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February 2007

Steve Halliday

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.

This month looks like a bumper issue. The New Year seems to have brought out the news in force.

We are still looking to increase the circulation of the newsletter so don't forget to send it to a few of your friends with the suggestion that they sign up for their own copy at http://www.hightechaid.com

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

Technology News Briefs

RFID Standards

As predicted last month, January turned into a mass of standards meetings with much work moving into a new stage.

In ISO the work on 18000 parts 1, 3 and 6 (general, 13.56 MHz, and 860 – 960 MHz UHF) were all moved to a ballot. This means that the revisions to the documents are well under way with most of the technical content identified. Parts 1 and 3 are mostly minor changes but part 6 includes the latest information from the EPCglobal world and it includes information on how to implement sensors and battery assist with the technology. All three parts will be reviewed at the June meeting. Part 4 is already at ballot and that closes in a few weeks.

Also in ISO we held ballot resolution meetings for ISO/IEC 18046-3 (RFID performance), ISO/IEC PDTR 24729 –1 - RFID – Enabled labels, and ISO/IEC PDTR 24729 -2 - Recycling and RF Tags. All three documents were moved into the next level of ballot after changes have been made.

In EPCglobal we had a very productive meeting on the specification for HF item management. The path forward has been agreed and considerable time was spent reviewing the document to get ready for the first full review.

If you need more specific information on any of this work, let me know.

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

Radio Frequency Identification

Moving Forward on an EPC HF standard

EPCglobal is close to delivering standard for HF EPC tags
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/2981/1/128/

Canadian Beef Processor Touts RFID

Contends RFID tags to track livestock can be cost-effective
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008101&source=
NLT_ERP&nlid=17

RFID market expected to explode

Item-level tags and systems will grow to about $13 billion in less than 10 years.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=73356-
wal-mart-rfid-pallet

RFID ADVANCED FEATURE SYSTEMS REACH $254 MILLION

According to a recent study from Venture Development Corp.
http://www.assetmgmtnews.com/cms/content/view/27/16/

Revenues continue to lag as RFID grows

2006 was not a great year for RFID, says Venture Development Corp
http://www.scmr.com/article/CA6409658.html?nid=2558&rid=802863875

RFID solves shipping issues, creates opportunities

A number of small players have continued to thrive in the business.
http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/?article_id=620&ref=toc

SkyeTek closes 2006 with triple-digit revenue growth

Breakthroughs in embedded RFID reader technology and worldwide channel expansion.
http://www.dcvelocity.com/rfidww/?article_id=20

Steve H. Park Joins Zebra as vice president for passive RFID

Former Dell and Compaq veteran will further commercialize RFID technology.
http://www.dcvelocity.com/rfidww/?article_id=23
http://www.rttnews.com/sp/breakingnews.asp?date=1/22/2007&item=234

U.S. RETRACTS SPY COINS CLAIM

There's no danger of RFID tags in coins after all.
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/170886

New Balance to launch item-level RFID pilot

At one of its corporate stores beginning in March
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=4302&tag=nl.r28283

Take Appropriate Precautions When Implementing RFID

Says newsletter Theory and Practice.
http://www.idc.com/downloads/TheoryPractice1-23-07.pdf

Lift Truck Manufacturer Boosts Performance with RFID

Crown Equipment has cut costs and improved its inventory management.
http://www.assetmgmtnews.com/content/view/92/6/

NASA testing RFID chips

For trip to Mars
http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=485&tag=nl.r28283
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/
id%3b702431881%3bfp%3b16%3bfpid%3b1
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9010883&source=
NLT_AM&nlid=1

Trucking firm turns to RFID to fill black hole

Need to track when on the road
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9011214&source=
NLT_PM&nlid=8

Florida to use RFID to keep track of nonnative reptiles

Mandated that some nonnative animals be tagged with RFID
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9011284&source=
NLT_AM&nlid=1

Boffins develop RFID 'powder' chips

Radio controlled dust devils
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/19/rfid_powder/
http://www.thaibloglink.com/windowsvista/?p=3677
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/15/
1715210&from=rss

Hopes Pinned on Walmart's RFID Rollout Recede

RFID tags were supposed to be cheap and easy to use by now for logistics
http://wifinetnews.com/archives/007417.html

Chertoff:

RFID program to be abandoned
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/20070209-013726-7815r/

Xterprise Places Order for 4.5 Million RFID Tags

Represents Largest Single Tag Order in 3 Years
http://dallas.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?type_news=latest&newsid=106801

Verichip Tries Again To IPO;

Despite No Clear Plans To Make Money
http://techdirt.com/articles/20070205/015059.shtml

VeriChip's IPO:

Losses Ahead for New Implant System
http://chip.seekingalpha.com/article/26597

RFID chip company gets ho-hum response to its IPO

Partly because only 222 people have gotten chipped
http://news.com.com/2100-11746_3-6158701.html?part=rss&subj=news

Military to Track Soldiers Via RFID

To track casualties and medical resources.
http://www.crmbuyer.com/rsstory/55595.html

Baggage tracking set to drive RFID

Fashion and smartcards will also drive growth this year
http://www.activehome.co.uk/computing/news/2174228/
baggage-tracking-set-drive-rfid

RFID Market Chaos And Progress

RFID technology provides value, but defies one-size-fits-all solutions.
http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=13544

RFID Success Story

at Washington Navy Yard
http://www.mapex.org/index.php/2007/02/05/rfid-success-
story-at-washington-navy-yard/

NCR Corp. Rolls Out RFID Software

To help organizations track assets in a host of new retail applications
http://www.rfidnews.org/weblog/2007/02/05/ncr-corp-rolls-out-rfid-software/

IDTechEx Releases Report

RFID Market Predictions for 2007
http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/00000521.asp

NIST Special Publication 800-98

Guidance for Securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems (Draft)
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/drafts/800-98/Draft-SP800-98.pdf

Japanese RFID pilot consortium established

For use in international pilot
http://www.global-identification.com/index.php?id=20&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=784&tx_ttnews[backPid]=4

Nordic ID Launches Powerful Product

UHF RFID Handheld Computer Together With CAEN RFID
http://www.retailsolutionsonline.com/content/news/article.asp?
DocID={BACD9BCF-4F9C-4CF6-AFE2-C695A4916F4D}&Bucket=Current+Headlines&VNETCOOKIE=NO

New article: Understanding RFID

Written with the help of Martyn Mallick
http://www.computingunplugged.com/newsitems/
00025353.html

S'pore debuts low-cost RFID reader

CMOS UHF chip for reader
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/
0,39042972,61985507,00.htm
http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=1292&
from=rss

RFID reader ICs handle many standards

increase reader efficiency while reducing the IC footprint.
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/txs/txs249.html

Taiwan forecasts $31B in new investment

Has focus on RFID
http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/01/29/
HNtaiwannewinvestment_1.html

RuBee:

an Advanced Alternative to RFID
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/104/C11513/

Wisconsin increases RFID reimbursement

50% of costs covered
http://www.brownfieldnetwork.com/gestalt/go.cfm?
objectid=503AB453-AC17-585F-69E83E6C9EA09E14

Trade Council Formed to Promote RFID Use

Will support US Senate RFID Caucus
http://www.crmbuyer.com/rsstory/55310.html

RFID leads $40bn tech boom-time

Will occur in 2011
http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/
0,39024665,39165338,00.htm

Baird RFID Monthly for January

Includes key developments
http://www.rwbaird.com/docs/
RFID_Monthly_-_January_2007.pdf

Social Security Expects 70% Savings

Using RFID on top of bar code
http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=1280&
from=rss

If You Like Needles,

You're Gonna Love RFID
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/
01/if_you_like_nee.html

IDTechEx Identifies "Booming" Areas

Includes public transportation
http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=1279&
from=rss

Metro's RFID tests mark

Close to 99 per cent accuracy
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=73537-
metro-checkpoint-rfid

Dept. of Defense RFID Confusion

The message is not out there.
http://www.rfidsb.com/showthread.php?s=192b0febdd570cbe6cd822116c53c4f3&t=177

Marks & Spencer extends RFID technology

To 120 stores

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2007/02/20/221914/
marks-spencer-extends-rfid-technology-to-120-stores.htm

ISO/IEC RFID standards

Now available on CD
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/inw/inw104.html

Standards group works up case for RFID

Testing and proof of concept program at a Sydney conference in June.
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,21253105%
5E15321%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html?from=public_rss

A Tamer Zebra Looks to RFID

The Motley Fool’s take
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/02/15/a-tamer-
zebra-looks-to-rfid.aspx

Have RFID, Will Travel

12.1 Million US passports issued in 2006
http://www.broadband-today.com/article/CA6416567.html?nid=2908

Dow Chemical's Dave Asiala on the Beauty of RFID

One application used on termite colonies
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/55773.html

Kodak's Edible RFID Chips Taste Good

Yum or yuk?
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/313/C11750/

Cost Justification

Seen As Hindrance To RFID Growth
http://www.manufacturing.net/article/CA6416368.html?industryid=44322

Using Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers

To Test Passive RFID tags
http://www.byte.com/documents/s=10114/byt1171069468160/
0212a.htm

RFID reusable tote test results

Paxar's latest RFID white paper
http://www.usingrfid.com/briefs/archive.asp?action=read&bid=1044

Sensing Active RFID Standards

Wide, fertile market
http://www.rfidsb.com/showthread.php?s=10e7c00a66b11b8bd4cf71bcaf996a2d&t=186

