US Immigration and Naturalization Service) has also got a link to information: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/
dmia.htm

New DoT Law

A proposed ruling from the DoT (Department of Transportation) will mean that information on anyone traveling in a plane can be gathered. This ruling could become law on February 24, 2003. http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-827.htm

New INS Law

The Immigration and Naturalization Service are also concerned about information on passengers arriving in the USA. Section 402 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-173), which requires the submission of arrival and departure manifests electronically in advance of an aircraft or vessel's arrival in or departure from the United States.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/02-33145.htm

US Senate increases R&D Funding

The Senate approved its funding legislation on Jan. 23^rd, 2003 with an increase in Federal R&D funding to a record $115.4 billion. The AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Project report is found at: http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/up012403.pdf

Senate blocks TIA Project

The Senate agreed on Jan. 23^rd, 2003 on a measure to block funding to the DARPA TIA initiative until more information is available.
http://wyden.senate.gov/~wyden/media/2002/
2003123C23.html

For more info on TIA see:
http://www.ieeeusa.org/forum/EYEONWASHINGTON/
02eow20.html

New Cargo Manifest Law is in effect

Although this became law in December 2002, a 60 day grace period means that it is now in full effect.
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/
articleDetail.jsp?id=45529

Wireless Computing

Internet Access at 30,000 feet?

Lufthansa has started trials of WiFi systems on board your next flight.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/59/28875.html

Wireless Broadband

Senators George Allen (R-VA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced the Jumpstart Broadband Act (S.159) on Jan. 14, 2003. This legislation that would direct the Federal Communications Commission to allocate at least 255 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 5 gigahertz band for unlicensed use by wireless broadband devices. 
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.159:

HomeRF Disbands

After trying to setup a competitive architecture to the 802.11 standard, the HomeRF association closed its doors in the light of ever increasing acceptance to 802.11 and to Bluetooth.
http://news.com.com/2100-1039-979611.html?
tag=cd_mh

New FCC and NTIA MoU

A new memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Communications Committee and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Jan. 31^st, 2003 a new Memorandum of Understanding concerning the coordination of spectrum issues involving both federal and non-federal users.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
DOC-230835A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
DOC-230835A2.pdf

802.11 or 3G?

You do know the differences don't you?
http://www.80211-planet.com/tutorials/article.php/1577551
and now Hewlett Packard is showing the way forward to unite 2.5G, 3G and 802.11.
http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/1578391

Intellectual Property

Symbol Technologies Sues Hand Held Products

Declaring violations of 12 Symbol Patents, Symbol filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Hand Held Products, Inc.
http://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/
pr_finanstock_infringement.html

HHP responds to Symbol Suit

Hand Held Products says this is another positive step in substantiating that Image Technology, rather than laser scanning, is and will be the preferred data collection technology of the future
http://www.hhp.com/hhp/spotlight/press.tpl?
article=5659617377837

General Technology

Want to Visit Mars?

NASA's new idea for a nuclear fusion powered engine could cut that travel time from six months to less than six weeks.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?
id=ns99993294

Print that Gadget!

The work on printing electronic devices is continuing with the following announcement.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?
id=ns99993238

The US Goes Metric? Maybe Not!

Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) introduced legislation (H.R. 60) that would amend the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to require anyone receiving Federal funding for scientific or engineering research identify the extent they will use the metric system. See text of H.R. 60 at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.60:

Office of Technology Assessment

Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) has reintroduced legislation (H.R. 125) to authorize the reestablishment of Congress' Office of Technology Assessment, with $20 million in annual funding for the period FY 2004-2009.  
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.125:

Top 100 Companies

Fortune issued its top 100 lists in the January 20,2003 issue. Featured among them were Welch Allyn, number 98 on the 100 best companies to work for (http://www.fortune.com/fortune/bestcompanies) and Manhatten Associates (number 23) ScanSource (number 37) on the 100 fastest growing companies (http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fastest).

