www.hightechaid.com

December 2004

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.

Another year is ending. The next issue will be available in January 2005, so I want to wish all my readers a happy holiday season and of course a very happy new year.

This month has been a scramble for many of us. It is a short month for many people with holidays and vacation being a major part of the end of the year. But there have also been many things happening as well. RFID continues to move forward, the standards' world in particular has been very busy (see below). Of course Jan 1, 2005 is an important date for many with the Wal-Mart and DoD mandates officially starting and there have been many people working towards that objective. We will see what 2005 brings in that arena.

We have added a couple of new sections this month to the newsletter which should help clarify the areas of work in RFID. Let me know if you think there are other areas that should be broken out.

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

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

Technology News Briefs

Radio Frequency Identification

Does RFID live up to expectations?

Maybe not according to this article which suggests that although RFID will be an important technology and will embrace most of us, the initial experiences may not be good. http://alexandresilveira.blogspot.com/2004/09/prepare-for-disillusionmen_109597226659874209.html

DoD has delays

As the department is slow to get all the necessary documents out to the affected people there is a suggestion that things may be delayed past the original January 1, 2005 deadline. http://www.internetweek.com/breakingNews/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=52601465
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=54200218

Seven cent tags?

A New Zealand company has designed a new RFID tag which could get the price close to the magical 5 cents. But these tags are not compatible with ISO or EPC. http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3095829a28,00.html

RFID education

Its not availability of RFID that is the problem, it is lack of understanding. Training on all aspects of RFID is a major requirement for a successful future. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1115/
web-rfi-11-15-04.asp

What do we expect from RFID?

The answer depends on who you are, but there are many things that RFID can and will do well but there are others that it can't do. http://www.industryweek.com/Columns/Asp/columns.asp?ColumnId=1054
http://www.mmh.com/index.asp?layout=document&doc_id=
136889&industry=Automatic+Data+Capture&industryid=21966&

Is Wal-Mart on track?

ABI Research suggest they are not and they may have to scale back their plans. http://www.telecomweb.com/news/1100716271.htm

Self fulfillment - 1?

Intermec Technologies Corp. a major vendor in the RFID arena is going to use the technology in their own business processes. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=53200183

Self fulfillment - 2?

Philips Semiconductors will also roll out RFID in its factories. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041119/175/f6yqe.html

… and so does Microsoft

Microsoft is implementing RFID internally, for Wal-Mart, but also for the future. http://update.internetweek.com/
cgi-bin4/DM/y/ek2w0GPYVh0G4X0C2lW0Au

Tracking aircraft parts

Airbus will roll out its parts tracking system using RFID as soon as it gets FAA approval. http://crm.ittoolbox.com/news/dispnews.asp?i=124108&t=99

UPS tests RFID

With a license plate already assigned to all of its packages, RFID may be an easy choice for the parcel shipping company. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=53700525

Tagged money

The subject comes to the fore again as more rumors of RFID tags in money surface. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/business/
articles/timid84900?source=

New RFID readers

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. has announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to jointly develop multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. http://www.commsdesign.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=53701251

Walgreens tests RFID

The drugstore chain has now announced its involvement in tracking drugs using RFID. http://www.isourceonline.com/article.asp?article_id=6416

Plastic tags

PolyIC & Co. KG, a joint venture between Siemens AG and Leonhard Kurz GmbH &Co. KG. Have shown RFID tags operating at 125 kHz. The next step is 13.56MHz. http://physicsweb.org/press/7778

RFID grows

A report from IDC shows that RFID deployments are growing. http://www.manufacturing.net/scm/article/
NR20041206290.2_3d6b00143eb7e0e7.html?industryid=2380&nid=2184&rid=802863875

Beyond the mandates

RFID has many uses and the focus recently has been on Wal-Mart and the Dod. But manufacturing can gain a lot from the technology as well. http://www.startmag.com/print/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=1410

RFID sensors

Hitachi have announced RFID tags that can sense the condition of liquids. http://ubiks.net/local/blog/jmt/archives3/002900.html

Manufacturer uses RFID

Celestica, the $6.7 billion Canadian assembly and engineering company, has integrated RFID into its Mexican center. http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekgB0GPYVh0G4X0CxHm0Aq

RFID needs security

The need to make an RFID tag secure is rapidly becoming evident with several applications as prime candidates. http://www.internetweek.com/allStories/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=52601851

Data, data, data!