Raflatac Supplies RFID Inlays

For Moscow Metro Contactless Tickets
http://www.supplychainmarket.com/content/news/article.asp?docid=064e9ccb-1e2c-4bfa-8a45-d0007558a619&atc~c=771+s=773+r=001+l=a

Mini Cooper drivers get flashed with RFID

Personalized message on billboards as they drive by.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=
viewArticleBasic&articleId=9011002&source=rss_news10
http://news.com.com/2300-1024_3-6154211-1.html?part=rss&tag=6154211&subj=news

Survey Says:

Majority of Retailers Will Accept RFID Payments by Fall 2007
http://www.outlawjournalism.com/news/?p=3685

Syscan to License

Low-Cost RFID Technology
http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=
EEC90DDD-9A6A-4D7D-8D82-43A885728EEF

Anchors Away With RFID Smartbuoys

A high-tech mooring system
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,72629-0.html?tw=rss.index

Top 10 Scary Uses for RFID

And other fun ways we will lose our privacy.
http://www.eweek.com/slideshow_viewer/0,1205,l=&s=
25937&a=200435&po=1,00.asp

Bridging the Gap: RFID Beyond Defense

Agencies across government begin to realize the potential of RFID in harnessing the power of the supply chain.
http://www.fedtechmagazine.com/article.asp?item_id=252

TI Debuts RFID Transponder Family

For assets in a harsh environment
http://www.specialtypub.com/m2m/article.asp?article_id=5136&SECTION=3

MIKOH's SecureContainer

Improves Supply Chain Efficiency and Security
http://www.morerfid.com/details.php?subdetail=Report&action=details&report_id=2600&display=RFID

Toshiba

Operates largest RFID supply chain solution in Europe
http://www.supplychainer.com/50226711/toshiba_operates_
largest_rfid_supply_chain_solution_in_europe.php

Manufacturing Insights Top Ten Predictions

Reveal RFID Pay Off for Those with Patience
http://www.idg.com/www/pr.nsf/webPRForm?OpenForm&
region=WW&unid=346587E6BB1EDBC385257267005729DE

Radio tags track wasp behavior

Miniscule radio-tags fitted to wasps have helped scientists shed light on the insect's behavior.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6291429.stm

Biometrics

Deputies Use Wireless ID

To Track Local Criminals
http://cbs13.com/local/local_story_031192349.html

Biometric scanners spark union cries of 'geoslavery'

Privacy issues cited
http://news.com.com/2102-1008_3-6154033.html?tag=st.util.print
http://majikthise.typepad.com/majikthise_/2007/01/
new_york_to_tra.html

New biometric guide for schools

Urged to seek parental permission for fingerprints
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6336799.stm

IBG Announces

Comparative Biometric Testing Participation Opportunities
http://www.findbiometrics.com/viewnews.php?id=3945

Minister makes fingerprint call

Home Office minister Joan Ryan calls for wider use of biometric fingerprinting across Europe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6269397.stm

Public Iris Scanning Device In the Works

Does it without person’s knowledge or consent
http://science.slashdot.org/science/07/02/07/037225.shtml
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=930

UK airport iris biometric system flunks its exams

Report was quietly place in library
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/11/
project_iris_evaluation_report/

Security concerns prompt customers to demand biometrics

Majority of Americans want it to protect personal information
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=197003765

Biometric drivers license

For British Columbia
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20070129_100227_5012

ID

Lockheed to win TWIC bid

According to Washington Post sources

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012401828.html?referrer=emailarticle

L-1 Identity Solutions protests

TWIC award to Lockheed Martin
http://www.fcw.com/article97639-02-09-07-Web&RSS=yes

Maine rejects Real ID Act

First formal state opposition to controversial legislation.
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6153532.html?tag=
nl.r28283
http://www.volconvo.com/forums/politics-government/
14102-maine-rejects-real-id-act.html

Tories attack ID card fingerprint plans

'We will abolish this costly plastic poll tax'
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/20/
biometric_travel_plans_criticised/

UK's Blair Dismisses Online Anti ID-Card Petition

Minister Tony Blair has responded personally via email to 28,000 online petitioners
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/20/0045227&from=rss

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Motorola Tracks Medical Devices

Through the launch of the u-Hospital service.
http://www.wirelesshealthcare.co.uk/wh/news/
wk04-07-0002.htm

NHS patient bar codes slammed

Patients are not 'boxes of bandages'
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/19/nhs_rfid_scheme/

PinnacleHealth Pushes Ahead With RFID

Using active 433 MHz tags to track 23,000 surgical patients annually
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/3026/

RFID Tidies Up Distribution of Hospital Scrubs

Saves space and labor costs while improving inventory accuracy.
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/3022/