Supply Chain Management Futures

Forrester research predicts woes for 2003 and some changes.
http://www.forrester.com/ER/Research/Brief/
0,1317,16297,FF.html

IETR Fusion Research

President Bush has approved the U.S. to participate in the negotiations for construction of the International Thermonuclear Energy Reactor project.
http://www.energy.gov/HQPress/releases03/
janpr/pr03026.htm

http://www.house.gov/science/press/108/108-006.htm

PDA's decline

A new report from Gartner states that PDA sales are down in 2002 compared to 2001.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t271-s2129452,00.html

i3W @ tic News

i3W Research Forum Meeting

The first meeting for the i3W Research Forum is to take place at the Olympia Conference Suite, London on Tuesday 11th March 2003 (1400-1630) as part of the i3World Showcase Event. For information on the Research Forum see
www.i3worldnews.org/showarticle.php?id=071102

i3W Platform for Commentary and Debate

The tic recognises the need for philosophical and practical implementation framework to develop the integrated item intelligent World. This framework connects and consolidates the item-attendant developments, accommodates legacy, provides a foundation for standards development and migration strategies for cross-industry applications. While the i3W Research Forum is seen as supporting this requirement a second platform has now been introduced specifically to identify, monitor and provide informed commentary and debate on economic, environmental, policy and social implications of issues and developments that have relevance to item identification and item management. The deliverables from this platform will be in the form of:

• Commentaries and press releases
• Discussion papers
• Policy briefings
• Public and press information
• Consensus building materials

For further details will be available through www.i3W.info 

i3World Issues and Features

It’s a RAP – The Reconfigurable Algorithm Processor

With the move towards third generation mobile communications technology (3G) anticipated by many, the mobile communications industry still faces problems caused by the perceived benefits of the technology involved. 3G means additional complexity in terms of functionality which, in turn, implies greater demands for battery power and attendant implications on weight and size. The benefits of current 2G devices, such as size, weight, lower power and so on, would apparently be lost in the bid for higher processing power and additional capabilities.

RAP (Reconfigurable Algorithm Processing) technology may change all this.
http://www.i3worldnews.org/showarticle.php?id=010203

Software Defined Radio – Versatility for mobile wireless systems

Developments in second generation (2G) technology mobile phones have culminated in devices that are compact, lightweight and low power. These are attributes that the consumer has come to value and expect. Third generation technology (3G) devices will be required to be far more flexible than 2G, and both technologically and functionally more complex. As a consequence 3G devices may be expected to exhibit higher power requirements and be similar in size and weight to the earlier 2G products. Ideally the 3G products should offer enhanced functionality and performance but with the weight, size and power attributes of 2G devices currently available. To achieve this ideal requires a radical attention to the weight, size and power issues. The solution may reside in SDR – Software Defined Radio.
http://www.i3worldnews.org/showarticle.php?id=020203

Food Glorious Food!

Food is the challenging industry which will be the centrepiece of a first i3World "event" which will be held in the Olympia Conference Suite, London on March 11th and 12th.

Consumers in Europe are demanding full traceability in the food supply chain to assure them of the safety, quality and authenticity of what they eat.  The European Commission are taking a number of initiatives including mandatory legislation that will come into effect on January 1st 2005.  By that time all the players in the food chain - including farmers, growers, food suppliers, manufacturers, processors, hauliers, distribution specialists, retailers and inspectors - will be seeking those successful solutions that will identify every single item that passes through their particular part of the supply chain.

There is no doubt that interlinking of the i3 World technologies will have a significant part to play in the physical management of items.... guaranteeing less wastage, greater efficiencies and increased profits.

A key part of the event is provided by the Technology Innovation Centre who have devised a "Java and Cookies Experience" which will showcase many of the thematic elements of i3W with technologies working together to deliver a show stopping feature for visitors.  Another highlight will be the multi-media "Journey of Discovery" looking to the future of the food supply chain and the technologies which are already bringing competitive advantage to user companies.

You can find details of the full conference programme at www.i3world.org which includes speakers from the EU. specialist national government departments and significant European stakeholder groups. 

Press Releases

A regular feature of i3World Express will be a summary of interesting press releases from around the world. Here are this month’s selections.

