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May 2005

Steve Halliday

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.

A little late this month, but there will be no issue in June as travel commitments take me away from the office. June is a big month with the big ISO standards meeting for our industry taking place in Singapore. Look for news next issue.

We are still looking for some sponsors for the newsletter. Send an email to news@hightechaid.com for details.

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Technology News Briefs

RFID Standards

At last EPCglobal™ have made some of the more current specifications available on their web site. Visit http://www.epcglobalinc.org/standards_technology/
specifications.html to get the latest documents including the UHF Gen 2 specification.

In other standards work, the ISO version of Gen 2 has passed the first hurdle with a positive vote in the PDAM ballot. This means that the committee can get to work on the comments at their meeting in Singapore and we can look forward to the standard moving to the next level very soon. New work will also begin in Singapore on battery assisted tags and sensors as all the parts of ISO 18000 are opened for revisions.

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

Radio Frequency Identification

Shopping with RFID

This article in the U.K. Times newspaper gives a good overview of the use of RFID in the retail environment. http://women.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,2120-16149-1587835,00.html

CA to restrict RFID

A CA state legislature bill could restrict the places RFID is used. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67382,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5689358.html?tag=
zdnn.alert

RFID train tickets?

A contactless smart card based mass transit ticketing system is being tested in Germany. http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,101289,00.html?nlid=MW

RFID is not just supply chain

As reported here many times before, many organizations see the benefit of RFID, not just in the supply chain. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5689990.html?tag=
zdnn.alert
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,100886,00.html?SKC=mobile-100886

Tag prices need to fall

The release of the Gen 2 UHF specification is good, but the cost of the tags needs to fall quickly to help the users get the needed ROI. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/technology/
story/0,10801,101139,00.html

RFID can change

Like most "new" technologies, RFID is likely to change in the coming years and companies should be able to change with the technology. http://www.logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sID={80018552-34D1-4A8A-933C-AC67F678A382}&S=1&MLC=SC_MarketTrends&OASKEY=CurrentIssue

RFID needs more than tags

If RFID is going to take off in the way envisioned by some then it will need more than just "cheap tags". http://news.com.com/Getting+real+about+RFID/2010-1071_3-5655880.html

The Wal-Mart model

Is it good for all retailers? No, according to a new report from ABI Research. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=158629

More IP issues?

As Assa Abloy acquires the RFID patents of David Finn does this mean any changes in the RFID world?
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=158436

Wi-Fi RFID

Joining the companies that offer a form of RFID using Wi-Fi technology, Cisco Systems announced a new device to allow its Access Points to provide location information. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=
3B2D6FC7-1041-475E-B798-EDC57DA1DC56
http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/engQ0GPYVh0G4X0DNfo0E4

RFID adoption slow?

At least for one company. Software maker GenuOne announced its withdrawal from the RFID marketplace. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=
47FD9B73-3AC1-485A-B49B-4D0206DBBE5B

The status of RFID

Here is one group's view of RFID. They miss the mark in some areas but offer some good insight in others. http://ewweb.com/mag/electric_rfid_status_report/

RFID and Data

Data data data. Without it RFID is useless and it needs careful consideration. http://www.tcs.com/0_whitepapers/htdocs/upstreaming_RFID.pdf

Intermec IP

Intermec has announced a licensing plan to allow vendors to get immediate access to the IP they need to provide RFID technology products. http://www.intermec.com/90days/
http://www.internetweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162600321

Rafsec expands

UPM Rafsec, the Finnish RFID tag maker has announced plans to expand its presence in the U.S. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=
1530F53D-358F-428D-A06B-ED9C45BF5858
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=162015

Slap and Ship

Not such a good idea in the long run. http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/20050501/
equipmentapplications.cfm

The market knows

At a time when the two large AIDC companies are at war over IP issues, the market voices its opinions. http://www.forbes.com/2005/05/09/cx_ld_0509winlose.html?partner=technology_newsletter

