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Steve Halliday |
From the editor's desk!
Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.
Wow, we have certainly entered 2004 with a bump. There is no let up in
the amount of interest in RFID and the press coverage certainly seems to be
showing that there are many people out there who are watching this arena
with interest.
This month has seen the start of some real work again in the EPCglobal™
organization and hopefully in the months to come we will be able to report
on the positive actions that they are taking. If you have an interest in
EPCglobal™ and want to learn more about the system in comparison to other
options drop me a note to
epc@hightechaid.com, we are looking at producing some reports later in
the year, and you will want to be on the mailing list for information.
As always, providing this newsletter is just a part of what we have to offer here
at High Tech Aid. When your problem needs have you overwhelmed, then you
need to get help and that is why we are here. We specialize in education,
but the spectrum of services is much greater than that. Call or email us
for more information. Visit the web site www.hightechaid.com
for more information on basic technology details as well as many other
things.
E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com
and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your
friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free newsletter
at www.hightechaid.com.
If you have news to share or info you need, let me know
at steve@hightechaid.com.
Technology News Briefs
Radio Frequency Identification
RFID can be real
A very rational look at the use of RFID and what it will
mean to the consumer.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1107_2-5139151.html
Metro Group to use RFID
Beginning in November 2004 with approximately 100 suppliers,
Metro Group, the fifth largest retailer in the world will roll out RFID.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040112/nym022_1.html
SAP launches RFID middleware
Designed to help companies manage and communicate data
captured by RFID, SAP has placed itself into the RFID world.
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/0112saprfid.html
NCR and RFID
Offering services including consulting, design, integration,
installation, maintenance, and support, NCR is the latest to enter the
market.
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17300287
Gamble on RFID
Now casinos are looking at putting RFID tags in the gambling
chips to help them keep control of the chips in their casinos.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994542
The Wal*Mart story
Wal*Mart's president and CEO, H. Lee Scott, gives his take
on the need for RFID.
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
technology/story/0,10801,89011,00.html
And the CIO, Linda Dillman gives hers
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2004/
tc2004024_3168_tc165.htm
NRF brings out RFID
The National Retail Federation's annual trade show in New
York saw many vendors announcing RFID projects or products.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/01/13/HNrfidshow_1.html
China starts RFID group
The Chinese Government have announced the National RFID Tag
Standards Working Group. Let's hope they adopt the ISO work and do not start
out on their own.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040114/cnw001_1.html
RFID for animals
This article tells why the savings are immense if the U.S.
(and other countries) adopted a national RFID tracking system for farm
animals.
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17300330
And this shows that the U.S. government isn't ready to do it
yet!
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
technology/story/0,10801,89762,00.html?f=x596
RFID in sports
We have seen the use of RFID tags in marathons and bike
races. We have even mentioned the use of RFID at soccer matches in the past.
Now the largest deployment of RFID at a sporting event is being planned for
the 2006 World Cup (that's soccer to those who don't know).
http://www.idg.com.sg/idgwww.nsf/unidlookup/
443100EF4B977F2E48256E1D000EFE8A?OpenDocument
Japanese RFID market grows
Yano Research Institute Ltd have released a report that says
the market for RFID in Japan will grow to 1,214 million units in fiscal
2010.
http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/wcs/leaf?CID=onair/asabt/news/286458
Wireless payment systems
The use of RFID to enable a wireless payment system seems to
be growing and may be set to leap over the conventional systems.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1454477,00.asp
Power BiStatix Paper?
PowerPaper have announced an agreement to implement
Motorola's BiStatix technology as a new low cost RFID solution.
http://www.powerpaper.com/5_news_pr/pr040121.htm
IBM and Philips
The two giants have announced an agreement to work together
to produce RFID solutions.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nm/20040126/tc_nm/ibm_philips_dc
RFID is when not if
Retailers are now beginning to say "when" they implement
RFID rather than "if" as they see the advantages the technology brings.
http://www.computerworld.com/industrytopics/retail/story/
0,10801,89369,00.html?f=x2305
What does RFID need?
It is going to happen and it's now a matter of making sure
you have the steps in place to prevent a hiccup.
http://news.com.com/2030-1012_3-5147590.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news
Microsoft rolls out RFID
Working with Phillips, Avery Dennison Corp. and SAMSys,
Microsoft has announced a project for Danish snack maker KiMs.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20040126S0013
World's smallest RFID reader
SkyeTek have announced the world's smallest multi-protocol
13.56MHz RFID reader. Smaller than a U.S. quarter the reader also has an
interface to the smart dust technology.
http://www.skyetek.com/article_m1_mini.html
RFID tracks hospital gowns
At its hospital gown processing facility SRI has attached
RFID tags to the gown to speed the cleaning and inspecting process.