Quality, quantity and synchronization. Critical areas for data management. http://www.logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?sNO=6754&OASKEY=BreakingNews
http://www.idworldonline.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=
viewarticle&artid=78

Singapore wants to take a lead

Looking to become a leading regional logistic hub, Singapore has invested S$10 million in RFID. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/
singaporebusinessnews/view/114881/1/.html

Lack of standards

The article states there is a lack of standards for RFID, but with ISO published months ago and EPC Gen 2 approved this week, things should be getting better. http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA475479.html

Planes and RFID

Boeing and Airbus are moving forward to tag aircraft parts. http://www.idworldonline.com/modules.php?op=mod
load&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=78

Passports get RFID

The National Database and Registration Authority of Pakistan has chosen Inside Contactless to supply the chips for their passports. http://www.idworldonline.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=266

January 1 is coming

But is it really that important? Maybe not according to this article. http://www.startmag.com/web/article.asp?article_id=1418

New report

A study by BearingPoint Inc. says that the interest in RFID is high but the deployment is low. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041122/dcm026_1.html

RFID won't happen soon

Garner warns that widescale RFID deployment is many years away. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041122/dcm026_1.html
http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=135349&liArticleTypeID=1&liCategoryID=2&liChannel
ID=24&liFlavourID=1&sSearch=&nPage=1

Sirit files patents

Citing enhancements to standard RFID technology, Sirit stated that these patents give real world RFID better performance. http://www.sirit.com/downloads/NR04-19.pdf

Shortage of chips?

There may be a shortage now (see last month) but the silicon vendors are gearing up for the future. (See also Press Releases). http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=54201330

RFID will take time

But this can be a good thing as one user points out, there is a lot to think about in a company wide deployment. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1734391,00.asp

Is a 5 cent tag real?

Do we need a five cent tag? Why five cents? Are we trying to live a myth? http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA475488.html

Is there an ROI?

Many vendors still do not see it. http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/dec2004/rfidwatch.cfm

The truth, the whole truth …

What can RFID achieve, well here's a start. http://www.mmh.com/article/CA484844.html?nid=2407&rid=1733663168

Data again

RFID may be the word but the network is the task says research company the Burton Group. http://www.burtongroup.com/promo/columns/column.asp?articleid=193&employeeid=56

RFID Consulting

The market for RFID consulting is expected to grow. http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ek1E0GPYVh0G4X0C2VG0AR

Way to go?

How do you deploy RFID? A question that many are thinking about. Especially with regard to the ROI. http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA475490.html
http://www.sun.com/br/1204_ezine/man_rfid.html

Disruptive technology

It may be disruptive, but it is poised to grow says IDC. http://www.integratedmar.com/connectit/stories/1425.cfm

Wal-Mart deployment

How is it going? Not as well as you may believe according to this study. http://www.manufacturing.net/scm/article/NR20041117290.2_
7685001a213a7bf0.html?industryid=2380&rid=802863875&nid=2184

Can RFID solve the problems?

It can but it needs to be done sooner rather than later. http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA475480.html

What can RFID do for you?

Maybe more than you think. http://www.bettermanagement.com/library/library.aspx?libraryid=11052

Wal-Mart win

This time they get an award for the RFID initiative Team of the Year. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=55300976

Want to invest in RFID?

Maybe the Motley Fool can help. http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2004/
commentary04120901.htm
http://www.fool.com/news/commentary/2004/
commentary04121601.htm

Gillette believes in RFID

It explains how RFID should be looked at. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6180&
TopicID=9

EPCglobal™

EPCglobal™ Class 1 Generation 2

The specification is finished, the artifacts are tested and the Board of Governors have ratified, but will it be acceptable to the community? http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1269/1/1/
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/1289/
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=55800518

But what about the IP?

The question still remains and Intermec will resume its claim.
http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6192

How well do EPC tags work?

A new report shows the performance of various tags in different situations. http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/1272/

Is Gen 2 the solution?

Maybe not according to this article in RFID Journal. http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/1289/

EPC Gen 2 harms RFID

Maybe the Gen 2 solution is not the panacea that has been suggested. http://www.industryanalystreporter.com/T2/Analyst_Research/
ResearchAnnouncementsDetails.asp?Newsid=4187

IP position clarified?