Metro demonstrates Gen 2

Working with the technology providers, Metro stores have shown the first working demonstration of the new Gen 2 products. http://www.computerweekly.com/print/ArticlePrinterPage.asp?liArtID=138390&liFlavourID=1

RFID to protect borders

The Department of Homeland Security stated that airports, maritime ports, and land borders will be test sites for RFID this summer. http://update.internetweek.com/
cgi-bin4/DM/y/enqW0GPYVh0G4X0DOju0EW

Pay to play

But is the cost still too high? One writer thinks so. http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2005/mft05050924.htm

RFID credit card

Chase Bank has announced the intent to issue RFID enabled credit cards that use "blink" technology. http://www.internetweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=163105842

Boeing looks to RFID

Passive UHF tags will be used to identify jet engine parts in a pilot test to determine the durability of RFID tags. http://www.optimizemagazine.com/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=161501488

Is RFID worth it?

Yes and more. There are applications beyond retail that must be watched. http://asia.cnet.com/news/specialreports/
0,39037117,39225778,00.htm

U.K. leads in Europe

The U.K. has more trials of RFID systems than any other country in Europe. http://www.whatpc.co.uk/news/1162834

Tesco adds RFID to the trolley

Not to read the contents, but to track the trolleys. http://www.theretailbulletin.com/index.php?page=5&id=
6474&cat=tech

RFID growth

Hossein Eslambolchi, AT&T's CIO, CTO and president of global networking technology services predicts we will be generating 100 billion to 200 billion RFID tags every year for the next 10 years. http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/vehicle/tagmaster/press4.html

Food recalls an issue

But RFID could be the solution. http://www.itbusiness.ca/index.asp?theaction=61&lid=1&sid=58777&adBanner=Wireless

Army awards contracts

The U.S. Army awarded RFID contracts to six companies. http://www.fcw.com/article88847-05-12-05-Web

U.S. Navy embraces RFID

Tracking shipments through the Navy's Ocean Terminal in Norfolk, Va. has changed the way the terminal does business. http://www.crmbuyer.com/rsstory/43083.html

Looking for RFID M&A?

Mergers and Acquisitions in RFID? Is there profit to be made? ID Tech Ex has a white paper that may give you food for thought. http://www.idtechex.com/documents/downloadpdf.asp?documentid=803

Government use of RFID

It is already happening. But we need to make sure all the correct steps are in place. The U.S. GAO has released a report. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05551.pdf
http://news.com.com/2100-7342_3-5723535.html

Organic RFID

Many say the real cost of tags won't reach acceptable levels until we have non-silicon ways to make tags. http://www.hotair.net/?p=25

Rockwell Automation uses RFID

Using RFID as part of its manufacturing facilities, Rockwell is building the business case for RFID. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=162136

Alien buys Quatrotec

And so gains access to the airport industry business for RFID. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=163700085

RFID expensive

Or so says the corrugated box industry. http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10321

GM uses RFID

In the Hummer plant parts replenishment is driven by RFID. http://www.scs-mag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=627&Itemid=87

EPCglobal™

EPC at Generation 2

While the tags are at Gen 2, the rest of the system is playing catch up and the issues are not all resolved. http://www.manufacturing.net/lm/article/CA600491.html?nid=2184&rid=802863875

Gen 2 differences

Faster, more support, more options but what does it all mean? http://www.mmh.com/article/CA601436.html?nid=2408&rid=1733663168

Gen 2 and ISO

Using the new ISO 18000-6 type C standards (based on EPCglobal™'s Gen 2 specification) requires more than the EPCglobal™ numbering system. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=158547

ALE standard

Application Level Events. EPCglobal™ has put together a standard to cover this side of an RFID application. http://rfid-research.blogdrive.com/archive/14.html

Sharing information can help

As the early adopters get their systems to work well, they are finding that sharing data is helping solve some of the issues. http://informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=163700955&_loopback=1

Are all tags equal?

