RFID Lowdown

Do Anti-RF Shields, Sleeves, and Wallets Work?

With all the privacy and security concerns about contactless key fobs, credit cards, payment cards, employee access cards, and e-passports, it's not surprising that several companies have popped up offering anti-RF (radio frequency) sleeves, envelopes, wallets and other forms. Kena Kai is one of the latest. Do any of these anti-RF forms work? Do they block out all appropriate frequencies? Digital Money World recently did a test of some anti-RF products, for different radio frequencies, and they discuss their results.

While some might see the warnings about security as a play for selling anti-RF product, research has proven that vulnerabilities do exist. My feeling is that these items are a good idea, and that contactless card issuing companies should include these as standard issue, after conducting their own tests, instead repeating their disproven mantra that their cards are secure. The same goes for the government and e-passports, etc. Stop saying what you think consumers want to hear and prove it.

Switch(ing) Between Wireless Technologies

-- By Pushpa Sathish, Staff Writer

A new switch from the laboratories of Symbol Technologies is set to connect various innovative wireless technologies such as RFID, WiFi, WiMAX, Voice over Wireless LAN, mesh networking, and 802.11n. The RFS7000 RF Switch, which the company claims to be the first in the industry, is supposed to ease deployment and management of disparate wireless and mobile devices that provide access to information for an organization.

According to Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol’s Wireless Infrastructure and RFID divisions, the switch will be the platform that serves to integrate and manage current and future mobile devices and wireless technologies. The application will find widespread usage in manufacturing concerns, hospitals, warehouses, supply chains, educational institutions, government operations, and service providers who require a high bandwidth for their applications.

The switch, which is expected to hit a selected market in early 2007, has already been chosen by the Bumrungrad International hospital in Bangkok. The largest private hospital in Southeast Asia is planning to leverage the new technology to expand its usage of RFID and wireless technologies across its premises, thus providing adequate support for new, state-of-the-art applications.

RFID adoption promoted by IBM

IBM alphaWorks, which is an online outlet for emerging technologies, is going all out to address issues with RIFD adoption. alphaWorks actually works as a bridge between IBM Research and Development and the technology adopters. It attempts not only to help and educate the adopters of emerging technologies such as RIFD, but also plays back concerns and feedback to IBM. This learning helps IBM to tweak their offering in such a manner so as to be acceptable to a wider audience.

IBM realizes that there is shortage of RIFD skills in workplaces and as such are addressing the issue by delivering tools and resources that can be used to enhance RIFD skills at no charge. For instance it has a graphic tool called IBM RFID Integrated Solution Enablement (RISE) which allows developers to simulate how an actual RFID solution could help their businesses. It is aimed specifically at beginning developers in RFID.

IBM also has an educational toolkit called IBM RFID Device Development Kit. It equips developers and students with resources that help them understand how RFID technologies work. The kit also helps them develop RFID enabled applications and also helps them have a decent knowledge regarding the best practices for implementing RFID solutions. eChannel Line reports:

We are spending the next three to six months making sure, trying to validate why we see these trends in the market. Now we all understand the benefits of RFID, but this additional need for skilled developers, it has an impact.

Radianse Makes Tracking of Hospital Equipment Simple

To make simplistic way of approaching the hospital solutions Radianse, Inc. , indoor positioning solution (IPS) is to become a boon for hospitals. Recently, Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH)  , Boston, paved the way for a fast, direct route from any of its 747 beds to the portable medical equipment critical to effective care. Based on Radiance's real-time solution to find essential equipment  before various surgical procedures could begin. From location of infusion pumps, portable monitors, defibrillators or other are tracked as close as the nearest web browser across all major care areas on this 17 floors hospital including the peri-operative and emergency departments.
According to BWH, this move is going to payback immediately towards nurse and patient satisfaction and within a few months financially. The hospital's now is confident of investing on Radianse IPS to track 6,000 medical devices hospital-wide is based on strong results from its pilot project but is it not making the hospital tasks a little more dependent on machinery and systems.
Going by Radianse, the project will cut down 50% losses and enables fast return. It uses active radio frequency identification (active-RFID) and a patented location algorithm to track people and things; receivers connect to the hospital's existing network. Simple, web-based "find" applications display results in a list or graphical view.

First the indoor positioning to address dissatisfaction rates was investigated. According to hospital, surgeons wait for essential equipment to be found and nurses then gather the same, which takes them away from direct patient care. The expanded Radianse system will provide real-time equipment tracking across all Med/Surgical units, intensive care units, ORs and peri-operative spaces, the emergency department and hospital common areas enabling better patient service.