Or is it? EPCglobal™ says no IP on Generation 2 spec. but Intermec maintains its position. http://news.com.com/RFID+dodges+royalties+bullet/2100-10
12_3-5494666.html?part=rss&tag=5494666&subj=news.1012.5

RFID in Healthcare

RFID "cares" for patients

Mobile Aspects, a Pittsburgh PA based RFID company, has announced their One System of Care, an RFID based system to ensure the best possible experience for patients and hospital staff.
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1273/1/1/

RFID in healthcare

Why is RFID such a good idea for healthcare issues and why is it so hard to sell? This report may shed some light.
http://www.wirelesshealthcare.co.uk/wh/news/wk49-0001.htm

Hospitals can benefit

It may be a tough sell, but there are significant benefits in the healthcare world. http://www.hospitalconnect.com/hfmmagazine/jsp/articledispl
ay.jsp?dcrpath=HFMMAGAZINE/PubsNewsArticleGen/data/
0412HFM_FEA_Tagging_along&domain=HFMMAGAZINE
Also see above

And it may be inevitable

Hospitals are beginning to see the path ahead. http://hardware.silicon.com/storage/
0,39024649,39126387,00.htm

Patient tracking

Another step forward for hospitals to better utilize their resources.
http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1156

RFID helps patient tracking

A tag affixed to the patient can help ensure the right operation happens to the right person. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/
2004-11-20-surgichip_x.htm

FDA endorses RFID

The Food and Drug Administration and several major drug makers announced an agreement to put tiny radio antennas on the labels of millions of medicine bottles to combat counterfeiting and fraud. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/11/15/MNGU39RL9E1.DTL
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1115/
web-fda-11-15-04.asp
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/item.cfm?ID=931

RFID using Wi-Fi

CareGroup Healthcare System is using a system from PanGo Networks to track items using Wi-Fi. http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1172

RFID Standards

The big news this month is EPC-based. With the various ISO standards (ISO/IEC 18000, 15961, 15962, 15963) now available the news focus has been on EPCglobal™ and the Class 1 Generation 2 UHF specification. As you can read elsewhere in High Tech AIDCourier the Gen 2 artifacts were demonstrated, the spec. was approved and EPCglobal™ have stated the specification is royalty free. For more details of these items read the section below and the various press releases.

At this point the work on the Gen 2 spec is continuing and the intent is to bring the Gen 2 spec to the ISO world for inclusion in the current ISO/IEC 18000 standard. The next meeting for the ISO/IEC 18000 work is in January and this will be the main work item.

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

Biometrics

Fingerprint pioneer

The person who led the way to using fingerprints in police work has been honored in Scotland. http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1309612004

Schools look at faces

Three schools in West Virginia are participating with law enforcement authorities to provide a record in cases where children go missing. http://www.dominionpost.com/a/news/2004/11/13/ad/

UK takes step forward …

The Queen's speech revealed the U.K. government's desires for a biometric I.D. card. http://www.computerworld.com/governmenttopics/government/
policy/story/0,10801,97796,00.html?source=x10
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/top/story/0,4136,78359,00.html

… Or was it backwards?

But are biometrics ready for the big time? http://www.pcmag.co.uk/news/1159628

Government starts damage control

Tony Blair, U.K. Prime Minister, stepped in to try to prevent any worries that the biometric database may be mishandled. http://www.thestandard.com/internetnews/000673.php

Airport biometrics

Changi Airport in Singapore has unveiled a trial of a biometric system for airport passengers. http://www.bday.net/detail.asp?id=57476

EU wants biometric passports …

And took a step nearer to achieving this by approving a report. http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/12/02/
HNeubiometricpassports_1.html

.. but not for the U.K.

Though the U.K. considers itself a leader in the biometrics arena, the recent EU ruling won't let the U.K. participate in the recent decision to add biometrics to passports
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/15/
eu_uk_biometric_passports/

Compulsory fingerprints

The EU is pushing ahead with biometric passports and the need for all EU citizens to be fingerprinted. http://www.eupolitix.com/EN/News/200412/
9dfb8a4f-0b98-4a9f-a251-8775fbfd441b.htm

Fingerprint contract

The U.K. has awarded a £122 million contract to Northrup Grumman for a biometric system for criminal identification. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1213/
web-ident-12-14-04.asp

Are biometrics still science fiction?

Maybe they are in a complete system, but the parts are available and the systems are coming. http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/
0,10801,97979,00.html

Can biometrics help healthcare?