Not according to a report published by the RFID Alliance Lab who tested Class 0 and 1 UHF tags. http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1614/1/1/

Biometrics

Biometrics controls port

The Port of Antwerp has installed a biometric system to control access for the works and visitors to the port. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=157110

Replacing passwords

When passwords are easy to guess, security risks are high. Biometrics can help. http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/
0,10801,101557,00.html?source=NLT_EMC&nid=101557

HP to build biometric database

Working with the European Commission, Hewlett Packard will create a biometric ID database for border control. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/28/hp_sis_ii_contract/

Grocery store fingerprint

Get rid of that credit card or checkbook, you can use your finger in some Cub Foods stores. Or rather you use your fingerprint. http://wcco.com/localnews/local_story_135154203.html

U.S. Government ID

The U.S. Department of Defense is introducing a biometric ID card for the military bases in Iraq. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2005/20050517_1141.html

Biometrics are coming

So get used to it says a report from the U.S. officials on the use of biometrics at border checkpoints. http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/privacy/
story/0,10801,102079,00.html?source=x10

ID Cards

U.K. card still to come

The Queen's speech mentioned the need for a U.K. ID Card. This may cause Tony Blair's government some problems. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/queensspeech2005/
story/0,16013,1485932,00.html?gusrc=rss
http://www.computerworld.com/governmenttopics/government/
policy/story/0,10801,102011,00.html?source=x10
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/
0,6903,1494944,00.html

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Electronic medical records

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will work with IBM on a $50 million project on the development of healthcare information technology products. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05118/495377.stm

Northrup Grumman invests

After acquiring Integic in March, Northrup will take on a healthcare focus. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/1_1/daily_news/
26071-1.html

Electronic medical records – 2

The University of Maryland is also looking into the subject. http://www.gazette.net/200516/business/news/271441-1.html

Surgical RFID

Can RFID help get the right arm amputated? http://www.internetweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=161601271
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162100356

Counterfeit costs

A report from CapGemini states that counterfeit products cost over $1 billion a year. http://www.bio-itworld.com/archive/pharmareview/050604.html#capgemini

HIPPA issues

The University of Colorado Hospital is using RFID to help secure patient records to meet HIPPA requirements. http://www.contactlessnews.com/library/2005/04/28/colorado-
hospital-uses-prox-cards-single-signon-and-sonar-to-secure-
patient-records-and-meet-hipaa/?issue=aHR0cDovL3d
3dy5jb250YWN0bGVzc25ld3MuY29tL2xpYnJhcnkvMjAwNS8w
NS8wMi9jb250YWN0bGVzc25ld3MtZW1hZ2F6aW5lLXBheW1
lbnRzLWluLWtvcmVhLXNvbmFyLWluLWhvc3BpdGFscy1hbm
QtbW9yZS8/a2V5PTU3OTE=

RFID wristbands

Jacobi Medical Center in New York is implementing an RFID wristband system. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=158423

Wireless healthcare

InnerWireless Inc. has established a healthcare business unit. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/
articleDetail.jsp?id=158940

IBM does healthcare?

Well, in the consulting role at least. http://www-1.ibm.com/press/PressServletForm.wss?MenuChoice=pressreleases&TemplateName=ShowPressRelease
Template&SelectString=t1.docunid=7631&TableName=Datahead
ApplicationClass&SESSIONKEY=any&WindowTitle=Press+Release&
STATUS=publish

VeriChip adds technology

eXI Wireless's RFID and bar code products have been acquired by VeriChip and the company adds new features to its product line. http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/
article.cfm?articleid=1394
http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1413

New CEO

Patient Care Technology Systems has named Tony Marsico CEO. He was a founder and president of Healthcare Information Technology Inc. a company providing an RFID based patient tracking system.
http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1400

RFID in Healthcare

American RFID Solutions have released a new study showing that the market for radio frequency identification technology in the hospital marketplace will soar to $8.8 billion by 2010. http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1393
http://rfidtimes.blogspot.com/2005/04/important-new-industry-handbook.html

Hospital reduces medication errors

Using a bar code based system, St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh, is reducing medication errors. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=160013