Washington Hospital Center

To increase its RFID Expansion
http://www.rfidnas.com/industry/washington-hospital-center-to-increase-its-rfid-expansion
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/3009/1/1/

Yet Another UMPC

2007 will be a year of impressive growth for such devices.
http://www.devicepedia.com/computers/yet-another-umpc.html

MedicAlert Aims to RFID-Enable Medical Records

Launching a pilot at California State University-Stanislaus
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/3053/
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&
STORY=/www/story/02-07-2007/0004522253&EDATE=

Hospitals track assets via RFID

But technical difficulties are limiting large-scale adoption.
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2173935/royal-alexandra-hospital

RFID in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Applications

2006 was pivotal year
http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/00000518.asp

Memorial Health OR Unit

Chooses UWB RFID
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/2976/

English Hospital Considers RFID for Patients

Would be inserted into the plastic wristband name tags that in-patients usually wear.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/wireless/55183.html

Locating systems

Mitsubishi shows UWB-based location system

To achieve pinpoint accuracy.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9011414&source=
rss_news10

Cisco, AeroScout Team to Market WiFi RFID

specifically geared for aerospace, automotive,mining and semiconductor manufacturing industries.
http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=1290&
from=rss

Bar Code

Scanbuy Receives Two More Mobile Barcode Patents

US Patent No. 7,156,311 and 7,168,621
http://theponderingprimate.blogspot.com/2007/02/
scanbuy-receives-two-more-mobile.html

Chinese 2D Barcode Company Gets Funding And Adoption

From China Mobil
http://theponderingprimate.blogspot.com/2007/02/
chinese-2d-barcode-company-gets.html

Wireless Computing

Take Two: 802.11n Up For Approval Again

Will IEEE give it thumbs up this time?
http://www.aspnews.com/news/article.php/3655131

A Brief List of IEEE 802 Series Standards

Points out many of the notable ones specifically with wireless technologies.
http://tcpcafe.com/?p=41

UWB is approved... but wait for it

Ofcom confirms go-ahead for ultrafast wireless in the UK but legislation must change.
http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/news/
2172743/uwb-approved-wait

Mitsubishi Electric shows 802.15-based location system

Can determine the location of an object to an accuracy of 15 centimeters over a distance of up to 30 meters
http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/02/16/
HNmitsubishilocationsystem_1.html

Iridium plans next-generation satellites

May be able to continuously monitor the environment and take pictures of Earth.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/02/16/
HNiridiumsatellites_1.html

Homeland Security

UK Has Issued Nearly 4 Million E-Passport

Issuing an average of 120,000 e-passports each week
http://cardtechnology.com/article.html?id=20070208JS42M0B8

State officials oppose repealing Real ID Act

California spoke 2005 Real ID Act
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6157813.html?tag=nl.r28283

DHS Nixes Use Of RFID In Border Security Program

The agency is now "exploring alternatives,"
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9011369&source=
NLT_AM&nlid=1

Senate panel concerned about holes in US-VISIT

Still no reliable means of knowing who leaves the country.
http://www.fcw.com/article97540-02-02-07-Web&RSS=yes

Peek at fiscal 2007

Reveals homeland security focus
http://www.fcw.com/article97509-01-30-07-Web&RSS=yes

Homeland Security RFID Declaration Means Little

Is it an overstatement?
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2095393,00.asp?kc=EWRSS04069TX1K0000697

Raytheon Unveils ID Card

Fortifying RFID With Biometrics
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/3040/

Privacy

Does RFID technology pose risk?

Oregon bill protects privacy
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/
2003578793_rfidbill19m.html

RFID Cards Leaking Personal Information

Can be read from afar
http://www.hardocp.com/news.html?news=MjQxNzcsLCwsLCwx

Smart Card Alliance Releases Security, Privacy Guidelines

Addresses concerns about privacy and security
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2088544,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594

General

ScanSource unveils strong second quarter

16 per cent sales increase over the same quarter last year.
http://www.echannelline.com/usa/story.cfm?item=21616

Motorola And Symbol:

One Step Closer To Seamless Mobility
http://www.forrester.com/Research/Document/Excerpt/
0,7211,40523,00.html

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:

Metro Group Deploys UHF RFID at Dock Doors

98.5%+ Read Rate Represents Milestone in European RFID Deployment

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2007--Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), a leading manufacturer and marketer of RF- and RFID-based
solutions for identification, tracking, security and merchandising applications, today announced its involvement in a series of UHF RFID
technology trials supervised by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) task group 34 (TG34). Conducted at one of METRO Group's
Distribution Centres near Hamm, Germany, the Varena trials were designed to improve RFID tag read performance in high-density reader environments and to
validate the robustness of the RFID portal dock door solution in preparation for Metro's UHF rollout expansion plans scheduled for 2007.

