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April 2005

Steve Halliday

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.

Do you or your company want to sponsor this newsletter? I believe I have been editing a newsletter for the industry for longer than anyone. I published the first edition of RFID News for AIM back in 1998. The HighTechAIDCourier started in 2002 when I left AIM. Sponsorship of the newsletter is very reasonable. Send an email to news@hightechaid.com for details.

I have just returned from RFID Journal Live, the trade show and conference held in Chicago. While I thought attendance was OK, many of the vendors were lamenting the lack of users visiting their booths. The show gave the impression that EPCglobal™ Gen 2 UHF tags are available. Although several vendors had tags and readers on their booth to demonstrate, discussions with the vendors revealed that tags are not shipping and that only small quantities are available for testing and development. This reminded me of 5 years ago when RFID vendors were telling anyone anything that would make a sale. I had hoped that the hype and disillusionment phase of this technology was over, but I see that we still have some things to learn about creating an industry. What ever happened to the Code of Conduct that AIM created several years ago?

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.

Editorial

The cost of tags.

Since the early days of the Auto-ID Labs we have become fixated on the cost of RFID tags. At various times we have heard 10 cents, 5 cents and even a penny. Is it real? Can we expect tags to cost that much? The answer seems to be very complicated but here are some thoughts to mull over:

• Quantity. The more we make the less they will cost! According to one silicon manufacturer I talked to, this is not true. He maintains that the price will fall with quantity but that the curve is getting very flat very quickly and we cannot expect large quantities to bring the cost down as we expect.
• Functionality. Make the chip less complicated! The concept of the Auto-ID labs was that we only need a very simple (64 or 96 bit) tag, read only, with few features. This is not what we have with the new Gen 2 tag where we have user memory and other capabilities in the tag. YET, we are still being told that the cost can reach the magical numbers.
• Use. Why do we need a 5 cent tag if it is going to be used on pallets and cases? These items are not item level and the cost of a tag is spread over many items. Is the cost of the tag such an issue that a pallet tag has to be five cents?
• Item level. And talking of item level, why do we believe that UHF (the current Gen 2 sec.) is the solution for item level? Many companies are now beginning to see that HF is a much better solution for Item Level tagging and so the big quantities of UHF tags may never materialize (even if you believe that will help the cost). Of course those companies that only offer UHF or are extremely heavily invested in UHF will tell you that this is the only solution. Buyer beware!

As a person who has played with much of the RFID technology today, I don't believe there is a universal solution. Each of the various frequencies have their niche and when it comes to item level, I am hanging my hat on 13.56 MHz and I am seeing more and more companies doing the same. It does mean that you won't be reading those items as they go through the dock door, but who cares, that's what the pallet tag is for. It also may mean some process redesign for some companies, but believe me when I tell you that it will be worth it. Contact me at editor@hightechaid.com for more information.

Technology News Briefs

RFID Standards

As previously reported the EPCglobal™ UHF Generation 2 specification has been submitted to ISO for inclusion in ISO 18000-6 as Type C. The first ballot is underway and the ISO committee will meet in June to discuss the comments received.

Also in progress are New Work Item ballots to open the ISO/IEC 18000 series to allow the incorporation of batteries and sensors to the tags.

In other work, the second CD ballot for Real Time Locating Systems at 2.4 GHz is underway along with the FCD ballot for the API. ANSI INCITS 256 is currently being reviewed for its 5 year cycle and it is likely that many of the air interfaces will be dropped out of the document in favor of ISO/IEC 18000. Also the U.S. Tag to SC31 is reviewing ISO 18000 to determine its suitability for adoption as an ISO standard.

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

Radio Frequency Identification

Need a test center?

RFID test centers seem to be everywhere. RFID News and Solutions lists 10 of them. http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA509014.html

RFID mistakes

It is not as easy as some think, and it is not a general panacea. Look at some of the common mistakes. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=153285

Learn about the potential

RFID has many forms and they are all different. See what one company says RFID can do and why active RFID is important. http://whitepapers.frontlinetoday.com/detail/RES/
1108401063_325.htmlsrc=email

Grocery store prepares for RFID

Piggly Wiggly, a South Carolina grocery store is getting ready for RFID. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=153517

Battery assisted tags with sensors

A new development (see the standards report above) is the addition of batteries and sensors to tags. Bulldog technologies is ahead of the curve. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=153264

China issues

There seems to be two viewpoints in China, do it themselves or conform to the standards. We wait to see which will triumph. http://www.mmh.com/article/CA525795.html?nid=2408&rid=1733663168
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=160700451

RFID implant

With all the talk of RFID, it is not surprising to find someone new who wants to test it out – in this case RFID for personal ID. This article shows how a tag can be implanted in the hand and used for different applications. (There are pictures of the implant procedure if you follow the link in the article). http://p2pnet.net/story/4383

Wither goest RFID?