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/02/Business/
Tiny_discs_help_SRISu.shtml
BT does RFID
British Telecom may have created a unit to provide RFID
solutions in the U.K. but e-centre (EAN UK) says that the U.K is not
adopting RFID.
http://news.com.com/2100-1011_3-5152617.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news
U.S. military like RFID
Two articles showing the effectiveness of RFID in the Iraq
war.
http://www.mit-kmi.com/archive_article.cfm?DocID=352
http://www.mit-kmi.com/archive_article.cfm?DocID=168
RFID use to grow
Predicts Business Week as it looks at the roll out of RFID
around the world.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2004/
tc2004024_8389_tc165.htm
RFID integration to grow
Research company ABI research says that the revenue from
integration of RFID components will grow at a faster rate than the hardware
sales themselves.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040204005464&newsLang=en
Unilever is waiting
Marco Waas, vice president of supply chain and technology
told attendees at a conference that the giant is waiting for the price of
the tags to drop before implementing the technology.
http://www.computing.co.uk/News/1152507
Linux based RFID
Magellan Technology offers the ability to read closely
stacked tags and use a Linux based system for the most cost-effective
solution.
http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=displaynews&NewsID=1024
RFID the right track
The technology may be the best thing to happen for vendors,
and a real headache for suppliers who have to use them, but they are the way
of the future.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2004/
tc2004024_8389_tc165.htm
Implement RFID for Pharmaceutical
With so many benefits to an industry that doesn't use bar
codes yet, why not skip straight to RFID?
http://www.cgey.com/life/press/1211rfid.shtml
What is RFID?
A survey in the U.S. showed that 23% of people still had not
heard of RFID, but even more important only 10% had an unfavorable opinion
of the technology.
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=84744
E-Seals for containers
A report from the Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP)
showed that the use of lower frequency UHF was better than higher
frequencies for electronic security seals on containers. However, it also
stated more than just seals are needed and that standards are essential to
moving forward.
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=83564
http://www.eyefortransport.com/index.asp?news=40184&source=d&enc=1&emins1=lecwcaphopecvpkhmuviz
Menlo offers RFID
Menlo Worldwide have announced that they can offer
customized RFID solutions.
http://www.eyefortransport.com/index.asp?news=40518&source=d&enc=1&emins1=lecwcaphopecvpkhmuviz
NEC to enter RFID market
Planning to look at the complete business of RFID from chips
to system architecture, NEC wants to be involved.
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=285989
Big companies do RFID
As the technology gets more coverage we see more of the
giant companies stepping up to the plate to get involved.
http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=9388569
RFID Standards
We have certainly had a busy time in the standards world since last
month. ISO SC31/WG4/SG3 met in France to discuss the ISO 18000 standards
and completed final editing as requested by the ISO editors. Hopefully
this will allow the standard to go to final ballot and get published.
The group also covered a new work item to create a Technical Report on
creating elementary tag functionality using the current 18000 standard.
This document shows you how to implement a simple 96/128 bit read only
type functionality with the existing air interfaces.
The ISO TC104/122 Joint Working Group has also had a meeting and the work
of creating the six standards that will define the use of RFID in the supply
chain is well under way. An interesting discussion on electronic security
seals took place during this meeting and there is obviously a lot to be
reconciled in this arena before a standard becomes viable.
EPCglobal™ held the first Hardware and Software Action Group (HAG and
SAG) meetings since EPCglobal™ took over from the AutoID Labs. Although the
meetings concentrated on the process and procedures to create the
specifications, a lot of very important work was finished and this will
allow the next meeting to concentrate on the technical issues in front of
them.
If you want more information on ISO standardization or on
any issue of RFID standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com.
EPCglobal™
DNS manager to manage ONS
EPCglobal™ picks Verisign to run the ONS (Object Naming
Service) for the EPC system.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cmp/20040114/tc_cmp/17300625
EPCglobal™ signs with healthcare group
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA)
and EPCglobal™ have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work together to
create RFID for the healthcare industry.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040113/dctu041_1.html
Lowry joins EPCglobal™
Lowry Computer Products has joined the EPCglobal™
organization as a solution partner.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040114/dew021_1.html
European group formed
Intel, Tesco, Carrefour and Metro Group have formed the EPC
Retail Users Group of Europe to help progress the use of RFID and EPC in
Europe.
http://www.vnunet.com/News/1152010
Checkpoint opens EPC Center
In an effort to grow its RFID technology presence,
Checkpoint Systems has announced that it will open an EPC Solution Center.
http://www.checkpointsystems.com/content/news/
press_releases_display.aspx?news_id=59
EPC leads the charge
But RFID has been around for a while, and not all RFID
systems will be EPC.
http://news.com.com/2030-1012_3-5147590.html
Microsoft joins the EPC bandwagon
Announcing new software that will assist small and mid-sized
companies to manage their supply chain.
http://news.com.com/2100-7343-5147145.html
Axcess links RFID
New middleware from Axcess links RFID systems with EPC
compliant supply chain solutions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040209/nym155_1.html
Kellam Joins GenuOne Board of Advisors
Larry Kellam has joined the Board of Advisors to GenuOne a
leading provider of value chain visibility and security solutions.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040209005462&newsLang=en
ABI reports on middleware
According to a recent report from ABI Research the RFID
middleware market is starting to heat up.