Pharmaceutical trends

Ernst & Young have released their annual global pharmaceutical report. http://www.ey.com/GLOBAL/content.nsf/International/
Progressions_2005_-_The_Ernst_&_Young_Annual_Global_
Pharmaceutical_Report

Pilots sometimes fail

A patient tracking and locating system at Birmingham Heartlands hospital doesn't work out. http://www.wirelesshealthcare.co.uk/wh/news/wk18-0002.htm

New Cisco system

Is the basis of a new tracking system at Lee Memorial Health Systems. http://www.mobilehealthdata.com/article.cfm?articleid=1415

Drug tracking

A trial using tagged drugs was recently conducted in the U.K. to cut dispensing errors. http://networks.silicon.com/lans/0,39024663,39129914,00.htm

U.K company to offer RFID

U.K. software company Mantic Point is offering products from Alien Technology to the U.K. healthcare industry. http://www.datamonitor.com/~aee5cb1d62c54fb7b8890a76
f820f20b~/industries/news/article/?pid=F64DAE63-D230-48E4-
BF54-1092C43D40C7&type=NewsWire

Wireless Computing

Microsoft and UWB

Microsoft has added its weight to the WiMedia Alliance to help ensure that UltraWide Band works well with Windows. http://www.mobilizedsoftware.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162100809

U.K. wants UWB licensing

Recognizing that the U.K. could miss out on large economic gains, there is a call for UltraWide Band to be approved as quickly as possible. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/19/
academics_call_for_uwb_licensing/

Bluetooth and UWB

The groups working in the Bluetooth and UltraWide Band arena say that they intend to bring the two technologies closer together. http://news.com.com/Bluetooth%2C+UWB+
techs+combining+efforts/2100-1039_3-5694419.html?part=rss&tag=5694419&subj=news
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162101443

UWB pushes ahead

The government has approved UltraWide Band and now the products are starting to catch up. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/04/technology/techspecial/
04markoff.html?ex=1272859200&en=66d557d788434529&ei=
5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

UWB standard?

The IEEE committee, 802.15.4a, gets closer to a standard for UltraWide Band. http://www.commsdesign.com/news/market_news/
showArticle.jhtml?articleID=163100185

No UWB standard yet

As feared the IEEE meeting did not result in a decision http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1818389,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532

Regulatory fears for UWB

Even as UltraWide Band gets closer to a standard, the regulatory restrictions in some countries are worrying the proponents of the technology. http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=3659

Life, Liberty and Free WiFi

Is this the future? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/02/AR2005050200449_pf.html

Nextel offers Wi-Fi

Another phone company is jumping on the bandwagon. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5706169.html

Wireless mesh networks

Not just a buzz word any more, Motorola is pushing ahead with the technology. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1816786,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605

UWB competitor?

Is this a possible competitor to UWB? http://www.wirelessnetdesignline.com/howto/uwb/163103775

802.11n stalled

As the standard stalls for lack of agreement, talks start to merge the competing technologies. http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=3717

Wireless USB

The standard is finished but there is still work to be done. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,102009,00.html?source=x10

Homeland Security

Passports and RFID

China expects to start issuing passports with RFID chips in 2006. http://www.cardtechnology.com/cgi-bin/readstory.pl?story=20050421CTDN457.xml

Passports and RFID – 2

The U.S. is still unsure how to do it. First no security, now there will be security. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67333,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1
http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162100152
http://www.btnmag.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/
article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000904080
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/1_1/daily_news/
26286-1.html

U.S. Passport requirements

Starting on June 26, 2005 all visitors to the U.S. without a machine readable passport will need a visa. This is a pre-requirement to the need for a biometric passport later in the year. http://www.findbiometrics.com/viewnews.php?id=2269

RFID passports

Is it RFID or contactless technology? http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/42349.html

Real ID

The U.S. government has approved an ID Card scheme that will require all U.S. citizens to have a federally approved ID card with machine readable technology. http://news.com.com/Senate+approves+electronic+ID+card+bill/
2100-1028_3-5702505.html?tag=nefd.top

TSA wants baggage tracking

The Transportation Security Administration has awarded a grant to I.D. Systems for RFID based baggage tracking. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=160586

Does US VISIT work?