New ISO President takes office

Oliver R. Smoot (USA) has taken office as President of ISO (International Organization for Standardization), for a two-year term up to 31 December 2004. Mr. Smoot succeeds Mario Cortopassi, of Brazil.

ISO, a federation of the national standards institutes of 146 countries, is the world's largest developer of voluntary technical standards.
http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/comm
centre/pressreleases/2003/Ref
841.html

Savi Technology Awarded $90 Million U.S. Military Procurement Contract for Radio Frequency Identification Technologies

U.S. Department of Defense Contract Calls for Automated Real-Time Solutions and Inter-Linked Software to Identify, Locate, Track and Manage Shipments

WASHINGTON, DC - Feb. 10, 2003 -
Savi Technology announced today that it has been awarded a three-year procurement contract by the U.S. Department of Defense valued at up to $90 million for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) hardware, and related logistics software and services. The award enables U.S. military personnel to procure directly through Savi a wide range of proven automatic identification and data collection technologies (AIDC) and related software to track, monitor, locate, secure, process and deploy military supplies worldwide. http://www.savi.com/
news_events/2003releases/
feb10-03.html

Proxim Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2002 Financial Results

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2003 -- Proxim Corporation (NASDAQ: PROX) announced today financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2002 was $50.0 million, compared to revenue of $24.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2001. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002, was $144.7 million, compared to revenue of $105.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. 
http://www.proxim.com/about/
pressroom/pressrelease/pr
2003-01-28.html

Proxim Makes Enterprise WLAN Systems Affordable by Announcing Major Price Reductions on Its Award-Winning Enterprise-Class Access Points

Proxim Also Announces Industry’s First Enterprise-Class 802.11g Product, the ORiNOCO AP-2000 11g Kit, the Company’s Next Step in Future-Proofing the ORiNOCO Installed Base

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2003 --
Proxim Corporation (NASDAQ: PROX), a leading provider of high-performance wireless local area networking (WLAN) and wireless wide area networking (WWAN) products, announces immediate price reductions up to 34% on ORiNOCO AP-2000 and AP-2500 products. These price reductions make Proxim’s ORiNOCO Access Points the most affordable enterprise-class systems available, broadening their appeal to a wider range of businesses and organizations.
http://www.proxim.com/about/
pressroom/pressrelease/
pr2003-01-27.html

Gillette Pioneers Breakthrough Technology

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003--The Gillette Company (www.gillette.com) today announced that it will begin the first large-scale testing of breakthrough RFID tag technology developed by researchers at the Auto-ID Center, headquartered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Starting in 2003 in partnership with selected retail customers, Gillette will begin testing tag technology through its supply chain by placing tiny RFID tags in select products for the US market. If successful, up to half a billion tags could be placed on Gillette products over the next few years. The tags make it possible to track products through their production life cycle, from manufacturing to retail point of sale. It is hoped that, over time, this technology will enable businesses not only to reduce losses resulting from out-of-stock, stolen or lost products, but also to improve efficiencies across their operations by monitoring the status and location of products.
http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/
ir_site.zhtml?ticker=g&script=
413&layout=-6&item_id=367635

Michelin introduces radio frequency tire identification technology

On January 14^th, Michelin announced that they’re introducing Radio Frequency Tire Identification Technology as the first company to begin fleet testing of a radio frequency tire identification system for passenger and light truck tires.

Michelin engineers have developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that is manufactured into the tire and stores vital tire identification information. With this technology, the tire identification number can now be associated with the vehicle identification number (VIN) making the tires uniquely identifiable with an individual vehicle, telling when and where the tire was made, maximum inflation pressure, tire size, etc.
http://www.semiconductors.
philips.com/news/content/
file_922.html

Checkpoint Systems Introduces Next Generation Digital Electronic Article Surveillance System With Communications Capabilities

Liberty Line Engineered To Meet Retailers' Needs As EAS/RFID Technologies Converge