http://www.checkpointsystems.
com/default.aspx?page=news
&idnews=242

Venture Development Corporation Automatic Identification and Data Collection Practice

RFID in 2006: Strides Made but Revenues Still Lag

Natick, Massachusetts – January 18, 2007 – 2006 was a challenging year for the RFID industry – sales expectations fell short, a high-profile IPO did not materialize, and the market continued to be “commoditized before it is commercialized.” Nevertheless, investment in RFID remained strong and the industry made significant strides toward resolving standards-related issues. According to Venture Development Corporation’s recently released 2005-2006 RFID Year-End Overview, the worldwide market for RFID systems exceeded $2.3 billion in 2006, with hardware accounting for nearly 59% of the total market. VDC anticipates nearly 35% growth (CAGR) through 2007, with total global revenues projected to exceed $3 billion by the end of this year.
http://www.vdc-corp.com/_docu
ments/pressrelease/press-atta
chment-1323.pdf

VeriChip Corporation Announces Intended Commencement of Initial Public Offering

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--January 29, 2007

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VeriChip Corporation (the “Company”), a subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions, Inc., today announced the intended commencement of a public offering of up to 4.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, Applied Digital has agreed to grant to the underwriters an option to purchase up to 645,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The Company and the underwriters anticipate that the proposed sale to the public of the shares will commence on or about February 8, 2007.
http://www.adsx.com/pressrele
ases/2007/2007-01-29.html

PORT OF ROTTERDAM TO USE SAVI NETWORKS SAVITRAK™ FOR CARGO SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Jan. 30, 2007 – Savi Networks today announced that it has extended the SaviTrak™ real-time information service to key terminal locations at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port and a transportation gateway linked to more than 1,000 ports worldwide. SaviTrak enhances efficiency and security for shippers, port terminal operators and service providers by automatically tracking the location and security status of cargo containers.
http://www.savi.com/news/2007
/2007.01.30.shtml

RFID Forecasts, Players & Opportunities 2007-2017

IDTechEx has interviewed key RFID adopters and solution providers in the various applicational RFID markets. This research has been analysed in a brand new report giving
an unprecedented level of insight into the total RFID industry and what is really happening. Raghu Das, CEO of IDTechEx, summarizes some of the findings.
http://www.idtechex.com/pdfs/
en/N8701U3280.pdf

Cisco Unveils Wireless Location Solution for Manufacturers

Cisco Wi-Fi Asset Tracking Solution Improves Asset Utilization and Operational Efficiencies in Aerospace, Automotive, Mining and Semiconductor Industries
SAN JOSE, Calif., January 29, 2007 - Cisco® today announced a new turnkey Wi-Fi Asset Tracking solution specifically geared for aerospace, automotive, mining and semiconductor manufacturing industries. This solution utilizes Cisco Wi-Fi location tracking technology to improve asset utilization, reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.
http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/
2007/prod_012907b.html

IEC releases new thematic collection - RFID standards

Feb 16, 2007: Following the recent release of the IT Security Standards Collection, the IEC has just launched a second thematic collection of standards on CD-ROM.

The present JTC 1 collection contains 25 IEC/ISO standards on radio frequency identification. RFID is a wireless technology that uses a transponder and an interrogating device to communicate with an embedded electronic tag that can contain a variety of information that can be used to identify and track any type of item, from individual products to shipping containers, livestock and even people.

http://www.emsnow.com/npps/s
tory.cfm?pg=story&ID=24907

X-Change Corp. Receives FCC Certification for RFID Tags that Don't Require Batteries

2/12/07 - X-Change Corporation (OTCBB: XCHC) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, AirGATE Technologies, Inc., has received FCC certification for its surface acoustic wave (SAW) readers produced by Carinthian Tech Research (CTR).
http://www.bbwexchange.com/p
ubs/2007/02/12/page1423-450
999.asp

SkyeTek Closes 2006 with Triple-Digit Revenue Growth

Breakthroughs in Embedded RFID Reader Technology and Worldwide Channel Expansion Lead to Record Sales

Westminster, Colorado, January 22, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today reported record growth in 2006, capping a year in which the company introduced groundbreaking new HF and UHF reader modules and established a worldwide sales presence. Following the company’s most successful year to date, SkyeTek attributes its increasing momentum to a growing demand for intelligent, cost-efficient reader hardware and software that enhances the simplicity, safety, and security of products and processes across numerous vertical markets.

http://www.skyetek.com/Compa
ny/NewsEvents/tabid/271/newsi
d1448/122/mid/1448/SkyeTek-
Closes-2006-with-Triple-Digit-R
evenue-Growth/Default.aspx

Vue Technology Wins Consumer Goods Technology Readers' Choice Award

Vue's Item-Level RFID Networking Solution Takes Home Prestigious "Editors' Pick" Award