https://www.abiresearch.com/insights/49.html
Global Commerce Initiative EPC Roadmap
This report gives the state of the industry and tries to
provide a foundation to drive the adoption of RFID.
http://www.epcglobalcanada.org/docs/GCI%20EPC%20Report.pdf
Biometrics
Fingerprints for US-VISIT
One company has received a big boost from the US-VISIT
program, supplying all the fingerprint readers in use at this time.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-01-13-fingerprint_x.htm
U.K. biometric passports
The U.K. will start issuing biometric passports in 2005, not
soon enough for the US-VISIT program, but realistically the best that can be
done. But is a biometric passport the best solution?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3389209.stm
Biometric world to grow
Or rather the sales of biometric devices will grow, reaching
$1.4 billion in 2004.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php?id=521324843&fp=16&fpid=0
http://www.biometricgroup.com/reports/public/market_report.html
Biometrics not always the solution
In today's era of suicide bombers the use of biometrics in
finding terrorists won't solve all the problems.
http://www.benadorassociates.com/article/1336
Eye scan for drivers' license
In Ontario Canada they are looking at fingerprints and
eye-scans for the biometrics on drivers' licenses.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/
1074185176006_69594375/?hub=Canada
Fingerprint firm gets funding
A new way to speed and authenticate the payment process is
being pushed by Pay by Touch and it has just secured a new round of funding
to tune of $10 million.
http://www.finextra.com/fullstory.asp?id=10197
however it has just been sued (see press release opposite).
Biometrics takes off in school
Using biometrics to pay for lunch or identify a child for
roll call has become a common thing in some schools.
http://www.news-leader.com/today/0204-Biometrics-2839.html
The U.K. biometric passport test
Learn more about this test in the U.K. to issue biometric
passports.
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=545
Canada increases security
Using biometrics to assist the identification of people,
Canada is looking to secure its airports.
http://www.itbusiness.ca/index.asp?theaction=61&lid=1&sid=54697&adBanner=Security
Fingerprints scores a hit
The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended an illegal immigrant and
discovered, using the fingerprint databases, that this person is on Mexico's
Most Wanted List.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2004/02/10/news/news5.txt
Frankfurt uses iris scan
A new system to speed passengers through the giant airport
uses iris-scanning technology.
http://travel.discovery.com/news/afp/20040209/irisscan.html
Bar Code
Bar code comes to hospital
Looking to improve the services of the hospital, Lancaster
General has just implemented a drug tracking system using bar codes.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040123/lo_wgal/1972845
Patent case comes to an end
After many years of disputes and many millions of dollars
spent on legal battles, the Lemelson case may at last be at an end. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040126005543&newsLang=en
http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-5148584.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news
For information about the prolific inventor Jerome Lemelson visit:
http://www.lemelson.org/about/bio_jerry.php
Wireless Computing
Cell phones are safe
Or at least they are until we read the next review about a
test somewhere.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994624
NTIA supports UWB
The National Telecommunications and Information
Administration filed comments supporting the FCC Notice of Rulemaking on
Ultrawideband. See NTIA release at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2004/UWB_01162004.htm See NTIA
comments at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fccfilings/2004/ETDocket98-153comments_01152004.pdf
New spectrum for WLAN?
A new area of spectrum (3650 - 3700 MHz) is being proposed
for the use of wireless broadband applications. The NTIA is looking for
comments.
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome//frnotices/2004/RWBPTFinal.pdf
Wi-Fi products fail tests
More than a quarter of all W-Fi products fail the
compatibility tests the first time through says a report from the Wi-Fi
Alliance.
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,88988,00.html?f=x10
And those that haven't been certified have a catastrophic failure rate.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,89039,00.html?nlid=MW
Wireless Network growth
The overall market for wireless network products was
approximately $650 million in 2002. It is estimated that a CAGR of 19%
through to 2006, when the market is estimated to be worth over $1.3 billion
says Research and Markets Ltd.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/1/prwebxml98329.php
And the Wi-Fi market grew 214% from 2002 to 2003
http://www.instat.com/press.asp?ID=851&sku=IN030819RC
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/Jan/1023330.htm
http://news.com.com/2100-7351_3-5156832.html
WiMax forum doubles
With the addition of AT&T and other major operators and
providers.
http://www.wimaxforum.org/home/
WiMAX_MemberMilestoneAnnouncement_FINAL.pdf
Free Wi-Fi?
Could this be the business model that really does work?
First delis and now Pittsburgh Airport.
http://www.instat.com/press.asp?ID=851&sku=IN030819RC
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17602269
http://www.bestwestern.com/newsroom/pressreleases_detail.asp?NewsID=423
http://marriott.com/news/detail.mi?marrArticle=14817
Intel adds g (at last)
Unveiling a new version of Centrino that includes the now
widely used 802.11g, Intel is catching up slowly.