As companies try to deploy RFID they are looking for more benefits and new areas to move into. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100639,00.html?nlid=MW

RFID and soccer

We have mentioned before that several soccer clubs in the U.K. are using RFID for entry into the stadium. Now there are questions about the World Cup. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100807,00.html?nlid=AM

Tracking tomatoes

One fresh produce distributor has found the way to solve their freshness problems. They are using 13.56 MHz technology (not 15.56 as stated) from Magellan Technology. http://www.istart.co.nz/index/HM20/PC0/PVC197/EX236/CS27312

Canadian cattle tagged

By law this year, all cattle in Canada must be tagged to help track possible causes of sickness. http://www.itbusiness.ca/index.asp?theaction=61&lid=1&sid=58273

The cost of tagging

The retailers say they need the tag cost to fall to 7 – 10 cents. When will that happen and do we really believe it will happen? See editorial above and http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,101139,00.html?nlid=MW

Is RFID right for you?

Who gains and who loses as RFID is implemented in more places? http://www.bettermanagement.com/library/library.aspx?libraryid=11842

A balanced view?

One of the industry's AIDC experts writes an article to put things in perspective. http://www.progressivedistributor.com/progressive/archives/E-business/RFIDBalanced.htm

What do we need?

RFID is not just about tags and readers. Learn what else we need to understand. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9584_22-5657150.html?tag=zdnn.alert

Who needs the supply chain?

RFID is much more than supply chain management. It is NOT UHF passive tags. See what else RFID is and can do. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100886,00.html?nlid=ERP

RFID ROI?

Who pays? The age old question. Maybe we need to rethink the question. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=154895

Where is my container?

Ever lost your container? For those in the cargo business this can be a real problem. WhereNet has announced a solution. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=154883

Do you know RFID?

Although some of us have been working with RFID almost 10 years (more for some) many are newcomers to the arena. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is looking to create a certification scheme to let you know who knows what. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6409&TopicID=2

Market research

What do you think the market will look like in 5 or 10 years time. ID Tech Ex has gone out on a limb and published their thoughts (note their comments on item tagging - see above). http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/00000169.asp

Is RFID worth it?

Most companies that have implemented think so. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=156139

Problems with RFID

RSA have broken the encryption on some of TI's tags. But does it matter? The security risks were known in advance and the advantages out-weighed the penalties. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1778694,00.asp

RFID is good

But you need to know why you want it. IBM says that it should be considered a strategic differentiator not a technology play. http://www.integratedmar.com/connectit/stories/1799.cfm

Smartcard or RFID?

What! You don't know the difference? It seems many others don't either. However, it seems that writer of this first article still doesn't understand! http://crm-daily.newsfactor.com/spcm/story.xhtml?story_title=Smartcards-vs--RFID-Tags-for-Security&story_id=32216&category=spcm
http://www.rfidconcerns.com/2005/04/when_is_rfid_no.html

Tags on cars

A Texas plan to put RFID tags on cars as part of the license has got people all stirred up about privacy. But why does the tag have to include any personal data? http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100957,00.html?nlid=ERP

RFID 2.0

It seems that the version 2 name is attracting a lot of attention. Sun is now offering version 2 of its software. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=980550DC-CF29-43C1-9932-F6D5CD13AAF6

Item management

Is item level tagging good for you? Here's a report on why three companies think it is good for them http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6453&TopicID=2

RFID is catching on

USA Today reports that RFID is becoming mainstream. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-04-20-rfid-feds_x.htm

DoD DFARS

The Department of Defense released the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement for RFID. Responses are due by June 20, 2005. http://www.regulations.gov/freddocs/05-07978.htm

ETSI plugfest

The first ever ETSI plugfest on RFID took place focused on multiple interrogators for dock doors. http://www.ectaportal.com/uploads/
3725ETSIandRFIDPlugsetsportal.doc

Tesco look to increase RFID

With the success to date, Tesco is looking to increase the RFID systems it uses. http://www.crmbuyer.com/rsstory/41730.html

SITA says no to RFID …

The pan-airline industry IT body SITA is not enthusiastic about implementing RFID in the airline industry any time soon. http://www.silicon.com/0,39024729,39129017,00.htm

… but JFK says yes!