Accu-Sort® FAST Tag® RFID labeling system to save labor costs

In the competitive market, saving on labor costs mean increased gains! That’s whatAccu-Sort Systems Inc , an established provider of convergent RFID and bar code systems, is pleasing its new customer with. A leading distributor of entertainment products has chosen Accu-Sort as its RFID solution provider & has gotten installed FAST Tag® In-Motion automated RFID tag application system.

With more than 400 FAST Suite™ installations to its credit, Accu-Sort was chosen over its competitors due to its edgeware, IT integration, material handling and RFID expertise. This installation will help the entertainment company save an estimated $83,000 in annual labor costs in addition to meeting the RFID compliance mandates.

FAST Tag In-Motion provides a complete solution for automating the process of applying and verifying RFID tags on cartons. The recently installed in-line tag application system incorporates an on-pitch tag applicator, controlled by the FAST Tag software platform. The on-pitch tag applicator is slightly larger than the raw antenna inlay providing the customer with a 50 percent savings in tag cost compared to larger 4x2 RFID tags. The system has the capability to selectively tag cartons destined for RFID enabled stores at a rate of 30 cartons per minute, with 100 percent verification and accuracy in tag placement.

With all the hype & hoopla around the recent installation of Accu-Sort’s RFID tag application system, the workability factor in the entertainment sector is yet to be seen!

RFID and Viral Infections

Viruses that leap off an RFID tag and enter your backend database, ready to infect the next tag that is read by the scanning software. Is this a scene out of a sci-fi thriller? No, this is a very realistic real-world scenario that is possible.

An RFID tag in the hands of a malicious hacker or conman is a potential recipe for disaster. Researchers have found that certain vulnerabilities in an RFID tag allow it to become a virus-infected tag. This in turn can be used to populate a database that stores the unique identifiers that differentiate between the numerous tags. The database virus then spreads to all other tags that are read by mobile RFID readers.

Yes, it’s a vicious cycle that has unforeseen consequences. Research has proved that backend databases are susceptible to infection from corrupted tags, contrary to popular belief.

This website provides mock scenarios that are set in supermarkets, airports and veterinary clinics as possible situations that lend themselves to the use of anti-social elements.

Boon For RFID Developers

If you are looking for a platform that will facilitate the construction of radio frequency identification (RFID) applications and services, you can experiment with RFID Anywhere. The middleware software platform provides a base for the development, implementation, and management of customized, distributed networks. Network interfaces for RFID readers, printers, bar code equipment, sensors, and controllers are easily managed with RFID Anywhere, which also provides an SOA-based architecture that allows multiple applications to utilize processed data. Thus enterprises can use the same RFID hardware for diverse purposes. Developers of RFID projects do not have to concern themselves with the nitty-gritty details of low level hardware interfaces, and RFID industry standards and protocols. RFID Anywhere has provisions for plug-and-play devices for easy upgrades to new standards and protocols without installations of new product releases.

Read more about RFID Anywhere.

BT's AssetIntelligence helps businesses track reusable assets

Keeping a track of reusable assets that are constantly moving from one site to another can get very cumbersome. British Telecom (BT) has come up with a new ready to use RFID service called AssetIntelligence that uses active RFID tags to monitor business assets that are reusable.

Any enterprise wanting to use the service will have the entire set up managed including deployment of RFID equipments and tags, software and server hardware, and distribution of data. The service uses active tags and readers from its business partner WaveTrend and from BT- hosted version of RedPrairie's mobile Resource Management (MRM) asset management application.

The service comes priced according to a customer's need. AssetIntelligence was released after a successful trial conducted last year at BT's technical engineering centers. Another new managed service launched by BT is the Laing O'Rourke's Select Plant Hire business that uses active RFID to keep a track of construction equipment. BT says it began these active tag services following their demand from its customers. Rfid Journal reports:

"The benefit [from this deployment] was in improving customer service by making sure equipment was where it was needed," says Geoff Barraclough, marketing director at BT Auto-ID Services. The service targets companies looking to track and manage their reusable business assets better without investing in or developing their own RFID systems.

IBSS helps track assets with its new Synapse based software

Protecting expensive assets is an important concern for most organizations, as they spend millions of dollars on the purchase of costly equipments and infrastructure for business purposes. Integrated Business Systems Services, Inc., (IBSS) a software developer, has come up with a new software called the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system that can keep a track of expensive assets of an enterprise as they move across different locations.

IBSS is the company that pioneered Synapse, a software platform that revolutionized the implementation and management of networked and real-time enterprise applications that include RFID. The new Asset tracking system can locate important assets through a hierarchy of zones, tags and tags groups. The system gives real time location of the assets being tracked by continuously updating the user interface. It can be easily customized and configured according to a user's needs.