LAKE FOREST, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 05, 2007 -- Vue Technology, the leading provider of item-level RFID networking solutions, today announced that Consumer Goods Technology has selected the company as a Readers' Choice Award winner in the "Editors' Pick" category. Vue Technology was recognized for its contributions in helping consumer goods companies make sense of the complex world of information technology. Vue Technology works with consumer packaged good manufacturers and retailers to provide unprecedented visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity while eliminating the prohibitive cost barriers previously associated with item-level RFID roll-outs.
http://www.marketwire.com/mw
/release_html_b1?release_id=2
11045&tsource=3

SMARTCODE™ CORP. INVEST $15 MILLIONS IN A RFID CENTER IN INDIA, ESTABLISHES 18 ADDITIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

SmartCode Corp.'s 18 new Partnerships in India and the Company's investment of up to $15 Million in its India RFID center further expands SmartCode Corp.'s global presence as the world's leading RFID Company.
New York, NY. January 16, 2007. SmartCode Corp. - The RFID Company™, the world’s leading manufacturer of low cost, high performance RFID hardware solutions announced today the establishment of a RFID Center in India, and the addition of 18 new partnerships in India.
http://www.smartcodecorp.com/
newsroom/16-01-07.asp

Parco’s Largest Civilian UWB RFID Installation Completed

Multi-million Square-Foot Campus Has Total Location Coverage

Washington, D.C. (PR WEB) –January 31, 2007 – Parco Wireless Corporation is pleased to announce that it has completed its largest civilian ultrawide band (UWB) Radio Frequency Identification ( RFID) enabled location tracking system installation in the world at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. The system covers 2.5 million square feet at this 926-bed facility.

http://www.parcomergedmedia.
com/content.php?content=Pres
s_Releases&Action=Show&ID=9
0

Columbus Children's Hospital to install RFID system from Mobile Aspects

PITTSBURGH, PA and COLUMBUS, OH – February 13, 2007 – The Heart Center at Columbus Children's Hospital will implement a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled inventory
management system to store, track, and manage the utilization of high cost devices and supplies supporting congenital heart care. Developed by Mobile Aspects, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., the system,
called iRISupply™, uses an RFID tracking architecture to automate charge capture, inventory management, device expiration management, and other key operational processes within the patient
care setting.
http://www.mobileaspects.com/n
ews/pressrelease/Feb%2007_Col
umbus%20Childrens_MA_News%
20Release.pdf

PanGo Introduces New Wi-Fi-Based RFID Tag

Third-Generation Asset-Tracking Tag Features Smaller Form Factor, Enhanced Functionality and Extended Battery Life, at Reduced Cost Framingham, Mass., January 30, 2007 — PanGo, The Enterprise Asset Tracking Solutions Company™, today announced the availability of its third-generation Wi-Fi-based active RFID tag, giving organizations new ability to identify and monitor the location of thousands of mobile assets, inventory and personnel at a significantly lower total cost of ownership.
http://www.pango.com/pango.a
spx?id=590

Zebra Technologies Announces Record Sales for Fourth Quarter of 2006

Company achieves strong growth and record sales in North America; Results include reserve for insurance receivable

Vernon Hills, IL, February 14, 2007: Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA) today announced that net sales increased 17.1% for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, to a record $209,903,000, compared with $179,294,000 for the same period a year ago. Net income for the period was $21,446,000, or $0.30 per diluted share, including a pretax charge of $12,543,000 for the reserve of an insurance receivable. This charge reduced 2006 fourth quarter diluted earnings by $0.12 per share. For the fourth quarter a year ago, net income was $26,845,000, or $0.38 per diluted share. Results for 2005 were restated to reflect the adoption of SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payments.
http://www.zebra.com/id/zebra/
na/en/documentlibrary/pressrel
eases/2007/Zebra_Technologie
s_announces_record_sales_for_f
ourth_quarter_of_2006.File.tmp/
Zebra_Tech_Announces_record_
sales_fourth_quarter_2006.pdf

Intermec and USCG to Develop Mobile Marking System for Legacy Part Identification

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 14, 2007 - Intermec Inc. today announced that it will design, build and test a new single process, mobile marking system with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) that will apply human and machine-readable part identification markings to USCG flight safety critical aircraft parts (FSCAP). Marking the parts for electronic tracking will give the USCG immediate access to their Aviation Logistics Management Information System (ALMIS), so assets can be deployed quickly and easily in combating threats to the United States.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?press
ID=741

NFC FORUM ISSUES WHITE PAPER, "THE KEYS TO TRULY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS"