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,89157,00.html?f=x68
Wireless mesh standard?
At the recent 802.11 working group meetings, a new group was
setup to look into mesh computing and what might be needed in the way of a
standard.
http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3300571
WiMax to replace copper
Can this new wireless standard replace copper for those
broadband connections?
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,89343,00.html?f=x10
ZigBee will rule the home
The new ZigBee 802.15.4 standard for short distance wireless
networks is poised to make home appliances smart.
http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3303411
New wireless security
A new version of WPA called WPA2 will be available by mid
year to increase the security of your wireless link says the Wi-Fi Alliance.
http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3308451
UltraWideBand
TI leads UWB
Texas Instruments announced that the MultiBand OFDM Alliance will push
its technology forward as the standard for UltraWideBand and that products
will ship in 2005.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5147944.html
http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3304611
UWB gets tested
The MultiBand OFDM Alliance has agreed to join Motorola in testing their
respective candidates for the ultrawideband standard to determine if there
are interference issues.
http://www.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=17600023
UWB gets a boost
Previous chair of the IEEE 802.11n wireless LAN task group has left his
position to form a new company looking at UWB.
http://www.commsdesign.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17600082
Intel shows UWB
Demonstrating its new UWB capabilities at the Intel Developers Forum,
Intel will show a 480 Mbit/s wireless USB technology over 10 meters based on
UWB.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20040210S0001
Homeland Security
The cost of US-VISIT
After the mandate to produce a system that will enable the
U.S. to track all visitors to the country, it is only now that the real
costs of the system are emerging.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1434069,00.asp
CAPPS II and US-VISIT to stand alone
A Department of Homeland Security official stated that the
two screening programs will not be tied together.
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,61891,00.html
Is US-VISIT the security solution?
This article suggests that it may be the first step in full
screening of all passengers traveling in and out of the U.S.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108289,00.html
Microsoft commits to Homeland Security
Appointment of a director of Homeland Security for Microsoft
Public Sector in 2002 showed the start of its commitment. Now it wants to
expand this role.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20040122/tc_zd/116734
US-VISIT and privacy
A statement by the Department of Homeland Security helps to
put the subject into perspective, at least from the government's point of
view.
http://cryptome.org/dhs011604.txt and here from the perspective of the
chief privacy officer
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=9&content=2730
US-VISIT, what is it all about
Here's an article that attempts to explain the program and
where it is going.
http://www.onclickbiometrics.com/ebusiness/ocbioweb.nsf/wContent/
AboutBiometricsUSVISIT?opendocument
US-VISIT is not just for airports
And implementing it at the many land-based border crossings
may be an even more daunting task than implementing at airports.
http://www.fcw.com/geb/articles/2004/0119/
web-usvisit-01-23-04.asp
The facts about entering the U.S.
This article gives all the details about visa requirements
and the need for biometric passports to enter the U.S.
http://www.btnmag.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/
othernews_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2085879
Chipped passports in Japan
A government task force in Japan has proposed that passports
issued after fiscal 2005 include a microchip.
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=287658
Machine Readable Passport Deadline
As very few nations can meet the U.S. requirement for a
machine readable passport with biometrics by October 26, 2004, are we
causing a problem for ourselves?
http://travel.state.gov/vwp
http://www.iwar.org.uk/news-archive/2004/02-03-5.htm
Smart Card
NASA awards smart card project
A $93 million project was awarded to Maximus, Inc, Reston,
Va., to assist NASA in developing a state-of-the-art smart card for agency
employees and contractors.
http://www.contactlessnews.com/news/latestNews.cfm?itemID=1120
U.S. releases guidelines for smart cards
The U.S. Government has released a guideline on the use of
smart cards in the government arena with the goal of creating a common
Federal I.D. card.
http://gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/24919-1.html
Chip and Pin
Steady progress in this U.K. initiative means that eight
million cards have now been issued.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/35116.html
Smart cards move slowly
Citing the cost of cards and of hardware this reports states
that smart card adoption is very slow.
http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/
0,10801,89924,00.html
Privacy
RFID privacy guidelines
The boards of directors of the Grocery Manufacturers of
America (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) have endorsed the need
for guidelines for privacy when RFID is used.
http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.php?story=
20040116063109613
RFID privacy session
The archived session of the KQED program on privacy is
available.
http://www.kqed.org/servlets/playClip?programId=RD19&episodeId=R401160900
Do we have privacy
You think RFID is a problem. Compared to what is already
known about us through credit cards and drivers' licenses, it won't add
much.
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,62182,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1
Safeway Foods tests RFID
Saying that RFID will be the key to progress in the retail
sector, the CIO of Safeway said that privacy concerns must be addressed
before the technology will become ubiquitous.
http://www.silicon.com/management/itdirector/
0,39024673,39117877,00.htm
Is RFID really such a problem?