There are already hundreds of food service vehicles tracked with RFID at John F Kennedy airport in New York. http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2005/0419rfidexpan.html

IETF's SLRRP

The Internet Engineering Task Force has put together a draft of a specification to control RFID readers, called the Simple Lightweight RFID Reader Protocol (SLRRP). http://www.techworld.com/mobility/features/index.cfm?featureid=1317&Page=1&pagePos=15

RFID or Super RFID

We haven't implemented RFID yet and we are already talking about Super RFID. http://www.physorg.com/news3621.html

RFID standards you say?

We create standards, we create new standards and there is still someone who creates something different. http://www.citeulike.org/user/hugomallinson/article/155581

No grocery tagging soon

This article suggests that tagging of grocery items is a long way off. http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3243481a11275,00.html

RFID book

CASPIAN founder Katherine Albrecht has written a book, on RFID. http://zombiewire.com/?php=index&ax=view&id=206

RFID Journal Live

A summary of the product announcements at the show. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1787887,00.asp

Hand Held looks to RFID

A recent survey has led Hand Held Products towards RFID. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2005/Apr/1136228.htm

EPCglobal™

What is Wal-Mart doing - 1?

With little information about the deployment being made available, ID Tech Ex has created a report to show the situation. http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/00000161.asp
http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/00000166.asp

Gen 2 gets demonstrated

Metro Group, the European retailer, have demonstrated the new Gen 2 tags from Philips working with an Intermec reader. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=155308

Fork lift solution

Could fork lifts with RFID readers be the real answer to the RFID dock door problem? http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=151813

Acsis and ThingMagic cooperate

Two suppliers of hardware and software to the EPC community have formed an alliance. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=157107

Biometrics

What is Biometric Authentication?

The use of a biometric trait to verify identity of course. Read more. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0%2C4902%2C100772%2C0.html?nlid=EMC

Government use of biometrics

On the new ID card may be delayed as the specifications are delayed. http://www.cardtechnology.com/cgi-bin/readstory.pl?story=20050412CTDS382.xml

Casino goes biometric

The new tower in Caesars Palace Las Vegas will use biometric room keys. http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39129627,00.htm

Biometric security?

NOT. After thieves who stole his Mercedes discovered it had fingerprint security locks, they cut off his finger! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4396831.stm

Biometric airports

Can biometric systems in airports help solve the security issues? http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,37297,00.asp

ID Cards

House of Lords (and others) dislike ID cards

The new ID card bill in the U.K. has received some criticism from the House of Lords and other groups. http://go.theregister.com/news/2005/03/30/
house_of_lords_slams_id_cards_bill/
http://management.silicon.com/government/
0,39024677,39128876,00.htm

U.K. drops plans …

The new ID card bill will be put on hold until after the election. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/
frontpage/4414653.stm

… but France moves on

The U.K. plan may be on hold but France is likely to implement a biometric ID card. http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/04/12/
HNfrenchbiometriccards_1.html

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Drug counterfeiting

TAGSYS USA is working with West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. to help solve the drug counterfeit problem. http://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/content/
Downloads/SoftwareDesc.asp?DocID={5eb31c10-2898-459a-8f14-de61917215aa}

Drug counterfeiting – 2

Purdue Pharma is putting tags on the drugs shipped to pharmacists to help solve the problem. http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/20050401/verticalfocus.cfm

Patient tracking - 1

Lancaster General Hospital in Pennsylvania is using an RFID-based tracking system from PeriOptimum and Radianse to track patients in its new orthopedic center. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=154562

Asset tracking

Palmetto Health has chosen Ekahau technology to track hospital assets. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=156051

Tagging babies?

Not quite but because of some serious problems, UK’s regulatory body, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is considering labeling all embryos, eggs and sperm with barcodes or electronic ID tags. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7209
http://go.theregister.com/news/2005/04/01/embryo_tagging/

Hospital fingerprint ID

Ultra-Scan have implemented a fingerprint ID system at the Catholic Health System in Buffalo, N.Y. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1779263,00.asp

Patient tracking -2

The Klinikum Saarbrücken in Genrmany is working with Siemens to track over 1000 patients in the hospital. http://www.wirelesshealthcare.co.uk/wh/news/wk16-0005.htm

RFID on drugs – 1

The trials went well, now we look for the next move. http://www.vnunet.com/news/1161998

RFID on drugs – 2

If tags get put on drugs to help counterfeiting problems who should pay the premium? http://networks.silicon.com/lans/0,39024663,39128679,00.htm

Bar code works too

While the buzz word is RFID, here is a company that has a bar code product that works in the life sciences arena. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/216970_integrated22.html?source=rss

New Siemens system

Winthrop-University Hospital will install a new Siemens system featuring Computerized Physician Order Entry. http://www.cbr-online.com/article_news.asp?guid=B9EE5583-7D2A-4488-BCF4-534D8AC3B649