Not more than 50% of the time according to a new report out. http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/ccContent/408450.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/22/AR2005052200613.html?referrer=email&referrer=email

Privacy

California to ban RFID?

A Senate bill was approved which will not allow the use of RFID tags in ID documents. http://news.com.com/California%20bill%20would%20ban%20RFID%20chips%20in%20IDs/2100-1039_3-5689358.html
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5689358.html

Killing RFID tags

The ability to kill RFID tags is a promise made by some retailers. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67237,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_7

Cisco tracks staff

Cisco's new Wi-Fi tracking device is coming under fire for tracking staff. http://www.vnunet.com/news/1162835

FTC report on RFID

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission held a public workshop entitled “Radio Frequency Identification: Applications and Implications for Consumers.” This just released staff report summarizes the discussion at the Workshop and offer some preliminary recommendations for addressing the privacy concerns raised by some participants. http://www.ftc.gov/os/2005/03/050308rfidrpt.pdf

General Technology

The law suits continue

Now Symbol has filed against Intermec in the IP wars. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=159415
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3501531
http://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/
patent_infringement.html

Symbol profits up

The company announced first quarter profits tripled but the stocks fell as the expenses increased. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050503/
earns_symbol_technologies.html?.v=1
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050504/
symbol_technologies_mover.html?.v=1

Zebra profit drops

After announcing a drop of earning of 3%, Zebras stocks fell. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050504/earns_zebra_technologies.html?.v=1

Intermec shines

Intermec emerged as a star in the recent lack luster Unova first quarter results. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=162600278

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:

Progressive Gaming International Receives Its 3rd Generation High Speed RFID Microchip

Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Master Global License for Next Generation RFID Reader and Purchase a Minority Equity Stake in Magellan
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2005--Progressive Gaming International Corporation (NASDAQ: PGIC - News; the Company), a leading provider of diversified content and technology products and services used in the gaming industry worldwide, announced today that it has received and tested its 3rd generation high speed RFID equipment from Magellan Technology Pty Ltd of Australia (Magellan), an affiliate of Siemens Venture Capital GmbH., Infineon Technologies AG (Infineon), Inc. and other Australia-based investors. Infineon, who manufactures Magellan's microchip, is a global leader in RFID microchip manufacturing. The Company also signed a letter of intent for the proposed acquisition of the master global license for Magellan's rights to the next generation RFID reader, tag and related intellectual property for any gaming application worldwide, and to purchase a minority equity investment in Magellan. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050426/
265537.html?.v=1

FlipChip International Introduces EliteCSP™ Wafer Level Package and License with Fraunhofer Institute for Advanced Low Cost Wafer Bumping.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA April. 26, 2005--FlipChip International today announced the introduction of its new EliteCSP™ product for wafer level packaging and wafer bumping. The EliteCSP™ product line is specifically designed for bumping applications that require rapid cycle times, quick time to market, low bumping costs, and high temperature stability. This technology was developed primarily at FlipChip International and was supported by a global licensing agreement with the Fraunhofer Institute (IZM) in Berlin, Germany for the electroless plating of the underbump metallization (UBM). http://www.flipchip.com/FlipChip%20International%20Announces%20EliteCSP.pdf

Vinoble Moves to Acquire RFID Middleware Technology

MALIBU, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2005--Vinoble, Inc., a holding company seeking to identify long-term growth opportunities in the areas of homeland security, security information systems, and other security services, is pleased to announce that as it continues in its efforts to reach definitive agreements on the acquisition of assets, businesses, and strategic partners in the RFID and GPS tracking sector, Vinoble has further engaged with several additional businesses and individuals for the purpose of acquiring technology, software, and patents. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050520/
205489.html?.v=1

The Procter & Gamble Company and T3Ci Announce Multi-Year Joint EPC/RFID Applications Development Agreement