After all with cell phones, loyalty cards and credit cards
we are pretty much tracked wherever we go anyway.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1454477,00.asp
Chips with everything
Here's an article guaranteed to get you concerned about
privacy and yet the article does more to scaremonger than report the facts.
http://money.guardian.co.uk/consumernews/story/
0,14188,1129990,00.html
Consumers don't care about privacy issues
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young have issues a report suggesting
that most consumers are not concerned about the privacy issues of RFID.
http://www.us.cgey.com/DownloadLibrary/requestfile.asp?ID=400
California Senate considers legislation
California state Sen. Debra Bowen plans to introduce
legislation this month to restrict the retail use of RFID tags.
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17601745
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cmp/20040204/tc_cmp/17601745
Garfinkel speaks out
Heading the MIT Privacy Workshop, Simon Garfinkel continues
to speak out against RFID and the need for a privacy policy.
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml%3Fi=20040216&s=garfinkel
Marks & Spencer likes RFID
Stating that its research has shown that its customers are
not upset by the use of RFID, Marks & Spencer is set to ramp up their
trials.
http://www.silicon.com/software/security/
0,39024655,39118147,00.htm?nl=d20040204
RFID Privacy
In this report, the facts are all there and there is no
scaremongering. We will have RFID tags and we will need to deal with the
privacy issue.
http://www.futurebrief.com/jeffharrow.asp
General Technology
Unique Identification
Here is a recent article interviewing Mr. Michael Wynne,
Acting USD AT&L, on Unique Identification (UID)
http://www.dau.mil/pubs/dam/dam04/Wynne-jf04.pdf
Metrologic changes
The President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas E. Mills,
of Metrologic Instruments has announced his intent to step down.
http://www.metrologic.com/corporate/press_rel/general/
mpr021004.htm Can Mag Stripes see a revival?
Using new fractal magnetics it may be possible to increase
the data content on the traditional magnetic stripe and give smart cards a
run for their money.
http://techextreme.newsfactor.com/perl/story/
20248.html#story-start Siemens backs away from Infineon
Infineon was originally an off shoot from the Siemens
empire, but now the giant seems to be reducing its stake in the
semiconductor company.
http://www.cbronline.com/cbrnews/
45a7f1b4c5cb88ce80256e1a003b10d5 Smaller phones?
Building phone chips with integrated microphones and
speakers may be the next move and it could showcase the use of MEMS (microelectromechanical
systems).
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa001&articleID=000B3CE9-DAAA-1FF8-90AE83414B7F0000
Inkless paper - again
Philips' Polymer Vision group have announced another step
towards the creation of a thin flexible display using polymer technology.
http://news.designtechnica.com/article2482.html
http://www.forbes.com/2004/01/26/0126flexiblepinnacor_ii.html
Semiconductor company becomes profitable again
Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV has announced that it
returned to profitability in 2003.
http://www.itworld.com/Tech/4535/040210philips/ |
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:
TI Announces Support for MultiBand OFDM Alliance's (MBOA)
Plans to Formalize Into Special Interest Group for Ultra Wideband (UWB)
Technology
50+ Companies Support OFDM-Based Approach to UWB
Technology, Ensuring Quick Time to Market and Interoperability for Consumers
TOKYO, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) announced
today its support for the MultiBand OFDM Alliance's (MBOA) plans to
formalize into a Special Interest Group (SIG) supporting growth of the
emerging ultra wideband (UWB) market. The formalization, announced by the
MBOA today at a press conference in Tokyo, comes on the heels of the latest
IEEE 802.15.3a (UWB) meetings which saw increasing support for the MBOA's
UWB proposal for high speed wireless personal area networks (WPANs).
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/
www/story/01-26-2004/000209
6492&EDATE=
Zebra Technologies Announces Strong Growth to Record Sales
and Earnings For The 2003 Fourth Quarter and Full Year
VERNON HILLS, Ill., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) today announced acceleration
in sales and earnings growth to record levels for the fourth quarter and
full year that ended December 31, 2003. In addition, the company announced a
robust outlook in its financial forecast for the first quarter of 2004.
http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?
partner=46000&storyId=107053
SAMSys Technologies Partners With PEAK Technologies To
Deliver Large-Scale RFID Implementations
TORONTO, ON - January 14, 2004 SAMSys Technologies
Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), an international provider of radio frequency
identification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced that it has
entered into a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with PEAK Technologies,
an international systems integrator of automatic identification and data
collection (AIDC) equipment and systems, enterprise mobility solutions, and
ongoing support services.