Patient tracking - 2

RFID brings a new level of information to a hospital. http://www.technewsworld.com/story/science/41829.html

FDA presentations

The Federal Drug Administration recently held some meetings where presentations were made by industry experts. This link goes to the transcripts http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/counterfeit/
oct2003meeting/default.htm

HIPAA compliance

Introduction of technology can help comply with the privacy laws but many hospitals are not yet complying. http://www.cioinsight.com/article2/0,1397,1784942,00.asp?kc=CTRSS02129TX1K0000534

Wireless Computing

A quick summary

Of your wireless alternatives. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2005-04-20-wireless_x.htm

Wi-Fi in flight

Looks like it will be a success as more sign on. http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/03/31/bt.internet.flight/

Wi-Fi city

It looks like Philadelphia will become a Wi-Fi city some time next year. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100953,00.html?nlid=MW

Good, better, best?

If 802.11 Wi-Fi was good and 802.11g was better then 802.16 (WiMax) is said to be better with faster speeds and loner distances. http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/enON0GPYVh0G4X0DK8i0Eh
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,101021,00.html?source=x10

802.11n

A settlement is on the way as the standard reaches broad support and the race has a clear leader. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1777259,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=159902441

MCI steps up

Looking to increase its Wi-Fi footprint, MCI said they will expand to about 11,000 hot spots in the coming months. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1778353,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594

Zigbee starts to ramp up

Another wireless communication standard, Zigbee is stepping up to the plate. http://www.sfgate.com/
cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/04/08/BUGT6BTQ3R37.DTL

U.K. needs UWB

A lobbying body in the U.K. says that the U.K. could lose billions of pounds without an agreement on a European UltraWideBand standard. http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=3516

Homeland Security

More delays

The European Union has asked for another delay in the date for all passports to contain biometric information, but it seems unlikely this will happen. http://euobserver.com/?aid=18753&rk=1
http://euobserver.com/?aid=18771&rk=1
http://go.theregister.com/news/2005/04/01/eu_bio_passport_delay/
http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Mar05/
290305/nite09.htm

Passports and chips - 1

The debate is on. The facts are being weighed. The decision is made, but no-one seems to like it. RFID enabled passports are coming to the U.S. but have the issues really been thought through correctly? http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/em440GPYVh0G4X0DItT0EQ
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-04-03-passports_x.htm
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67066,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1

Passports and chips – 2

While the battle rages in the U.S. other parts of the world are moving ahead and contracts are being awarded. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?
guid=26746C89-8B7E-42FF-A2C3-7EFADA077A1A

And in an interesting twist

Elaine Dezenski, acting assistant secretary at the Homeland Security Department's border and transportation security directorate, told the House Judiciary Subcommittee On Immigration, Border Security and Claims during a hearing that the department would not have enough passport readers deployed to every port of entry by Oct. 26, 2005. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0405/042105tdpm1.htm

We don't need an ID card

As the issue for an ID card has been put on hold in the U.K. there is a move to use the new passport requirements to build a national fingerprint database. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/12/uk_passport_fingerprints/

Singapore biometric passport

The project is set and the cost for implementation is S$9.7 million. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/
view/138501/1/.html

When is it not RFID

When it is a contactless smart card it seems. The DHS has denied the use of RFID saying they will use ISO/IEC 14443 smartcards instead. Is this symptomatic of the fact that everyone thinks RFID is UHF? http://www.cioinsight.com/article2/0,1397,1777168,00.asp?kc=CTRSS02129TX1K0000534
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67025,00.html

DHS DAC

The Department of Homeland Security intend to issue an Access Card (DAC) to all government employees but is it secure? http://www.epic.org/privacy/surveillance/spotlight/0405.html

CAPPS just won't die

The Department of Homeland Security admits to some problems with the CAPPS scheme but says that everything was legal! http://go.theregister.com/news/2005/03/28/
tsa_data_handling_snafus/

Privacy

The concerns are still there

This time in a government workshop on RFID. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,100904,00.html?nlid=ERP
http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/04/06/HNrfidprivacy_1.html

Privacy in passports

See Homeland Security section for details of the plan to put tags in passports. This has raised all sorts of privacy issues. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/20/
privacy_groups_attack_passport_tech/

Global association weighs in

AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) published a statement regarding the need to recognize privacy as an issue while still allowing the technology to move forward. http://www.aimglobal.org/members/news/templates/rfid.asp?articleid=329&zoneid=3

Privacy guidance

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published guidance on the use of EPC tags, basically RFID tags that follow an industry data standard, to reassure consumers that their privacy will be respected. http://www.out-law.com/php/page.php?page_id=electronicproductc1113912968&area=news