THOROFARE, NJ -- January 27, 2003 -- Checkpoint Systems, Inc., [NYSE: CKP], a leading provider of supply chain management and security solutions worldwide, has unveiled Liberty, a family of Radio Frequency Electronic Article Surveillance (RF/EAS) antennas. Liberty, which incorporates two-way communications capabilities, is driven by Checkpoint's next generation RF Digital Signal Processing technology, and meets the demands of retailers who want today's most advanced EAS solution. Digital RF technology supports the evolution of a blended EAS/RFID environment as the retail world migrates towards the acceptance of RFID technology applications.
http://www.businesswire.com/
webbox/bw.012703/23027
2338.htm

SAMSys Technologies and European-based Scanology BV Sign VAR Agreement

TORONTO, ON - January 27, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced it has signed a value-added reseller (VAR) agreement with Scanology BV ("Scanology"), an Auto ID solutions provider for coding, printing, reading and verification. 
http://www.samsys.com/
default.php?alpha=company&
beta=pr&gamma=&action=read
&release=1043678870

SAMSys Technologies and Real-Time Locating Company SafeTzone Sign VAR Agreement

TORONTO, Feb. 5 /CNW/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN)("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID)
hardware solutions, today announced it has signed a value-added reseller (VAR) agreement with SafeTzone Technologies Corporation. http://www.samsys.com/
default.php?alpha=company
&beta=pr&gamma=&action=
read&release=1044455454

SAMSys Technologies Showcases RFID Solutions at International Materials Handling and Logistics Show ProMat 2003

CHICAGO, IL - February 10, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a Toronto-based world leading provider of patented radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions, is showcasing their broad array of RFID readers in live demonstrations at ProMat 2003, an international material handling and logistics show and conference being held in Chicago, Illinois from February 10 - 13, 2003.  http://www.samsys.com/
default.php?alpha=company
&beta=pr&gamma=&action=
read&release=1044892026

SAMSys Technologies and Franklin Wireless Consultants Sign VAR Agreement

TORONTO, ON - January 6, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced it has signed a value-added reseller (VAR) agreement with Franklin Wireless Consultants ("Franklin"), a radio frequency and network/LAN solutions provider. 
http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=company&beta=pr&
gamma=&action=read&release
=1041865120

Speech Recognition Market To Exceed $5 Billion by 2007, According to New ABI Study

Oyster Bay, NY - February 5, 2003 - The technology is here, but where are the users? Speech recognition has slowly been building its reputation. Accuracy rates are much improved and applications to meet users needs are being developed. Coming out of a slumped economy, Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) projects this market to increase to $897.8 million in 2003, up from $677 million in 2002. Over the longer term, the speech recognition market is forecasted to grow to $5.3 billion by 2007.http://www.alliedworld.com/
prhtml/srs03pr.pdf.html

Vigilos Adds Extra Layer of Supply Chain Security for the Rapidly Growing Smart and Secure Tradelanes Initiative

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2003-- Real-Time Visibility of Ocean Cargo Containers Strengthened by Vigilos Software which Integrates Facility Security Data: Surveillance Cameras, Intrusion Systems, and Access Control Devices

Vigilos, Inc., a Seattle company providing enterprise-class software that manages security data from surveillance (CCTV) cameras, access control devices and intrusion systems, has joined the rapidly growing Smart and Secure Tradelanes (SST) initiative, the world's largest industry-driven partnership committed to improving global supply chain security. The announcement was made today by the Strategic Council on Security Technology, a global resource and catalyst for cargo security. http://www.scst.info/releases/
jan21_03.html

Smart and Secure Tradelanes Ships First 100 `Smart Containers' Across Pacific Ocean With Real-Time Tracking and Detection

SEATTLE & HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003-- World's Largest Public-Private Logistics Security Initiative Ships `Smart' Ocean Containers Loaded with Tons of Consumer Goods That are Electronically Sealed and Tracked by Global Security Network Software for Real-Time, End-to-End Visibility Through Ports of Hong Kong and Seattle; Hutchison Port Holdings Deploys Software and Radio Frequency  Identification Infrastructure From Savi Technology to Provide Major Retail Customer with End-to-End Visibility and Security http://www.scst.info/releases/
jan09_03.html

Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Government Officials Unveil - Real-Time Port Security Initiative in Operation