http://www.samsys.com/default.p
hp?alpha=company&beta=news
&action=read§ion=pr&
release=1074070643
International Biometric Group Announces New Release of
State of Iris Recognition Technology Report
NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- International
Biometric Group (IBG) has released a new version of its authoritative "State
of Iris Recognition Technology" report.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story&
STORY=/www/story/02-03-2004/
0002101821&EDATE=TUE+Feb
+03+2004,+09:04+AM
Drexler Technology Reports Results for FY04 Third Quarter
Ended December 31, 2003
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2004--Border-security
and multi-biometric ID card maker Drexler Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:DRXR)
today reported financial results for its fiscal 2004 third quarter and nine
months ended December 31, 2003.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0205005845&newsLang=en
BIO-key Named 'Product of the Year' by BiometriTech
Enhancements to Indexing and Accuracy Secured Top
Honor
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - BIO-key International,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BKYI - News), the leader in finger-based biometric
identification, announced today it has received a "Product of the Year
Award" by BiometriTech, a leading authority on biometrics and security. The
independent biometric industry publication cited updates to BIO-key's Vector
Segment Technology (VST) that allowed it to record outstanding False Reject
and False Accept rates, increased speed, and improved overall accuracy. The
product suite includes WEB-key, a complete and secure biometric architecture
that protects information on the web or in an enterprise environments as
well as VST, BIO-key's groundbreaking finger matching algorithm that can be
used in virtually any application requiring high levels of security and
convenience. The products are robust solutions for identity management,
authentication and physical access security.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
040209/nym129_1.html
Atmel Expands Its FingerChip Sensor Portfolio to Meet
Requirements of New Mobile Hand-Held Devices
GRENOBLE, France, February 10 /PRNewswire/ -- - Atmel
Bridges the Gap to Next-Generation Phones and PDAs Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:
ATML) announced today the introduction of the AT77C104B FingerChip(TM)
fingerprint sensor optimised for mobile hand-held devices such as cell
phones, smart phones or Personal Digital Assistants. The AT77C104B is the
perfect choice for hand-held device makers wishing to increase the added
value of their product, while minimising the cost and integration efforts of
a biometric solution. Access protection, password replacement, data
encryption, profiling and theft prevention will easily become added-value
features on next-generation devices with the integration of Atmel's
FingerChip.
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/
news/release?id=116733
Shipcom Wireless Inc. Joins Texas Instruments RFid Systems
Worldwide Team Tag-it(TM) Program
NEW YORK, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments
Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid(TM)) Systems today announced that
Shipcom Wireless Inc., a leading global provider of enterprise mobility,
RFID, supply chain automation, and business process modeling solutions, has
joined TI's Team Tag- it(TM) Program, a partnership of industry-leading
companies dedicated to the development and adoption of radio frequency
identification (RFID) smart label solutions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
040112/dam013_1.html
RF Monolithics, Inc. Announces New Low-Power Components
Package
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2004--RF
Monolithics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RFMI)(RFM) today announced the initial release of
coupled-resonator filters in a 5mm x 5mm surface-mount package. The initial
products are in the 433.92 MHz and 315 MHz frequencies, which are popular
frequencies in both Europe and North American.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=20040
114005124&newsLang=en
Alien Technology Corporation obtains equipment loan line of
credit increase to $7,000,000 from GE Technology Finance
MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2004--Alien
Technology Corporation, a leading provider of reliable, high-volume Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) products, announced today that GE Technology
Finance recently increased Alien Technology's equipment loan line of credit
from $2,000,000 to $7,000,000.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0120005988&newsLang=en
OATSystems Names Wayne Parslow as Vice President of
Business Development; Former Novell VP to Lead Partnership Effort
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2004--OATSystems,
Inc., developer of the world's most widely deployed standards-based RFID
(radio frequency identification) software solutions, today announced the
appointment of Wayne Parslow as Vice President of Business Development.
Parslow joins the company from Novell, Inc., where he served as Vice
President of Global Alliances.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0120005767&newsLang=en
Smartcode™ Corp. Announces the World's Smallest RFID Chip
New York, NY. January 13, 2004. SMARTCODE™ Corp., the
world leading developer of low cost RFID tags and readers, announced today
the world's smallest RFID Integrated Circuit (IC). The announcement took
place at the The National Retail Federation (NRF) 93rd Annual Convention, at
the Jacob. K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The new RFID
Integrated Circuit with a die size of 0.25 mm2 delivers the best
price/performance in the RFID industry.