Industries like Energy, Government, Manufacturing and Security are expected to benefit the most from SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system. IBSS has appointed IDENTEC SOLUTIONS as the certified Value Added Reseller for its new software. MoreRFID reports:

According to Lee Dunston, Director of Sales at IBSS, "The SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system is available on a pre-loaded network appliance for 'plug and play' operation. With active RFID technology, like that from IDENTEC, our solution is quick to implement, easy to use and simple to administer."

Intermec readers to carry IBM Software

Technology company Intermec, has created a new kind of intelligent RFID reader that can automatically route and manage incoming information from RFID tags from remote locations, by using IBM's software. The software embedded in the readers is called IBM's WebSphere Device Infrastructure (WRDI).

WDRI is an open-standards-based software platform that can be embedded in RFID devices. It provides for automatic data collection and reporting from remote sites that do not have their own IT support systems. The new genre of readers can filter incoming data on the basis of pre-defined criteria or relevance and send only the required information to an organization's application server.

This helps in de-cluttering the data network traffic. It also enables on-board decision making enhancing operational efficiency. WRDI can also integrate and reconcile RFID data with information gathered from other parts of business. manufacturing.net reports:

Intermec says it has embedded IBM's WebSphere Device Infrastructure (WRDI) into Intermec IF5RFID reader to create an intelligent RFID reader. WRDI was developed for RFID device manufacturers needing an embedded, open-standards-based software platform to provide automatic RFID data-collection and reporting from remote locations where on-site IT services are not available.

A New Dock Door Portal solution from SAMSys Technologies

Business houses can now add RFID capabilities to their dock door activities with the installation of SAMSys RFID Portal Express System, a new software developed by SAMSys Technologies, was recently launched to provide turnkey solutions for all Dock Door depolyments. The new system enables easy asset tracking and inventory management minimizing chances of errors at the dock door environment.

The product was launched after SAMSys was successful in its RFID Pilot Express System. The portal system consists of an EPC Gen 2 multi-protocol SAMSys MP9320 v2.8 reader. It comes complete with antennas, cables, a light stack, a motion sensor and a steel framework.

The system offers a turnkey solution that uses Gen2 tags in conjunctions with more traditional RFID installments. The system will be available in December from the authorized resellers of SAMSys Technologies. biz.yahoo.com reports:

"Our new RFID Portal Express System marks out latest initiative to simplify RFID enterprise deployments by enabling organizations to secure all components from a single source," said Cliff Horwitz, chairman and CEO of SAMSys. "With our MP9320 v.28 reader at the heart of the system, we are offering turnkey solution with the flexibility to use Gen 2 tags alongside legacy RFID installations without replacing the entire tag infrastructure."

RFID Plug and Play Solution from TradeWind Technologies

A new RFID Solution called ContactlessONE was released by TradeWind Technologies, LLC., the world class provider of RFID technology. The new solution combines software, hardware and documentation to make High Frequency  RFID development and deployment plug and play for different devices like mobile phones, PDA, laptop, PC and dedicated device hardware makers. It supports all the different available protocols of RFID.

ContactlessONE has a small embedded RFID reader module that can be embedded into the hardware device PC board. It has libraries for RFID tags manufactured by leading companies that are continually upgraded to support new tags, cards and labels. It is interoperable to any OEM that uses the ContactlessONE platform in their program. ContactlessONE can be easily connected to other form of shared library.

TradeWind also offers another SDIO RFID card that can be embedded with ContactlessONE technology so that handheld devices can be used to read and write to all standards of 13.56 MHz tags and labels. morerfid.com reports:

"ContactlessONE has enabled us to support all protocols of RFID in our designs," stated Keith Hirayama,CEO of G-Guys Inc. "As an ODM, an RFID software stack that provides interoperability is critical for our customers who make SD peripherals, mobile phones, PDAs, and PCs.

Vue Technology announces industry's first scalable item level RFID solution

TrueVUE RFID, is the first of its kind scalable ROI driven item level solution that has been introduced in the market by Vue Technology, a leader in item-level RFID solution provider. The new platform is an integrated RF data networking hardware and EPC management software solution. It allows the networking of a large number of antennas to a single reader, thus doing away with the need to network several readers. This reduces not only the cost but also a lot of cumbersome procedure.