General Technology

The IP war is on

As former partners Intermec and Symbol each charge the other with patent infringement. http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/41782.html
http://www.itworld.com/Man/2687/050328intermecsymbol/

PR

TAGSYS Strategic Vision Takes Shape -- Aggressively Moving

Forward on New Round of $12.2 MM in Funding
April 18, 2005 DOYLESTOWN, PA – TAGSYS, the world’s leading independent and dedicated provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and reading systems for product tracking and authentication today announced the completion of a $12.2 million round of funding from ENVEAVOUR and Elliott Associates, L.P. and its affiliates. http://www.tagsys.net/
rfid-news-146-2-1.html

Smartcode™ Corp. Announces The Hercules™ EPC G2 Series - World's First Mass Production Of EPC Generation 2 Tags

New York, NY. March 30, 2005. SmartCode Corp., the world leading developer of low cost EPC RFID tags and readers, announced today that it will begin manufacturing the new Hercules™ Series EPC G2 tags in mass production. SmartCode Corp., the world leader in low cost, high performance EPC RFID solutions fully supports EPCglobal EPC Generation 2 Standard, and will begin mass production of the Hercules™ EPC G2 tags at the middle of Q2 2005. http://www.smartcodecorp.com/
newsroom/30-03-05.asp

Intermec and Impinj Debut RFID Generation 2 Technology Collaboration

New RFID systems offer global interoperability for worldwide supply chain benefits
EVERETT, Wash., April 8, 2005 - RFID pioneers Intermec Technologies Corp. and Impinj Inc. today announced a technology collaboration designed to bring the business benefits of EPCglobal Generation 2 RFID (radio frequency identification) to industries worldwide. http://www.intermec.com/eprise/
main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?&
pressID=630

ASK launches ICAO contactless SafeID reader

CTSTS, Las Vegas, April 12-14 -- ASK announces the availability of its new 424 kbps contactless high speed reader for secure ID documents such as passports and visas. http://www.ask-rfid.com/
uk/news/news_article.php4?id=0

RFID Technology from Texas Instruments and RF Code Brings Service and Safety to Guests at Steamboat Ski Resort

Simple Swipe of Hybrid Active/Passive RFID Wristbands Enable Real-Time Information
DALLAS, TX and MESA, AZ (April 5, 2005) From the top of the mountain to Gondola Square, guests at the Steamboat Ski Area in Colorado are enjoying a new suite of services this season with the launch of the Steamboat MountainWatch guest and amenity locating system. http://www.ti.com/rfid/docs/news/
news_releases/2005/
rel04-05-05.shtml

RFID circuit hits the ski slopes!

Robust, passive ski transponder EM4026 makes handling of ski rental easy and help to deter theft;
MARIN, Switzerland – April 5, 2005 – EM Microelectronic, an electronic systems company of the Swatch Group and the world's largest supplier of RFID ICs, has developed in cooperation with Skidata and EC-Passage a transponder chip, the EM4026, which greatly facilitates the handling and identification of rented skis or snowboards in ski resorts. http://www.emmicroelectronic.com
/DetailNews.asp?IdNews=84

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:

Mobile Aspects Elects James H. Thrall, M.D. as Chairman of the Board

PITTSBURGH, PA – April 13, 2005 – Mobile Aspects, Inc., a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking solutions for the healthcare industry, announced today the election of James H. Thrall, M.D. as its Chairman of the Board. http://www.mobileaspects.com/
news/pressrelease/
press_release_4.13.05.pdf

Sybase Unveils End-To-End RFID Infrastructure Solution — RFID Enterprise

RFID Enterprise Eliminates Complexity of Developing and Deploying Cohesive, Integrated Enterprise RFID Solutions
DUBLIN, Calif. — April 11, 2005 — Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced the availability of its new end-to-end radio frequency identification (RFID) solution, RFID Enterprise. http://www.sybase.com/detail?
id=1035269

Viisage Receives $1.7 Million Order to Continue Support of Department of Defense Smart Card Program

Following Successful Implementation, Additional Order Builds Upon Existing Relationship with Telos and the DoD
ARLINGTON, Va. & BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2005-- Viisage, a leading provider of advanced technology identity solutions, today announced that it has received a new order for $1.7 million to continue to support the production of secure, smart credentials as part of the Common Access Card (CAC) program for the United States Department of Defense (DoD). http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050324/
245054_1.html

Alien Technology RFID Products Successfully Complete EPCglobal Hardware Interoperability Test