http://www.smartcodecorp.com/
newsroom/13-01-04.asp
SIRIT Inc. Closes Second Tranche of Total $8 Million Equity
Financing
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2004--SIRIT (TSX:SI)
is pleased to announce the closing of the second tranche of its previously
announced total $8 million financing with J.L. Albright III Venture Fund ("JLA")
selling 15,452,381 SIRIT common shares to JLA and 1,481,599 SIRIT common
shares to SIRIT directors, management and employees at a price of $0.30 per
share for gross proceeds to SIRIT of $5,080,194. Shareholders approved the
second tranche of the financing at a special meeting of shareholders held on
December 29, 2003.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0120005698&newsLang=en
Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Announces Plan to Redeem $60
Million of 5 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 2004--Checkpoint
Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) today announced that it will redeem $60.0 million
of the aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 5 1/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2005 ("the Notes"). The redemption will take
place on April 13, 2004. The Company will use cash flow from operations in
addition to borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the
pending redemption. The Notes are traded on the NYSE under the symbol CKP05.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0129005984&newsLang=en
AIM Expands Mission to Include Mobile Computing, RFID Focus
New name, presentation and mission reflect broader
advocacy WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- AIM, the
global trade association charged with representing the automatic
identification industry, is expanding its charter to emphasize mobile
computing and RFID (radio frequency identification), the association
announced today. AIM's broadened mission is reflected in the association's
proposed name change, which was approved by its board of directors on
Monday. Upon ratification by members in March, the organization will be
known as AIM -- The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
040210/cltu064_1.html
Checkpoint Systems Introduces EPC Solution Center
Existing RF source tagging design center expanded to
help customers meet emerging compliance initiatives
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2004-- Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
(NYSE: CKP), the world's largest integrator of RFID technology into consumer
product packaging, today announced the expansion of its RF Source Tagging
Design Center. This global network of centers, in operation since 1993, will
now offer EPC/RFID compliance and business design services to consumer
products manufacturers, logistics providers and their retail partners. The
services complement Checkpoint's EPC network management software platform
and family of EPC tags and readers, providing clients with the most
comprehensive selection of EPC products and services in the industry today.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0112005557&newsLang=en
ObjectStore Announces First EPC-Compliant Database
Technology for Radio Frequency Identification
High-performance Data Management Technology to
Accelerate Implementation of RFID Solution
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2004-- ObjectStore, a division of
Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS) providing products and services
that empower organizations to manage complex data in real time, today
announced the industry's first Electronic Product Code (EPC) compliant, real
time in-memory database designed to collect, correlate and propagate data
generated from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0112005514&newsLang=en
Shipcom Announces Its RFID/EPC Solution Center
HOUSTON, Jan 08, 2004 /PR Newswire via COMTEX/ --
Shipcom Wireless Inc., a leading global provider of enterprise RFID,
mobility, supply chain automation, and business process modeling solutions
announces the addition of its RFID Solution Center. The Houston based RFID
laboratory was established to help companies understand how to plan, install
and deploy these mission-critical solutions without compromising the
performance of their existing enterprise applications.
http://www.shipcomwireless.com/
news/Shipcom_CBS.html
Intermec RFID Leader Named to Co-Chair EPCglobal Inc. C1G2
Work Group
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 12, 2004 – RFID pioneer Dr.
Harley Heinrich, RFID chief technologist for Intermec Technologies Corp.,
has been named to co-chair the EPCglobal Inc. work group charged with
completing a draft RFID standard for a generation of RFID technology known
as C1G2 or UHF Generation 2. Major global retailers and other industry
leaders have stipulated the use of the capabilities found in UHF Generation
2 technology for case and pallet-level inventory and goods tracking. This
draft standard is scheduled to be ratified by the EPCglobal Inc. Technical
Steering Committee in September 2004.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About
/NewsPages/pressRelease?section=about&pressID=535
Transport Traceback of Freight Containers Guarantees Source
Verification
ScoringSystem's Site-Specific Recordkeeping™ scores a
major success by applying 2-D barcode technology in the traceback of drums,
pallets, bins, and RPCs used in transporting foods, fruits, and vegetable
crops.
(PRWEB) February 12, 2004--ScoringSystem's Site-Specific
Recordkeeping™ scores a major success by applying 2-D barcode technology in
the traceback of drums, pallets, bins, and RPCs used in transporting foods,
fruits, and vegetable crops. Accessing the information stored in the barcode
and the associated web-based databank enables identification of sources,
application, and maintenance schedules of these critical entities.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2004/2/prwebxml104173.php
R4 Global Services Quarterly RFID Engineering Evaluation
Confirms Viability of RFID
RFID Testing Conducted in Conjunction with Launch of
First Comprehensive West Coast RFID Lab
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2004-- R4 Global Services(TM)
(www.r4gs.com), a leading solutions provider of RFID-enabled technology and
services, today announced the results of a comprehensive evaluation of RFID
technology spanning multiple product platforms with a specific focus on the
EPC-class RFID technology being deployed by Wal*Mart and the U.S. Department
of Defense. With read rates of up to 100% for RFID tags at the case level,
these findings indicate that RFID technology is viable and points to
successful adoption during 2004 and beyond.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0211005260&newsLang=en
RFID Leader Intermec Technologies Joins EPCglobal
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 2, 2004 – Intermec Technologies
Corp. today announced it has joined EPCglobal, a joint venture of the
standards bodies EAN International and the Uniform Code Council.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise/
main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?section=about&pressID=529
SAMSys Technologies provides RFID readers and integration
support for Microsoft Business Solutions Supply Chain Management Pilot trial
in Denmark
SØNDERSØ, DENMARK - January 26, 2004 SAMSys
Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), working with Microsoft Business
Solutions, today announced the successful completion of a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) supported trial at KiMs’ crisp factory near Søndersø
in Denmark.