RFID Expert Steve Rehling of Procter & Gamble Joins T3Ci Customer Advisory Board
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and CINCINNATI, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, and The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG - News) today announced a multi-year, non-exclusive joint development agreement to collaboratively identify and build high value RFID applications designed to leverage the EPCglobal RFID standards. The two companies aim to jointly develop a range of strategic RFID applications as learning continues behind RFID programs at multiple retailers. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050517/sftu004.html?.v=11

Global RFID Market to Top $2 Billion in 2005: Marketstrat

Global RFID services revenues are expected to touch $350 million in 2005, according to a new report titled, “RFID Products, Applications and Services Worldwide – A Market Strategy Report.”
Fremont, CA (PRWEB) May 24, 2005 -- RFID technology has been growing steadily in the past 3-4 years and is expected to grow rapidly in the 2006-2009 period, before stabilizing and settling on a steady growth path. The year 2004 was marked by excitement related to mandates, entry of new players, re-positioning of some companies as “RFID focused,” new product and service launches, technology advances, standards evolution, partnerships & alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and general market awareness. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2005/5/prwebxml242557.php

Intermec Introduces RFID Rapid Start Licensing Program for Limited Period to Provide Industry Access to Comprehensive IP Portfolio

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2005--Intermec Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UNA):
-- Provides unlimited access to broad portfolio of more than 145 Intermec RFID inventions at attractive terms
-- Spurs adoption of Generation 2 RFID technology and clarifies rapidly-developing RFID vendor marketplace
-- Settles issues of past infringement and frees partners from risk of future infringement
-- Offered June 1 through Aug. 31
To spur adoption of RFID (radio frequency identification), a powerful new supply chain technology, and to simplify licensing of its RFID intellectual property portfolio, RFID pioneer Intermec Technologies Corp. today announced a limited-time Rapid Start Licensing Program that provides RFID manufacturers access to Intermec's broad portfolio of RFID innovation at attractive rates. The program, which begins June 1, 2005, and concludes Aug. 31, 2005, will provide the marketplace with clear guidance about which vendors are licensed to use Intermec's RFID IP and will simplify complicated technology cross-licensing issues. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/moreoveruk/index.jsp?
epi-content=GENERIC&newsId=
20050504006048&&newsLang=
en&beanID=1153550781&viewID=
news_view

Texas Instruments Teams Up with Leading Reader and Printer Partners for EPC Gen 2 Interoperability

DALLAS, TX (April 11, 2005) Texas Instruments Incorporated today announced broad industry support for its Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Gen 2 technology through its collaboration with 12 leading printer and reader manufacturers: Avery Dennison, AWID, Datamax Corporation, FEIG, Paxar, Printronix, SATO, Sirit Inc., SAMSys, ThingMagic, WJ Communications, and Zebra Technologies Corporation. TI is working with this alliance to ensure interoperability within the EPC Gen 2 radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure and drive accelerated adoption of EPC Generation 2 compliant solutions in the global retail supply chain. All of the companies are committed to providing products based on the EPC Gen 2 standard, and are working in close collaboration with TI to bring to market a wide range of interoperable solutions for encoders, readers, printers, and hardware devices that support TI's EPC Gen 2 products which are planned for volume production beginning in 3Q 2005. http://www.ti.com/rfid/docs/news/
news_releases/2005/
rel04-11-05.shtml

TransCore Develops New Satellite-based Trailer Tracking Sensors
Infrared Technology In Cargo Sensor, Breakthrough Increases Accuracy and Drives Price Down

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 5, 2005 - TransCore announces new trailer tracking sensors, including a first-of-its-kind infrared cargo sensor and a temperature sensor, for use on TransCore’s GlobalWave® satellite communications products. Infrared beam technology, used extensively in household remotes and appliances along with military defense applications, has long been proven and reliable. The widespread use of this technology lowers the cost of components, allowing TransCore’s breakthrough infrared cargo sensor to be priced affordably for fleets. Prices are less than $100 for purchases in volume. http://www.transcore.com/news/
news050505.htm

Multispectral Solutions Receives Fundamental Patent For Ultra Wideband RFID And Tracking System