Maybe they can help reduce the insurance fraud that occurs. http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/
121304biometrics.html?fsrc=rss-security

Bar Code

Metrologic rings up its 300th patent

Metrologic Instruments Inc., a Blackwood, N.J.-based manufacturer of bar code scanning devices and other related equipment, has reached a milestone related to its patents. Its patent portfolio of U.S. and foreign patents has reached the 300 mark. http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/
2004/11/15/daily10.html

Price search

Amazon Japan have released a service that allows you to scan a bar code and get a price quote from Amazon Japan. http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/
amazon-japan-cell-phone-fancypants-service-026198.php

EAN barcodes

Ever wondered what a GTIN is. Here is a simple explanation. http://barcodesuccess.blogspot.com/2004/11/
introduction-to-gtin.html

The bar code bridge

RFID may be coming, but bar code is here and it works and is available now. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=54800203

Jan 1, 2005 sunrise

If you have not planned for the changes in bar codes as of January 1, then you may be in trouble. http://www.integratedmar.com/connectit/stories/1333.cfm

Wireless Computing

U.S. wireless network

The U.S. has plans for a secure wireless information network to assist with military operations. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200411/s1243034.htm

Wi-Fi grows

Hardware sales jump by 9% over last year while switch sales rise by 80%. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=54200184

802.11n moves ahead

The work on 802.11n continues but companies are already issuing "Pre-N" products in an attempt to get market share. Tests show that they work faster than 802.11g. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/pcworld/20041129/tc_pcworld/118666

Looking for a Wi-Fi detector

There are several on the market. This review tries to show the differences. http://www.handtops.com/WiFi_Seeker_Finder_
Detector_roundup.html

Wi-Fi startups

FierceWiFi has released its list of the top 15 Wi-Fi startups in 2005. Some of them offer more than just a broadband connection. http://wireless.weblogsinc.com/entry/1234000510022059/

Can Wi-Fi do RFID

Several people think so and several companies are offering products to do just this. http://www.internetnews.com/infra/article.php/3441501

ZigBee specification is ratified …

A short range wireless technology for sensor networks etc. was ratified by the ZigBee Alliance. http://www.newsisfree.com/iclick/i,64672427,1917,f/

… but where are the products

There do not seem to be any chips or products available. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3448861

WiFi on Planes?

The FCC is thinking about it. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=332177&CMP=
OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Wireless planes

Well not quite, but the FCC has approved the use of wireless communications on planes. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/data/2004-12-15-
wifi-in-flight_x.htm

WiMAX may be the early winner

While we play with UWB and 3G systems, WiMax is quietly taking over and moving ahead. http://www.eetasia.com/article_content.php3?member=no&article_id=8800353630&DD=2bc189f0

First WiMax chips arrive

WiMax, the 802.16 standard that promises higher wireless throughput has arrived with Wavesat delivering chips. http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/38980.html

Single chip solution

TeleCIS says it has a single chip solution for Wi-Fi and WiMax. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3438551

UWB conflicts continue but …

The two sides of the IEEE 802.15.3a problem continue to debate but Alereon has stepped up and demonstrated the technology. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1729049,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532

… the IEEE reviews its process

In an attempt to solve the deadlock problems, the IEEE is looking at changing the voting process. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1730310,00.asp

Is UWB the solution …

While some feel that UWB is going to provide the answer to communication needs, others complain that there are still too many unanswered questions. http://www.commsdesign.com/news/market_news/show
Article.jhtml?articleID=54800446

… and can it take off?

That depends on the acceptance from the wireless industry. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3444121

So what is UWB?

Just another high speed communication device? Yes, but there is more. http://www.edn.com/article/CA484535.html?spacedesc=ednComment&

Wireless meshes

They are coming; do you understand the issues? http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,97832,00.html?nlid=MW
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,97835,00.html?nlid=MW
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,97833,00.html?nlid=MW

FCC amends rules for UWB

New bands for UltraWide Band use were approved by the FCC.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
DOC-255351A1.pdf

Privacy

Drug counterfeiting

The FDA decisions to use RFID tags to cut down the opportunities for counterfeiting have got the privacy questions flowing. http://www.engadget.com/entry/7662346255733224/

RFID passports

Are another issue for those that are concerned with privacy as the rumors abound about the lack of security. http://www.news-leader.com/today/1122-Somequesti-231611.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/26/politics/26passport.html?ex=1259125200&en=c1ed9ae0d27de86e&ei=5090&partner=
rssuserland
http://www.insidedenver.com/drmn/technology/article/0,1299,DR
MN_49_3360521,00.html
http://www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3441721
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-11-22-hitech-passport_x.htm

RFID and privacy

This has been a long running debate and as we start to see the possibility of item management using RFID, the questions are still being asked. http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/38385.html

Chipped Mexicans?