WAKEFIELD, Mass., USA – Feb 12, 2007 -- The NFC Forum , a non-profit industry association advancing the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, has released a white paper that highlights the capabilities of NFC technology and its potential to transform consumers’ everyday lives. The new publication is entitled "Near Field Communication and the NFC Forum: The Keys to Truly Interoperable Communications." Its target audience is the general reader, and it can be viewed or downloaded at no charge
http://www.nfc-forum.org/news/
nfc_forum_press_releases/nfc_f
orum_white_paper_feb07/

Intermec's IF30 RFID Network Reader Delivers High Performance in Noisy Radio Frequency Environments

EPCglobal Gen2-certified network reader features best-in-class dense reader mode functionality and is easily scalable with Reva Systems' TAP

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 7, 2007 - Reading and writing RFID (radio frequency identification) tags one at a time is easy, but in a high-speed environment with multiple readers creating a "noisy RF" environment, it's very challenging. Intermec's new high-performance IF30 network RFID reader features best-in-class dense reader mode operation allowing companies to grow their RFID systems to include multiple dock doors in close proximity.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?press
ID=734

Sirit Issues Statement Regarding Recent Trading Activity

TORONTO, Feb. 7 /CNW/ - Sirit Inc. ("Sirit") (TSX: SI), a leading provider of radio frequency identification ("RFID") solutions, in response to the increase in trading volume of its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, announced that while there have been no new material developments, Sirit has received indications that its INfinity 510 UHF RFID reader is being considered as part of a pilot program which will see approximately one hundred INfinity 510 readers installed with a customer to track products using Gen 2 tag technology.
http://www.sirit.com/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view
&id=178&Itemid=144

Intermec Selected to Supply RFID Products to Microsoft Technology Centers

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 5, 2007 - Intermec Inc., a recognized innovator in RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, has been selected to supply RFID hardware to Microsoft Technology Centers throughout the United States. Microsoft Technology Centers allow enterprises and ISV (independent software vendor) customers to envision, architect, and evaluate technology solutions before buying and deploying them in their own IT environment.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise/
main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?pres
sID=735

Stratum Global and Intermec Help Oakton Community College Create RFID Program

State-of-the-art RFID portal prepares students for opportunities in the workplace

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 1, 2007 - Stratum Global along with Intermec and other industry leaders have helped create an RFID (radio frequency identification) program at Oakton Community College. Based in Des Plaines, Ill., Oakton's RFID program provides hands-on experience in a simulated industrial warehouse environment to prepare students for opportunities in the workplace.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?press
ID=738

Texas Instruments Introduces Rugged Encapsulated Tag for Harsh Process Environments

Company Adds Overmolded RFID Transponder to Its High Frequency Product Line

DALLAS (Feb. 1, 2007) - Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) today introduced its Overmolded (OM) transponder family comprised of the most rugged RFID tags in its portfolio of ISO/IEC 15693 compliant transponders. The OM tags are designed to withstand extreme environments where temperature, high pressure and harsh chemicals inhibit the performance of line-of-sight automatic identification technologies such as bar codes and other less robust RFID tags. With their durability and small, 22 mm circular dimension, TI's 13.56 MHz OM tags provide increased read performance compared with competitive offerings for applications ranging from industrial laundry and textile rental to process industries such as perishable foods.
http://www.ti.com/rfid/shtml/ne
ws-releases-rel02-01-07.shtml

Newly Upgraded Intermec IF5 RFID Reader Named a Top Performer by ODIN technologies

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 31, 2007 - Intermec Inc. today announced that its newly upgraded IF5 Fixed RFID Reader was ranked the top performer in adjacent dock door use by U.S. RFID testing lab ODIN technologies.

Upgraded to read more tags per second and deliver increased radio frequency sensitivity and reliability, the IF5 was rated comparable or superior to top performing competitive readers, matched the read rate -- number of tags read per unit time -- of the fastest competitor and scored in the "highly sensitive" reader category.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?press
ID=739

WhereNet Establishes Asia-Pacific Headquarters In Shanghai To Support Growing China Customer Base

Already Certified in China, WhereNet's Locatable Active RFID Technology Automates Supply Chain Processes for Automotive Manufacturers and Global Shippers, Improving Productivity and Reducing Operational Costs

SANTA CLARA, Calif.-Jan. 31, 2007-WhereNet Corp., a Zebra Technologies company (NASDAQ: ZBRA) and the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today the opening of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai in response to growing market demand. The WhereNet(r) active RFID, real-time locating system (RTLS) technology was certified by the China State Radio Regulation Committee in 2004 and is already deployed at several automotive manufacturers in China. With the opening of the Shanghai office, WhereNet continues to expand its presence as a global solutions provider of active RFID, RTLS technology to reduce operational costs and inventory while increasing throughput and productivity.
http://www.wherenet.com/news
_press_releases.shtml