Germantown, MD – May 10, 2005 – Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) announced today that it has been awarded a patent which permits the rapid acquisition of RFID tag transmissions enabling the monitoring and precise (centimeter) localization of large numbers of tags, even in severe multipath environments. This newly patented technology has been incorporated into MSSI's ultra wideband (UWB) Precision Asset Location System™ products, including its latest "Sapphire" line of RFID/tracking solutions. http://www.multispectral.com/
press/news-051005.html

ThingMagic Increases Availability of Mercury4 RFID Readers Through Expanded Reseller Network

Leading Developer of Software-Defined RFID Readers Partners With Acsis, Inc., CIT, RFID Global Solutions, and Venture Research to Deliver Mercury4 Readers to End Users Worldwide
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2005-- ThingMagic, Inc. (www.thingmagic.com), a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedded computing technologies, today announced that it has added Acsis, Inc., CIT, RFID Global Solutions, and Venture Research to its growing list of reseller partners who distribute ThingMagic's line of Mercury4 RFID readers. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050509/
95561.html?.v=1

Lyngsoe Systems Announces Reseller Agreement for Alien Technology RFID Products

MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2005--Lyngsoe Systems, one of the world's leading integrators of RFID systems, today announced an agreement with Alien Technology® under which Lyngsoe will resell Alien® RFID reader and tag products in Europe and South America. The Alien products will be integrated by Lyngsoe Systems into turnkey solutions that utilize RFID for fast, effective and accurate data capture in supply chains. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/
255125.html?.v=1

CDO Technologies Unveils Real-Time RFID Tracking Solution to Enhance Efficiency, Reduce Cost, and Improve Customer Service

ATLAS to help Healthcare, Consumer Products, and Transportation sectors achieve measurable ROI and real cost savings.
DAYTON, Ohio, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CDO Technologies, Inc. a leading integrator of RFID solutions, announced today the availability of ATLAS, a Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) designed to improve asset utilization, reduce operating and leasing costs, and improve employee throughput and customer service in the healthcare, consumer products, and transportation sectors. ATLAS is CDO Technologies' first product offering based on RF Code's TAVIS(TM) unified monitoring platform. The solution will also incorporate RF Code's Mantis(TM) line of active RFID tags and readers, reflecting the comprehensive partnership announced by the two companies in August 2004. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050421/neth045.html?.v=3

Surgichip™ Gains Momentum In Healthcare Industry – Amtsystems Announces New RFID Pilot Programs

FDA-approved SURGICHIP supports 2005 JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals by helping to eliminate wrong-site, wrong-patient, wrong-procedure surgeries
(Cheshire, CT.) April 26, 2005 – AMTSystems, a leading provider of automatic identification solutions in the healthcare industry, announced today several new pilot programs for SURGICHIP™ -- the market’s first FDA-approved RFID verification system to help prevent wrong-patient, wrong procedure and wrong-site surgeries. http://www.amtsystems.com/
Health/templates/news.cfm?id=77

METRO Group and Intermec Demonstrate Interoperable Generation 2 RFID System at ECR Europe

Tags from Multiple Vendors Read Flawlessly by Intermec IF5 RFID Reader
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2005--The METRO Group and Intermec Technologies Corp. recently demonstrated an interoperable EPC Generation 2 RFID (radio frequency identification) system at the 2005 ECR Europe Conference and Marketplace. During the demonstration, Gen 2 smart labels with Gen 2 chips from Impinj and Royal Philips Electronics were read by an Intermec Intellitag® IF5 reader, the first known demonstration of a true Gen 2 interoperable system. During a keynote presentation, an RFID-tagged pallet of RFID-tagged cases was pushed through a portal, simulating a typical supply chain application. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050503/
36102.html?.v=1