Katherine Albrecht, Founder and Director of CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) has discovered that there reports of 160 Mexican Officials being chipped with the VeriChip are false. http://www.spychips.com/press-releases/mexican-implant-correction.html

Homeland Security

TSA wants data

Homeland Security officials have ordered U.S. airlines to turn over all their passenger data for a test of the new system. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,65699,00.html

Use of biometrics is growing

But there may not be the technical resources to manage the growth and use of the technologies. http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/27892-1.html

DHS has budget

With a five fold increase in budget for 2005, the privacy office of the Homeland Security Department is trying to understand the implications of the technologies. http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/27903-1.html

US-VISIT expands

Three major land crossings into the U.S. have now started to collect fingerprints and photos. http://news.com.com/Biometric+pilot+program+to+tighten+
U.S.+borders/2100-7348_3-5456989.html?part=rss&tag=5456989&subj=news.7348.10

TWIC pilot starts

A pilot of The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program to identify transportation workers has started, but the privacy fears are also starting. http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=39986
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6680324/

Alternatives to US-VISIT

Several companies are trying to offer an alternative to the much criticized US-VISIT fingerprinting system. http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/HomeSecurity/hottopics/infoFile/
Security-technology-11_29.doc

Cogent wins contract

To provide the US-VISIT program with $20 million of project management services, software development and fingerprint matching services. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1129/
web-cogent-12-03-04.asp

Biometrics industry challenged

The DHS has challenged the industry to create more and better ways to protect U.S. borders. http://www.industryclick.com/magazinearticle.asp?magazineid=119&releaseid=12780&magazinearticleid=211419&
siteid=12

CAPPS II moves ahead

The U.S. government's plans for the CAPPS-II program are moving ahead, but privacy groups are concerned. http://www.eff.org/Privacy/cappsii/

PR continued

WHERENET AND CISCO SIGN SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATOR AGREEMENT

Leading Active RFID/Real-Time Locating System Solutions Provider and Networking Leader Help Each Other Expand Key Vertical Markets

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--Nov. 30, 2004--WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today it has signed a solutions technology integrator (STI) agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc. As an STI partner, WhereNet is integrating Cisco technology into the standards-based WhereNet® wireless location and communication system - a single, integrated wireless infrastructure that supports real-time location, messaging, and telemetry applications, as well as mobile workforce communication. http://www.wherenet.com/press
releases/pr_11_30_2004.html

EPCglobal Ratifies Royalty-Free UHF Generation 2 Standard

Announcement Marks Culmination of Collaborative Process; Opens Door for Proliferation of Standards-Based Hardware to Drive EPC Implementations Worldwide

BRUSSELS, Belgium - December 16, 2004 - EPCglobal Inc™, a subsidiary of GS1 a not-for-profit standards organization entrusted with driving global adoption of Electronic Product Code (EPC) technology, today announced the ratification of the royalty-free EPCglobal UHF Generation 2 candidate specification. Today's announcement marks the much anticipated completion of the UHF Generation 2 air interface protocol as an EPCglobal standard.  http://www.epcglobalinc.org/news/
pr_detail_epcinc.cfm?release_id=183

Intermec Applauds Ratification of EPCglobal UHF Generation 2 Air Interface Protocol

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 17, 2004 - Intermec Technologies Corp. today congratulated the EPCglobal Inc community on ratification of a UHF RFID Generation 2 air interface protocol specification. As the first company to demonstrate working Generation 2 products, Intermec believes ratification of the air interface protocol specification by the EPCglobal board of directors represents a significant step toward making the power of RFID available to the market and clears the way for broad-based adoption of the technology.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise/
main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?&
pressID=607

Texas Instruments to Provide EPC Gen 2 RFID Tags Based on Recently Ratified EPCglobal Standard

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:

Frost & Sullivan Selects Mobile Aspects for 2004 Product Innovation Award

PALO ALTO, CA and PITTSBURGH, PA - November 18, 2004 - Frost & Sullivan, an international strategic market consulting and training firm, today announced the selection of Mobile Aspects, Inc., a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking solutions for the healthcare industry, as the recipient of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation Award.. http://www.mobileaspects.com/
News/pressrelease/press_release
_11.18.04_2004_F&S_Product_
Innovation_Award.pdf
http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/
press-release.pag?docid=29190686

Mobile Aspects Announces One System of CARE™ to Help Bridge the Quality Chasm in Healthcare
Innovative RFID solutions enable hospitals to deliver a higher quality of patient care, safety, and operational efficiency

PITTSBURGH, PA - November 30, 2004 - Mobile Aspects, Inc., a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking solutions for the healthcare industry, today announced its One System of CARE, an integrated suite of RFID hardware and software solutions that enable healthcare providers to automatically track supplies, drugs, assets, and patients in real time for safer and more efficient patient care. http://www.mobileaspects.com/
News/pressrelease/press_release
_11.30.2004_One_
System_of_Care.pdf

Ubisense Ultrawideband Location Devices Certified by US FCC

Approval Opens U.S. Market for Location Aware 'Smart Space' Platform, Ubisense one of the First Companies to Receive Certification