Department of Defense Extends RFID Contract With ODIN technologies

DLA exercises 2nd year option for $3.8M

Dulles, VA, January 23, 2006 – ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID for solution design, deployment, and optimization software, announces that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has exercised the first option year of the current contract for passive RFID implementation at DLA's distribution centers (DCs) worldwide. The Option Year 1 project is worth up to $3.8 million in the continued roll-out of RFID capabilities at the DCs.
http://www.odintechnologies.co
m/187/newsarticle.html

Social Security Administration Uses Intermec RFID Technology to Improve Data Collection Accuracy, Reduce Labor Costs

EVERETT, Wash., January 18, 2007 - Intermec Inc. announced today that its RFID (radio frequency identification) technology is being used by the United States Social Security Administration to improve data collection accuracy and reduce labor costs. The SSA deployed Intermec RFID hardware in its Supply Chain Management program to fulfill more than 42,000 orders for forms, publications and other documents each year and ship 240,000 line items to SSA office locations worldwide.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About/
NewsPages/pressRelease?press
ID=731

Intermec Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Results

• Q4 and FY 2006 Revenues of $218.8M and $873.0M, from Continuing Operations
• Q4 and FY 2006 Diluted EPS of $0.09 and $0.55, from Continuing Operations
• Company completes its previously announced $100 million stock repurchase program

EVERETT, Wash. – February 20, 2007 – Intermec, Inc. (NYSE: IN) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year which ended December 31, 2006.
Intermec reported 2006 fourth quarter revenues of $218.8 million and earnings from continuing operations of $5.2 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to 2005 fourth quarter revenues of $241.7 million and earnings from continuing operations of $12.1 million, or $0.19 per diluted share.
http://www.intermec.com/eprise
/main/Intermec/Content/About
/NewsPages/pressRelease?pres
sID=743

Iridium Announces Rapid Adoption of 9601 Data Device by U.S. Department of Defense and Partners

Short Burst Data Modem a Promising Asset for Military Tracking and Sensing Systems

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Satellite is pleased to announce the activation and support of approximately 200 of its 9601 Short Burst Data (SBD) devices through its contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Applications for the 9601 device include asset tracking; integration with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology providing "total asset visibility" (TAV), Blue Force Tracking (BFT) for real-time situational awareness, remote sensing, and remote command and control. Iridium announced the availability of the 9601 through DISA to DoD and government customers in October 2006.
http://iridium.mediaroom.com/i
ndex.php?s=press_releases&ite
m=785

BROAD PARTICIPATION IN SAVI TECHNOLOGY’S LICENSING PROGRAM HELPS ENERGIZE A MATURING MARKET FOR ACTIVE RFID

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Jan. 11, 2007 – Savi Technology, a provider of active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based supply chain solutions, today announced the first seven companies that have licensed its active RFID technology, signaling a maturing market for the RFID industry.
http://www.savi.com/news/2007
/2007.01.11.shtml

IDENTEC SOLUTIONS enhances award winning RFID product line by entering into Savi ISO 18000-7 licensing agreement.

Lustenau, Austria and Dallas, TX, January 22, 2007: In an ongoing commitment to offer the most comprehensive feature-rich RFID technology line available, IDENTEC SOLUTIONS will now offer ISO 18000-7 air protocol.
http://www.identecsolutions.com
/265+M59161ab03c6.html

Printronix Announces Third Quarter Results for Fiscal Year 2007

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Printronix, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTNX), the leading manufacturer of integrated enterprise printing solutions for the supply chain, today announced results for the third quarter and nine month period ended December 29, 2006. Revenue increased 3.0% to $34.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared with $33.9 million in the same quarter last year. The company reported net income for the quarter of $2.0 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared with net income of $0.9 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?nd
mViewId=news_view&newsId=2
0070207006120&newsLang=en

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:

Have you seen those Mac vs PC ads on the TV? Then you will love these short videos that show the PC side. http://www.our-
picks.com/archives/2007/02/
05/the-pc-vs-mac-ads-return
-now-from-the-pcs-perspective/

Can you put your state on the map? http://www.sheppardsoft
ware.com/states_experiment_
drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_
500.html

Do you need to relax! Listen to the soothing sounds of waves, fire, animals and more. http://www.getrelaxed.com/

Exploratorium. Look up those facts you need. http://www.exploratorium.edu/

All Things Chess http://www.chessbase.com/

Why Science is Hard! Science myths explained http://amasci.com/miscon/
miscon.html

Need a butler? http://www.modernbutlers.com/

Aurora Photos http://www.geo.mtu.edu/
weather/aurora/

Please tell us what extra you want from the newsletter and don’t forget to tell your friends to subscribe. You can forward your ideas to news@hightechaid.com. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced without written permission. No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of the newsletter; readers are advised to seek professional opinion on the use of any products described. Opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers of the newsletter.

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