Test Results Showcase Mature EPC Class 1, Gen 1 Ecosystem
MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2005--Alien Technology® today announced that all four Alien® RFID readers that were presented successfully completed the EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 1 Hardware Interoperability test, the most comprehensive testing to date of interoperability between the over 20 vendors supplying EPC Gen 1 RFID products. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
050315/155366_1.html

SAMSys debuting new MP9320 v2.8 RFID UHF Reader; including support for the EPC Gen 2 standard

SAMSys to demonstrate Gen 2 tag read/write capability at RFID Journal Live! trade show on April 10-12 in Chicago
TORONTO, April 5 /CNW/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced that it will be debuting its new MP9320 v2.8 RFID reader at RFID Journal Live! in Chicago on April 10-12. http://www.newswire.ca/en/
releases/archive/April2005/
05/c1896.html

Intermec and Impinj Debut RFID Generation 2 Technology Collaboration; New RFID Systems Offer Global Interoperability for Worldwide Supply Chain Benefits

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2005--RFID pioneers Intermec Technologies Corp. and Impinj Inc. today announced a technology collaboration designed to bring the business benefits of EPCglobal Generation 2 RFID (radio frequency identification) to industries worldwide. Intermec and Impinj are among the first companies to introduce Generation 2 products. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=20050
408005434&newsLang=en

Alien Technology Announces EPC Class 1 Gen 2 Compliant Firmware for ALR-9780 RFID Reader

Demonstrates Class 1 Gen 2 Reader and Tag System at RFID JournalLive!
MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005--Alien Technology® today announced plans to offer EPC Class 1 Gen 2 compliant firmware in all Alien ALR-9780 RFID Readers beginning in June 2005. The firmware will also be available to upgrade customers' existing ALR-9780 Readers enabling a seamless transition to implementation of Class 1 Gen 2 RFID tags. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050411/
115393.html?.v=1

Alien Technology Announces Milestone of 50 Million EPC Class 1 RFID Tags Shipped

MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005--Alien Technology® today announced that the company has now shipped 50 million EPC Class 1 RFID tags. The Alien® RFID tags, which are manufactured using Alien's patented Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®) technology, are widely deployed in a large percentage of Wal-Mart and DoD-related RFID implementations. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050411/
115797.html?.v=1

I.D. Systems Wins Grant from Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to Integrate RFID Baggage Tag Tracking Into Vehicle Security System Symbol Technologies, Inc. to Provide RFID Solutions

Hackensack, NJ, April 11, 2005 — I.D. Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDSY) announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to integrate RFID (radio frequency identification)-based baggage tracking capability into the company’s Wireless Asset Net™ vehicle security and tracking system. http://www.id-systems.com/news/
PR_TSA_Symbol_RFID_041
105_final.pdf

Paxar RFID Solution Chosen by VF

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2005--Paxar Corporation (NYSE: PXR - News, a global leader providing merchandising systems, bar code, RFID and identification technologies for apparel customers and the retail supply chain, announced that VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC - News), the world's largest apparel company, has chosen Paxar's Monarch® RFID printer/encoders and smart labels for use by its Imagewear division. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/
050330/305114.html?.v=1

Impinj Announces GrandPrix(TM) -- World's First Gen 2 RFID Solution

System Includes Monza(TM) Tag Chips and Speedway(TM) Reader Platform
SEATTLE, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 4, 2005 -- Impinj, Inc., the Self-Adaptive Silicon® company, today announced a significant milestone in the advancement of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with the release of its GrandPrix(TM) solution, a high-performance RFID system conforming to the EPCglobal(TM) Generation 2 (Gen 2) RFID protocol. http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/
050404/083881.html

Identix Receives Purchase Orders Valued at More Than $600,000 from Pennsylvania Agencies

Agencies Place New Orders under Previously Announced Statewide BPA with Identix to Upgrade State's Live Scan Network to Latest Full Hand Live Scan Systems
MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2005-- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX - News), the world's leading multi-biometrics security technology company, announced that it has received new purchase orders from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for Identix'® TouchPrint(TM) 3800 Full-Hand Enhanced Definition Live Scan Systems. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050405/
55234.html?.v=1

Wherenet Unveils Wireless Tracking System To Reduce Logjams At Marine Terminals; Automated Processing Provides Additional Support For Homeland Security

SSA Marine Among First to Benefit From Active RFID Technology Solution; “Virtual Tagging” of Every Container in a Seaport Yard Provides Real-Time Location and Status Data, Increases Throughput, and Reduces Costs
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—April 5, 2005— WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today general availability of the WhereNet ® Marine Terminal Solution (MTS). http://www.wherenet.com/press
releases/pr_04_05_2005.html

Tom Ridge - First U.S. Homeland Security Secretary - Joins Savi Technology's Board Of Directors

Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Brings Extensive Government Leadership Experience to Savi - a Provider of RFID-Based Solutions for Global Supply Chains
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - April 5, 2005 - Savi Technology, Inc., a leading provider of active RFID solutions for supply chain management and security, announced today the appointment of Tom Ridge, the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania, to the company's Board of Directors. http://www.savi.com/news/2005/
2005.04.05.shtml

Identix Awarded $8 Million Contract from One of World's Largest State & Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Identix' Industry-Leading Full Hand TouchPrint High Definition 3800 Systems Selected by Los Angeles County Regional Identification System to Replace One of Nation's Largest Law Enforcement Live Scan Networks
MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2005-- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX - News), the world's leading multi-biometrics technology company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract valued in excess of $8 million from the Los Angeles County Regional Identification System (LACRIS). http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050407/
75149.html?.v=1

RFID Conference to Highlight Supply Chain Security, Implementation Strategies in Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation strategies designed to improve product security and enhance public safety will be explored at the RFID Health Care Industry Adoption Summit, November 13-16, 2005, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050317/dcth058_3.html

Sun Microsystems Helps Hospitals Safeguard Patients' Five Crucial Rights

Patient Bracelets Embedded With RFID Technology Securely Track Patient Movement From Admission to Discharge
SANTA CLARA, CALIF. - February 11, 2005 - The Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma (OHO), uses RFID technology and thin client computing solution from Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) to significantly enhance the overall hospital experience for its patients. OHO's custom solution, developed by Sun iForce(SM) partner Creative Healthcare Systems helps enable patients to receive the five rights of medical treatment: the right patient gets the right medication at the right time in the right dose in the right location. http://www.sun.com/smi/Press/
sunflash/2005-02/sunflash.2005
0211.2.html

Pharmacy Errors Need Reporting, Including Unit-Based Cabinet Dispensing Units - Saferating Solves the Problem

Unit-Based Cabinet Dispensing Units (AccuDose, Pyxis, Omnicell) are all useful devises, but those who use them cause discrepancies. These need tracking! Analysis of UBC discrepancies can save you aggravation, bureaucratic interference, and fines.
Lewiston, ME (PRWEB) March 30, 2005 -- Saferating.com unveiled the simplest, most complete web application to track the trends of UBC discrepancies. The system uses Saferating’s Paperless Form Technology (PFT) to generate pharmacy reports to conform to JCAHO and State Pharmacy Commission requirements. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2005/3/prwebxml222920.php

Omnicell Marketing Executive Outlines New RFID Medical-Surgical Supply Chain Management Technology

ANAHEIM, Calif. – April 5, 2005 – Radio frequency identification (RFID) has the potential to become a powerful medical-surgical supply chain management tool, Ken Perez, vice president of marketing for Omnicell, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMCL) today told executives at the Supply-Chain World - North America 2005 Conference. http://www.omnicell.com/
news_events/release_display.asp?
page=267

Wide Area Wireless Synchronization Now Available with IQMax™ Mobile Healthcare Solutions

IQMax, Inc., a leading provider of mobile healthcare solutions announced today the immediate availability of wide area wireless synchronization support for their suite of PDA applications.
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) April 18, 2005 -- IQMax, Inc., a leading provider of mobile healthcare solutions announced today the immediate availability of wide area wireless synchronization support for their suite of PDA applications. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2005/4/prwebxml229338.php

Wireless Dynamics Inc. Announces the SDiD Card; The first RFID Reader/Writer SD Card

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2005--Wireless Dynamics Inc., a leading provider of wireless ODM designs, products and services, announces the SDiD(TM) Card, the first RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Reader/Writer SD (Secure Digital) Card in the industry. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=20050
314006334&newsLang=en

TransCore Access Control System First to Successfully Combine Biometrics and RFID Multi-Layer Security System Identifies Vehicles and Drivers for High-Security Facilities

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 14, 2005 - TransCore introduces a first-of-its-kind secure access control system that combines radio frequency identification (RFID) and biometrics to positively identify both vehicles and drivers from the vehicle lane as they attempt to enter a facility. http://www.transcore.com/news/
news050314.htm

OrganicID Takes Next Step in Bringing First Penny RFID Tag to Market

Company Hires Veteran Semiconductor Executive to Lead Engineering and Manufacturing Operations
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- OrganicID, a leading developer of low-cost, printable RFID tags, today announced the addition of Patrick Jenkins as vice president of engineering. Jenkins will lead the company's engineering and manufacturing efforts to bring the world's first fully standardized, printable RFID tag to market that will cost only pennies per unit. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050323/law009_4.html