DENVER, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- From developing new and productive ways to utilize office space to locating patients, medical staff and equipment in hospitals to managing innovative lighting for stage shows, Ubisense Smart Space uses patented and patent pending technology to create an ultrawideband- based network inside a building capable of locating a person or object in three dimensions to within 6 inches in real-time. The devices comprising the platform today received certification from the Federal Communications Commission to operate in the United States. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/
www/story/12-06-2004/
0002584265&EDATE=

SMARTCODE™ CORP. Ramp Up Its EPC RFID Production Capacity - Expands Its EPC RFID Tag Capacity to 30 Billions Tags in 2006 - The World's Largest EPC Tag Manufacturing Capacity

SmartCode Corp. the world's leading provider of low cost EPC RFID tags and readers, today at the PackExpo conference held in Chicago IL, announced that it will ramp up its EPC RFID tags manufacturing capacity. SmartCode will expand its EPC RFID tags capacity to 30 Billions EPC tags a year by the year 2006.
November 9, 2004 -- SmartCode Corp. new manufacturing plant will be the largest manufacturing plant of low cost EPC RFID tags in the world. The increased manufacturing capacity will enable the ultra high volume manufacturing of both today's EPC Class 1 G1, as well as the new EPC G2™ tags. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2004/11/prwebxml176150.php

Law Enforcement Agencies Drive Efficiencies With Bar Code Printers and Software From Zebra Technologies and Its Partners

From Evidence and Property Management to Mobile Electronic Ticketing, Bar Code Technology Is Driving Down Costs and Boosting Productivity for Police Agencies and Forensic Crime Labs Nationwide

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, the law enforcement community in the U.S. has increased its deployment of bar code and automated imaging systems to track information, manage assets, and improve operational efficiency and productivity. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-
bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&
STORY=/www/story/11-15-2004/
0002456341&EDATE=

Intermec Demonstrates Working EPC Generation 2 Technology With World's First FCC and ETSI-Compliant Intelligent RFID Reader

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2004--Intermec Technologies Corp.: Offers approved global RFID operation Linux-based smart reader capable of filtering incoming data, dramatically increasing system efficiency Provides maximum utility -- everything from hosting application software to powering and controlling external devices Intermec Technologies Corp. has demonstrated the industry's first working EPC UHF Generation 2 RFID reader. The demonstration Dec. 2 to EPCglobal Inc used a firmware upgrade to Intermec's currently available model IF5 Intellitag® RFID reader.  http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
041203/35175_1.html

Shuffle Master, Inc. Purchases RFID Patents

December 6, 2004 Shuffle Master, Inc. announced today that it has purchased two patents owned by ENPAT, Inc., U. S. patent numbers 5,735,742 and 5,651,548, which relate to the use of RFID technology at gaming tables and throughout a casino.  http://www.shufflemaster.com/
01_company/news_press/
news_detail.asp?newsID=18

Smart and Secure Tradelanes Extends Network to Track Meat from Africa to UK in Cooperation with SIMTAG, WCO and USTDA

Next-Generation RFID-Enabled Containers and Automated Vessel Identification System (AIS) are Integrated into the Networked Software Systems for First Time

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 2004-- Containers transporting cartons of chilled and frozen beef from Namibia to the United Kingdom are now being secured and tracked "end-to-end" by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies and networked software.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041206006050&newsLang=en

The UCC Solution Partner Program Launches EAN.UCC Bar Code Consultant Certification; Consulting Services for the Implementation of EAN.UCC System Standards

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2004--The Uniform Code Council, Inc.(R) (UCC(R)), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development and implementation of global standards for the improvement of supply and demand chains, announced today that it has launched its UCC Solution Partner Program's EAN.UCC Bar Code Consultant certification in EAN.UCC System standards.  http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041208005069&newsLang=en

Impinj Demonstrates Working Generation 2 RFID Technology

Validation of Gen 2 Critical to Broad Based Acceptance
SEATTLE, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 14, 2004 -- Impinj, Inc, the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products, today announced a significant milestone in the advancement of RFID technology with its demonstration of prototype UHF Generation 2 products on December 2, 2004 at MET Laboratories, the certification partner of EPCglobal Inc(TM). http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/
041214/077716.html

Walgreen Co. Commits to Ensure Safety of Drug Supply Chain Through RFID/EPC Technology

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of industry-wide efforts to ensure safety in the drug supply chain, Walgreen Co. (NYSE, Nasdaq: WAG - News) is participating in programs testing radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic product code (EPCs) technologies.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
041115/cgm040_1.html