http://www.samsys.com/
default.php?alpha=company&
beta=news&action=read§ion
=pr&release=1075126266
Symbol Technologies Names Industry Leader Philip Lazo Vice
President and General Manager of RFID Division
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2004--Symbol
Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), the enterprise mobility company, today
announced the appointment of Philip Lazo as vice president and general
manager of the RFID division of its Global Products Group. The division is
building on Symbol's existing investments in RFID technology and leading the
development of world-class RFID solutions as part of Symbol's overall
enterprise mobility strategy.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=2004
0120005241&newsLang=en
WERC Conference Features RFID Sessions
OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As the
premier association for warehousing and distribution professionals, the
Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is pleased to host several
information-packed RFID sessions at their 27th Annual Conference. The
conference is being held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia,
May 16-19, 2004.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin
/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story
&STORY=/www/story/01-22-2004/0002094280&EDATE=
THU+Jan+22+2004,+11:14+AM
PayByTouch Hit with $20 Million Patent Infringement Lawsuit
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- PayByTouch of
San Francisco, CA has been sued by Excel Innovations, Inc. of San Jose, CA,
for patent infringement in San Francisco Federal Court, Northern District of
California. PayByTouch (formerly Solidus and Indivos) lost its motion to
dismiss, and the case is expected to reach trial in late 2004 or early 2005.
The lawsuit cites PayByTouch for infringing 18 United States Patents and
seeks damages in excess of $20 Million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
040209/sfm101_1.html
Wherenet Introduces Fully Automated Wireless
Parts-Replenishment Solution For Automotive Assembly Lines
WhereNet Partners with Visible Inventory; Adds Sensor
Capability to Award-Winning Wireless Kanban System to Enable Automotive OEMs
to Continuously and Automatically Monitor and Replenish Parts on the
Assembly Line
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Feb. 11, 2004—WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless
solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today the
WhereNet® WhereSoftÔ parts replenishment system and sensor-equipped WhereTag
that enables fully automated wireless parts replenishment for automotive
manufacturers. WhereNet also announced an OEM partnership with Visible
Inventory, Inc., an industry-leading provider of real-time inventory
management solutions.
http://www.wherenet.com/press
releases/pr_02112004.html
German RFID Scandal: Hidden Devices, Unkillable Tags Found
in Metro Future Store
Germans say, "Nein! We wont be your versuchskaninchen"
February 5, 2004 "We
won't be your versuchskaninchen." That's the message German privacy
advocates are sending to executives at the Metro Future Store in Rheinberg,
Germany after discovering RFID devices hidden in the store's loyalty cards.
They also found that RFID tags on products sold at the store cannot be
completely deactivated after purchase, despite Metro's claims.
http://www.spychips.com/German
%20RFID%20Scandal.htm
Savi Technology Appoints Jerry Beckwith To Coo Post At
Real-Time Supply Chain Solutions Company
Beckwith Brings Strong Executive Credentials from
QUALCOMM
SUNNYVALE, Calif - Monday, Feb. 9, 2004 - Savi Technology, a leading
provider of real-time solutions for supply chain management and security,
today announced that it has appointed Jerry Beckwith to the newly created
position of Chief Operating Officer. With more than 25 years of operational,
executive management and financial experience, Beckwith will oversee all
operational units at Savi and report directly to Savi CEO Vic Verma.
http://www.savi.com/news_events
/2004releases/feb09-04.html
New Intermec CV60 RFID-Ready Vehicle Mount Computer Makes
Compliance Easy
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 3, 2004 - Intermec Technologies
Corp. today introduced the RFID-ready CV60, the first rugged vehicle mount
computer to integrate RFID with both BluetoothTM technology and a wireless
base station. This communication integration allows easy upgrading to RFID,
eliminates the need for an external base station to communicate with
wireless scanners, simplifies installation, reduces lifetime cost of
ownership and provides a safer and less cluttered workspace for vehicle
operators.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise/
main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?section=about&pressID=532
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:
Want to learn about space? Visit this site with lots to do and learn (make
sure popups are enabled).
http://quilt.jpl.nasa.gov
There is always something here to be enjoyed:
www.hoagiesgifted.org/daily.htm
Need to check some lyrics or maybe want a non-PC song. Check this out
http://www.amiright.com/
Watch the kitty watch your mouse
http://www.njagyouth.org/
maukie.htm
The music is annoying but the game is fun, see if you can survive in the
office
http://www.disarea.com/work/
office_space/
Need some magic tricks for the birthday party this weekend?
http://www.conjuror.com/
magictricks/freetricks.shtml
Do you like those cool stereographic images?
http://www.magiceye.com/
Good use of graphics makes those eyes very intense.
http://www.arseiam.com/
eyes_frames.htm
The Fine Print
Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of
the Hightechaid.com web site are not within our control.
If you end up with an error message, try a search of the site in the link
to find the topic. Magazines and newspapers often move content on their
sites, but you can usually find it with a little work. Back issues of
the newsletter are available at
http://www.hightechaid.com/
newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm
Please tell us what extra
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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.
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