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003--

`Smart and Secure Tradelanes' Technology Demonstrated at Port of Seattle; US Coast Guard, US Customs, TSA, Ports of Seattle-Tacoma Participate in Container-Security Event


Sen. Patty Murray (D-WASH) today hosted a press conference that demonstrated the operational benefits of Smart and Secure Tradelanes -- the first automated global network that improves the security and efficiency of cargo containers shipped into the United States. In a live demo with real-time information, Sen. Murray showed how highly sophisticated electronic seals locking 40-foot long cargo containers can send automated alerts to a global software network about the container's identity, location and security status at key checkpoints in the supply chain. http://www.businesswire.com/
cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?bw.020
303/230340467

Matrics Announces World's Smallest UHF RFID Chip

New Chips Deliver 3x Improvement in Size and Reduction in Cost to Manufacture

Columbia, Maryland - January 6, 2002 - Matrics, a pioneer in the advanced development and standardization of low-cost, high-performance UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) smart label technology, today announced it has designed the world's smallest UHF RFID Integrated Circuit (IC), which will be embedded in its next generation of smart inlays and labels.
http://www.matrics.com/pdf/pres
s/Worlds_Smallest_Chip_PR.pdf

Peoplesoft Announces Strong Fourth Quarter Results

Q4 License Revenue $143 Million, EPS at 18 Cents

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- January 22, 2003 -- PeopleSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSFT) today announced its fourth quarter and full year 2002 results. For the quarter ended December 31, 2002, the Company reported Q4 license revenues of $143 million, exceeding the Company's guidance of $125-$135 million. Fourth quarter total revenues were $512 million. PeopleSoft also reported Q4 EPS of $0.18, above the Company's guidance of $0.14-$0.15. Fourth quarter operating income was $78 million, a 25 percent increase over the prior quarter. As a percentage of revenue, fourth quarter operating margins increased to 15.3 percent, up from 13.3 percent in Q3. http://www.peoplesoft.com/corp
/en/about/press/press_relea
se.asp?doc=36A46824C1A4CF
C108256CB6007449A6

ACTIVCARD Unveils First Complete Secure Sign-On Solution with Biometrics

Combines Multi-Factor Authentication and Biometrics with Enterprise Single Sign-On - Enabling Reduced Cost and Complexity

FREMONT, CA - January 27, 2003 -- ActivCard® (NASDAQ: ACTI / NASDAQ Europe: ACTI), the leader in IDentity Management (IDM) software, today announced Trinity™, a new secure sign-on software solution that integrates the most advanced authentication techniques including smart cards, fingerprint biometrics, hardware tokens, passwords, or combinations of these methods. With Trinity, enterprise, government, finance and healthcare workers can securely sign on once for immediate access to all of their computing platforms, applications, and websites.
http://www.activcard.com/
newsroom/press_releases/
012703_us.html

SAP Launches Solution to Address Homeland Security Challenges

SAP® Security Resource Management Enables Homeland Security Agencies to Effectively Manage Mission-Critical Operations, Successfully Collaborate, and Share Information in a Secure IT Environment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 29, 2003 - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced the launch of SAP® Security Resource Management, a comprehensive technology solution designed to support the specific mission-critical processes necessary for homeland security, including border security, emergency preparedness and response, countermeasures, information analysis and external coordination.  http://www.sap.com/company/
press/press.asp?pressID=2032

Manhattan Associates Joins Other Global Companies in Supporting the Auto-ID Center

As First Supply Chain Execution Solutions Provider to Join the Center, Manhattan Associates Looks to Speed the Adoption of RFID Technology in Supply Chain Operations

NEW YORK - January 13, 2003 - Manhattan Associates, Inc., (NASDAQ: MANH), the global leader of extended supply chain execution (x-SCE^™) solutions today announced that it has joined other global companies in supporting the Auto-ID Center, a not-for-profit research organization. Headquartered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Center has sister labs at the University of Cambridge, England and Adelaide University, Australia and plans are under way to expand to Japan and China in 2003. Manhattan Associates is the first supply chain execution provider to join the Center.
http://www.manh.com/news/
news_releases_20030113_
autoid_center.html