EPCglobal US Supports FDA Initiative to Protect U.S. Drug Supply Chain from Counterfeit Drugs

Pharmaceutical Pedigree Top Priority for EPCglobal Healthcare & Life Sciences Business Action Group

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2004-- Addressing significant challenges facing the health and life sciences industries, such as counterfeiting, the EPCglobal Inc(TM) Healthcare and Life Sciences Business Action Group has made the tracking and tracing of pharmaceutical pedigree a top priority in the development of Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) technology.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041116006097&newsLang=en

New ARC Market Study Reviews the Status of Wal-Mart's RFID Efforts

DEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2004--The ARC Advisory Group conducted a RFID Deployment Best Practices study in which ARC talked to 24 companies that were actively investing in EPC RFID (Electronic Product Code Radio Frequency Identification). ARC discovered that public reporting on the status of Wal-Mart's RFID efforts has been highly misleading.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
041117/175495_1.html

Research and Markets: Growth Opportunities In RFID Market?

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 2004--Research and Markets has announced the addition of RFID-EPC Changes Everything to their offering.  http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
041122/225051_1.html

CHEP Makes Important Advances in RFID

Progress in Both Research & Development and Execution of Commercial Offering Brazil, US, Europe Report Successful Projects
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 2004--CHEP, the global leader in pallet and container pooling solutions, has announced a series of new developments in the company's Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) program.  http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
041130/305653_1.html

Pfizer Plans to Incorporate RFID Technology Into Viagra Packaging in U.S.

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a continuing effort to combat drug counterfeiting and protect patients, Pfizer has announced a new initiative to use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that will enable wholesalers and pharmacies to authenticate all Viagra sold in the United States.  http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
041115/nym176_1.html

McKesson Supports FDA Compliance Policy on Radio Frequency Identification

FDA's Proposed Adoption of RFID Technology Could Improve the Safety and Security of the Nation's Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2004-- McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK) today announced its strong support for the US Food and Drug Administration's initiative employing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create an electronic pedigree for pharmaceutical products. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041115005553&newsLang=en

Walgreen Co. Commits to Ensure Safety of Drug Supply Chain Through RFID/EPC Technology

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of industry-wide efforts to ensure safety in the drug supply chain, Walgreen Co. (NYSE, Nasdaq: WAG - News) is participating in programs testing radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic product code (EPCs) technologies.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
041115/cgm040_1.html

HDMA Applauds FDA for Continued Commitment to Ensuring Patient Safety, Healthcare System Integrity

Association Will Continue to Work with FDA on Safe, Efficient Delivery of Healthcare Products Through Use of EPC/RFID Technology
RESTON, Va., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) strongly supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) commitment to ensuring patient safety and product integrity through the use of EPC/RFID technology in the healthcare system. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
041115/dcm046_1.html

FDA Approves SurgiChip(TM) Solution -- Featuring RFID Technology From Zebra -- That Helps to Prevent Surgical Errors

Most Common Reported Surgical Errors Involve Surgery on the Wrong Body Part or Site, the Wrong Patient or the Wrong Surgical Procedure, According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
CHICAGO, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that SurgiChip(TM), a revolutionary radio frequency identification (RFID) solution that uses RFID printer/encoders and labels from Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA - News), has been cleared for marketing. The system embeds and prints information on an RFID "smart" label that travels with the patient into surgery to help prevent errors. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
041119/cgf044_1.html

Research And Markets: Falling Tag Prices: One Factor That Has Brought RFID Into The Spotlight.

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2004--Falling tag prices, EPCglobals standards initiative, numerous healthcare-related deployments and FDA regulations on medication tracking have brought RFID into the spotlight. However, challenges regarding solution costs, IP rights and privacy issues make the future of RFID in healthcare far from sealed.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
041206/65020_1.html

Fear Over Health Sector Job Losses Could Slow the Adoption Of RFID

Wireless tagging technology could help health providers save lives, improve workflow efficiency and reduce the cost of caring for patients. However, according to a report to be published later this week by the Cambridge UK based consultancy Wireless Healthcare, a fear of job losses and the belief that the provision of healthcare cannot be automated will slow the deployment of potentially life saving technology.
Cambridge, UK (PRWEB) December 8, 2004 -- Wireless tagging technology could help health providers save lives, improve workflow efficiency and reduce the cost of caring for patients.  http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2004/12/prwebxml186464.php

FDA Announces New Initiative to Protect the U.S. Drug Supply Through the Use Of Radiofrequency Identification Technology