Applied Digital's VeriChip Corporation Completes Acquisition of eXI Wireless Kevin McLaughlin becomes CEO of VeriChip Corporation, an RFID Company for People

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Applied Digital (NASDAQ: ADSX), a provider of Security Through Innovation(TM), announced today that VeriChip Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed the acquisition of eXI Wireless of Vancouver, British Columbia. http://www.4verichip.com/
pr_04012005.htm

As Part of Asset Disposal Program, Capgemini Sells North American Health Care Consulting Practice

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2005--Capgemini, one of the world's leaders in consulting, technology and outsourcing services, today announced the sale of its health care project and consulting practice in the US and Canada to Accenture for $175 million. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/newsknowledge/
index.jsp?epi-content=GENERIC&
newsId=20050420006122&
newsLang=en&beanID=
46531021&viewID=news_view

AIM Global Announces Public Review of Standard

Extended Channel Interpretations: Part 2: Registration Procedure Available for Download and Comment
Warrendale, PA – April 21, 2005 – AIM Global, the trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, today announced that the Extended Channel Interpretations (ECI) Registration Procedure Standard, developed by AIM Global's Technical Symbology Committee (TSC), is now available for a 90-day public review, after which the full standard will be published. http://www.aimglobal.org/
members/news/anm
viewer.asp?a=336&z=1

AIM Global Tackles Direct Part Marking Verification

Technical Symbology Committee Begins Work on Verification Procedures for Low and No-Contrast Direct marked 2D Matrix Symbols
Warrendale, PA – April 21, 2005 – AIM Global, the trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, today announced that its Technical Symbology Committee (TSC) has begun work on refining the parameters for direct marked symbol verification. http://www.aimglobal.org/
members/news/anmviewer.asp?a=335&z=1

Savi Technology And Hutchison Port Holdings Establish New Company To Deploy RFID Network To Track And Manage Ocean Cargo Shipments

SUNNYVALE, Calif. and HONG KONG – April 21, 2005 – Savi Technology, Inc., a leading provider of active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) supply chain solutions, and Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), a leading port developer and operator, today jointly announced the formation of a new company to build and operate an active RFID-based information network to track and manage containerized ocean cargo. http://www.savi.com/news/
2005/2005.04.21.shtml

TAGSYS RFID Technology to Be Used in Helping Combat Drug Counterfeiting

April 18, 2005 - TAGSYS USA Inc, the world’s leading independent and dedicated provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and hardware, headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, will work with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), to offer a custom technology that provides manufacturers of injectable pharmaceuticals with increased protection against drug counterfeiting and tampering. http://www.tagsys.net/
rfid-news-144-2-1.html

AIM Global Tackles RFID and Privacy

Associaton Offers Insights to U.S. Congress and European Union
Warrendale, PA – April 12, 2005 – AIM Global, the trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, recently participated in the Congressional Internet Caucus RFID Demonstration in Washington, DC with the purpose of educating U.S. government officials about the issues surrounding RFID and privacy. http://www.aimglobal.org/
members/news/anmviewer.asp?a=329&z=1

Trade Association Names Global Standards Coordinator

Representative Brings Solid Technical Expertise and Extensive International Experience to Global Standards Setting Activities
Warrendale, PA – April 11, 2005 – AIM Global, the trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, today announced that Christopher Swindin will assume staff responsibilities for major technical committee work in ISO/IEC JTC-1/SC31 and the AIM Global Technical Symbology Committee. http://www.aimglobal.org/
members/news/anmviewer.asp?a=331&z=1

AIM Global Focuses on Healthcare

Web portal to deliver news and insight on the usage of RFID and Auto ID in Healthcare
Warrendale, PA – April 11, 2005 – AIM Global, the trade association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, today announced the availability of a healthcare-focused web portal, http://healthcare.aimglobal.org that includes news and information of interest to pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturers, distributors and providers. http://www.aimglobal.org/
members/news/anmviewer.asp?a=328&z=1

The Final Comment

Remember the Etch-A-Sketch? http://www.etch-a-sketch.com/html/onlineetch.htm

Personal Safety Shield – we all need one of these! http://www.16color.com/
movies/?2003.08.10||The
PersonalSafetyShield.531843

Ever need to count to ten? (in over 4500 languages) http://www.zompist.com/
numbers.shtml

Do you kids ask what the NSA does? http://www.nsa.gov/kids/
index.cfm

Save our Gravity: http://engr.smu.edu/
~mailen/Gravity/gravity.html

Do you like ant farms? Then watch a movie http://www.stevesantfarm.com/
p45.html

Or maybe M&Ms are more your thing! http://us.mms.com/us/

The Fine Print

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