Manhattan Associates, Symbol Technologies and Alien Technology Announce a Strategy to Deliver RFID Solutions for Supply Chain Execution

RFID Technology, Coupled with Manhattan Associates' x-SCE Solutions, Will Help Deliver Productivity Gains and Real-time Supply Chain Visibility

NEW YORK - January 13, 2003 - Manhattan Associates, Inc., (NASDAQ: MANH), the global leader of extended supply chain execution (x-SCE^™) solutions; Symbol Technologies (NYSE: SBL), a global leader in enterprise mobility solutions; and Alien Technology, the provider of ultra-low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and hardware, today announced a strategy to deliver a state-of-the-art RFID solution for supply chain execution. This solution will allow for seamless, real-time integration across Alien Technology's and Symbol Technologies' RFID technology and PkMS^®, Manhattan Associates' industry-leading, best-of-breed supply chain execution solution. As a result, companies that deploy the solution will gain real-time visibility into their supply chain, increased accuracy, greater operational efficiency and improved customer service.
http://www.manh.com/news/
news_releases_20030113_
rfid_solutions.html

Flint Ink Commits to Conductive Ink Technology

Flint Ink Announces Multimillion-Dollar Commitment to Conductive and Advanced Ink Business

Ann Arbor, MI (January 27, 2003) - Flint Ink Corporation has announced a multimillion-dollar commitment to become the leading provider of conductive and advanced printing inks and printed electronics technology and processes. The commitment, including staff expansion and plans to develop a state-of-the-art development and resource center, will position Flint Ink to capture a significant share of several growth and emerging markets.
http://www.flintink.com/flintink
web.nsf/Web-Update/FBBB8F
AD67B7E03F85256CB80050D
B73?opendocument&imgID=F
BBB8FAD67B7E03F85256CB
80050DB73&subcat=Update

Here's how you can join i3world

If you have not had your 16-page full colour membership prospectus from i3World e-mail: neil@i3world.org today or go now to our special site detailed below where you can find it as a PDF. You can read what people are saying about i3World - including the Secretary of State for the British Government’s Department of Trade and Industry. There is a whole list of deliverables that are available to every member at a nominal cost of only $600 or 600 Euros or £450. Take a more detailed look across a whole range of industries and markets, at where we are today and where with i3W we could be tomorrow. i3World should not be confused with your regular industry association which often provides localised add-value benefits and services. We will be concentrating on delivering a range of materials which we believe will help everyone in the Information Communication Technology arena become more aware of the opportunities that interlinking technologies offer. When you add the academic foundation materials produced by tic and their global network of academic partners you can see just how important the concept and vision is to your business. And when you examine the modular programmes that are being developed you can judge for yourselves the work that has gone into the vision over the last twelve months. Now we are ready to share it with the world.
http://www.i3worldnews
.org/showarticle.php?id
=091102

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:

Looking for a good layer joke - http://www.power-of-attorneys
.com/funny-lawyer.htm

or how about a game of cat bowling - http://www.bravozulu.com/cat/

or for the Monty Python fans - http://www.lego.com/eng/
studios/screening/
movie.asp?id=montypython

One of my favorite authors has his own blog - http://davebarry.blogspot.com/

Let's go to Mars - http://www.redcolony.com

and finally for the cerebral minded you can go on the ultimate Easter egg hunt - http://www.eeggs.com/ or here's a logic puzzle that should keep you busy - http://www.allstarpuzzles.com/
logic/00042.html

The Fine Print

Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of the Hightechaid.com and i3world.org web sites 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/aidcou
rier_archive.htm.

The i3World Express Electronic Newsletter is published monthly and is available free of charge to all members of i3World and to the Founding Partners.
Alternatively you can subscribe purely for the newsletter and the quarterly i3World Journal which is available at a cost of: $250 or 250 Euros or £175 per annum. www.i3worldnews.org/
files/subsapp.pdf 
Your subscription will include 12 monthly electronic newsletters and the next four quarterly issues of the Journal. The newsletter will generally be published around the middle of each month. 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.