November 15, 2004-- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today stepped up its efforts to improve the safety and security of the nation's drug supply through the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. FDA launched this effort by publishing a Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) for implementing RFID feasibility studies and pilot programs that are designed to enhance the safety and security of the drug supply. This action continues FDA's commitment to promote the use of RFID by the U.S. drug supply chain by 2007. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/
news/2004/NEW01133.html

Denmark Military Contracts with Savi Technology to Build RFID System Supporting NATO's Real-Time Supply Tracking Network

Savi SmartChain Software and Radio Frequency Network Deployed by Denmark to Enhance Consignment Visibility of Military Supplies Shipped to Afghanistan and Iraq
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2004-- As a sign of growing momentum towards an interoperable consignment tracking network among NATO members, Denmark's Ministry of Defence has contracted with Savi Technology to deploy a software platform linked with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies for tracking and managing supply chain shipments in real-time.  http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041116005563&newsLang=en

Intermec Introduces Revolutionary New EXCELerate Bar Code Laser Scanning Technology

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2004--Intermec Technologies Corp.:
-- Offers high-performance option to current laser scan engines
-- Uses tested MEMS nanotechnology
-- Incorporates frictionless silicon mechanical parts for reliable, longer-lasting scanners
-- Provides faster scans and smaller form factor for improved ergonomics
Intermec Technologies Corp., a pioneer in automatic data collection, today introduced a revolutionary new bar code laser scanning technology that is more compact and reliable and offers longer product life than current bar code laser scan engines.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=
20041216005576&newsLang=en

AIM Global, CompTIA to Collaborate on RFID Industry Certification Effort

Leading trade associations team to address skills shortage

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., and Warrendale, Pa., November 30, 2004 - The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and AIM Global - The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility today announced they are working together to develop a vendor-neutral, multi-dimensional certification program for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. http://www.aimglobal.org/memb
ers/news/templates/aimpress.asp
?articleid=269&zoneid=1

ASK is one of Europe's 500 fastest growing companies

Sophia-Antipolis, France, November 29, 2004 ASK the leading supplier of contactless & RFID products today announced that it has been listed No. 259 amongst the fastest growing European companies included in the 2004 Europe's 500, an annual listing endorsed by 3i, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers and published by Europe's Entrepreneurs for Growth. http://www.ask-rfid.com/uk/news/
news_article.php4?id=0

U.S. Department of Interior selects Philips' advanced contactless smart card chip technology to heighten secure access to national facilities

News follows recent announcement that NASA is implementing Philips' MIFARE DESFire technology for increased security access

San Jose, Calif., December 6, 2004 - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Interior (DoI) will begin full-scale deployment in December of a physical access system using Philips' MIFARE® DESFire contactless chip technology complying with Government Smart Card-Interoperability Specification (GSC-IS).  http://www.semiconductors.philips.
com/news/content/file_1109.html

SAMSys Congratulates METRO Group for Its Leadership and Its Successful RFID Supply Chain Launch

SAMSys proudly provided its RFID Reader technology and expertise in this groundbreaking industry initiative

TORONTO, ON- SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) hardware solutions and consulting services is pleased to congratulate METRO Group on the successful initial RFID Supply Chain rollout involving its selected METRO Group warehouses, and its Metro Cash & Carry, Real and Kaufhof outlets throughout Germany.  http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&release=
1101740499

SAMSys Introduces RF Command Suite(TM) Reader Programming Tool Advanced application software for easy reader configuration

TORONTO, SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) solutions announced today the launch of its new RF Command Suite(TM) configuration application. This new SAMSys software solution is a Microsoft Windows-based software application that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for configuring, programming, and commanding SAMSys RFID Reader products. http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&r
elease=1103045265

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:

I guess you can say that RFID has finally made it when Dilbert mentions it. http://www.dilbert.com/comics/
dilbert/archive/
dilbert-20041130.html

Are you interested in space topics. Here are a couple of good sites: http://www.educationworld.com/
a_tech/sites/sites033.shtml
http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/
index.shtml
http://coolcosmos.ipac.cal
tech.edu/

How do you feel about men with sandals and socks? http://www.sandaland
soxer.co.uk/

Ever wondered what the world population is and how fast it changes? http://www.census.gov/main/
www/popclock.html

Need a cliché? Try this http://westegg.com/cliche/

Does your lawn need care? http://www.jefflindsay.com/
NLCN.shtml

Remember Will Rogers, check this out http://www.willrogers.org/

Ever made a rubber band ball - now here's a ball gone wild http://deming.net/rubberball/

Worried about mind control? Or RFID <GRIN>? You need an Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie http://zapatopi.net/afdb.html

The Fine Print

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

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