Visidot Installs Unique Ford F150 Chassis Identification AIDC System

ImageID Ltd., a leader in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology has successfully installed a Visidot AIDC System at the Ford F150 plant in Dearborn to improve production speed and increase plant efficiency. The installation was implemented in conjunction with Visidot partner Wireless & Barcode in Michigan.
Tel Aviv, Israel (PRWEB) May 11, 2005 -- ImageID Ltd., a leader in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology has successfully installed a Visidot AIDC System at the Ford F150 plant in Dearborn to improve production speed and increase plant efficiency. The installation was implemented in conjunction with Visidot partner Wireless & Barcode in Michigan. http://www.prweb.com/releases/
20051540/5/prwebxml239011.php

Two SAMSys Resellers Awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements for DoD Initiative

TORONTO, May 12, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX) announced today that two of its value-added resellers have been awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements authorizing the use of SAMSys' new MP9320 v2.8 radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to comply with RFID mandates from the U.S. Department of Defense. The agreements are expected to result in the sale of at least 700 fixed RFID readers from multiple vendors over the next year during the first phase of a long-term initiative to implement RFID technology throughout the DoD's supply chain. http://spaces.msn.com/members/
my-pad/Blog/cns!1pHoQhQHX
YeZR7c-plvGPByQ!127.entry

Alereon, and Intel Demonstrate 480Mbps Solution at Wireless USB Developer's Conference

First public demonstration of an integrated Intel and Alereon solution
Wireless USB Developers Conference
San Jose, CA – May 24, 2005 Alereon, a leading fabless semiconductor company developing wireless solutions for the Ultrawideband (UWB) and Wireless USB (WUSB) markets, today with Intel, produced the first fully integrated demonstration of WUSB running at 480Mbps. The demonstration at the Wireless USB Developers conference included a WUSB Media Access Controller (MAC) from Intel, and a WUSB physical layer (PHY) from Alereon running at the maximum speed for wireless USB. http://www.alereon.com/press-
room/press-releases/?pid=116

Lowry Computer Products Announces Alien Technology(R) Qualification for RFID Labels

BRIGHTON, Mich., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowry Computer Products, Inc., a leading provider of RFID-EPC, wireless, bar code and data collection solutions, today announced that it has completed Alien Technology's RFID label qualification process for Alien® EPC Class 1 UHF RFID tags. Alien Technology Corporation is a key provider of high-volume, low-cost RFID products for case and pallet tagging. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050527/def006.html?.v=12

WiFi Units Hit Record Volume in 1Q05; Revenue up 20%

LONDON, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite plummeting ASPs from fierce vendor competition, worldwide wireless LAN equipment revenue rose 20% to $767.6 million between 4Q04 and 1Q05, and 12.2 million units were shipped, the highest quarterly volume to date, according to Infonetics Research's quarterly market share service, Wireless LAN Equipment. Revenue is expected to rise another 2% to $779.6 million by 1Q06, and will hit $3.6 billion by 2007, as wireless LAN products continue to gain traction across most all product categories and across all geographic regions. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050523/sfm137.html

Zebra First to Demonstrate EPC Generation 2 Technology in an RFID Printer/Encoder

Zebra showcases leadership in world class RFID solutions at Retail Systems 2005!
VERNON HILLS, Ill., May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies, a global leader in on-demand specialty printing solutions for business improvement, today announced it is demonstrating the use of EPCglobal's UHF Electronic Product Code (EPC) Class 1 Generation 2 (Gen 2) RFID protocol in its booth (#2221) at the Retail Systems 2005 Conference & Exposition through Thursday, May 26, in Chicago. Zebra is the first thermal printer company to demonstrate the technology using existing and readily available printer/encoders. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050524/cgtu056.html?.v=11

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:

Ultimate test? Let me know your score - it IS possible to finish this one. http://www.drunkmenwork
here.org/170.php?n=1

Freaky Secrets of the (U.S.) Presidency
http://www.civil-liberties.com/
factoids/july4_02.htm

Is eating books, like burning books? http://www.colophon.com/
ediblebooks/books2
eat2004.html

Corn Cam
http://www.iowafarmer
today.com/corn_cam/

Want to reproduce your favorite food, check out these top secret recipes. http://www.topsecret
recipes.com/

Swat those flies, but watch out they grow http://www.shockhaber.com/
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.htm

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