Any company implementing the software can know exactly where an item of his inventory lies not just when they are in and out of dock doors or portal areas but also during their transit and through every stage of the supply chain. The use of TrueVUE RIFD platform is expected to provide considerable cost savings and give good ROI by minimizing shrinkage and out-of stock situations. At present the industry's average out-of stock rate stands at 8%, with real time inventory tracking this percentage should improve. An added advantage to using the new platform is its ability merge seamlessly with third pary applications. morerfid.com reports:

"As the retail industy embraces item-level RFID to achieve unheard of levels of inventory visibility, Vue Technology is the only company to offer an item-level solution that delivers significant benefits and compelling ROI," said Robert Locke, CEO of Vue Technology. "We are excited to be in a position to lead the industry with the only item-level RFID solution that allows retailers to serve customers better, reduce costs and drive revenues cost effectivley."

Sun Hopes to grow with RFID

It's not surprising that Sun has decided to expand the base in RFID market. Although it has not signed any contract for its RFID technology yet, it has deployed the RFID system at two locations. The locations are the Sun Shared Lab in Newark, California and the Sun Tradeshow Equipment distribution Center in Milpitas, California. It has released a series of RFID-based products designed to make tracking easier. Sun's tracking system includes the Solaris 10 operating system and the Sun Java system RFID software.

The package is enabled with third-party components such as RFID-enabled mobile asset-management system from Applied Logistics Solutions. The system is capable of working with many commonly available RFID tags and readers. Sun expects to launch more such RFID products in the near future. "NEWSFACTOR MAGAZINE reports"

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, gives organizations a big picture of the assets and inventories they own, lease, or control, from acquisition through disposal or sale. Unlike bar codes or other tagging technologies, RFID does not need a direct line of sight to function and can read multiple tags simultaneously.

RFID, LTD. expands Rebuttal Campaign to eBay, Amazon.com

RFID, LTD. has expanded its rebuttal campaign of the recently published SPYCHIPS book to include listings on both eBay and Amazon.com. Laurie Sullivan of TechWeb published an article detailing the SPYCHIPS rebuttal campaign led by RFID, LTD. The SPYCHIPS book provides information that efforts are underway from the U.S. Government and global corporations to use RRFID to track American's daily activities. This book is written by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre. RFID, LTD. is a global leader in providing RFID solutions.

Nicholas Chavez, President of RFID, LTD said that many views presented in the book are incomplete or misleading. He said that RFID, LTD has decided to express its rebuttal of the SPYCHIPS book in every venue including Amazon.com and eBay. The SPYCHIPS rebuttal is expected to be released on November 4. businesswire.com reports:

RFID, LTD. (OTC: RFDL) is the world leader in formulating, testing and deploying vendor neutral UGF radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions for small to medium sized businesses. It required to comply with Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), Target (NYSE: TGT), Best Buy (NYSE: BBY), Albertsons (NYSE: ABS), Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and Department of Defense RFID compliance mandates.

Reva's new product seeks to ease handling of mass data

Massive volumes of data that flow in through RFID readers can become major headaches for most data center managers. To help ease the problems faced by these managers, Reva Systems Corp.has devised an appliance called Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP) that provides filtering and aggregation at the very first level of data reading.

The device is attached to the local area network from where it collects information from RFID readers. It then works on this data using the Auto-ID Infrastructure (AII) interface and makes it available to SAP and SQL applications on back-end servers. This new product is expected to save a lot on cost and time besides hassles in data management.

Lately, many software vendors have been innovating in RFID products but Reva seems to have hit the right product for the most obvious problems that RFID generated data causes. Reva expects to extend the number of interfaces offered on TAP very soon. The price range of TAP begins at $9,995. unstrung.com reports:

Keeping track of the masses of data generated by RFID readers poses a potential nightmare for data center managers, something Reva hopes to cash in on. The TAP device prevents storage systems from being overloaded with data, according to the user. "It can do all the filtering and just pass on the information that's important from a business perspective."

BEA Systems acquires RFID Expert ConnecTerra

BEA Systems, a global provider of enterprise infrastructure software, recently acquired ConnecTerra, a privately held pioneering technology company that specializes in RFID middleware. The two technology companies hope to form a synergy that can integrate each others product and provide a complete solution to customers who want RFID enabled business processes.

Most of the early RFID adopters have been using both BEA infrastructure as well as ConnecTerra's technology. Therefore, adding the RFID expertise of ConnecTerra with BEA's Infrastructure should be seen as a positive development. ConnecTerra's RFID technology provides core communications, security, policy and device management services that can be integrated on to devices with a wide range of applications.

Companies that have been using both BEA and ConnecTerra are excited by the acquisition. A study by AMR Research found that about 69% of companies surveyed were planning to venture into RFID in 2005. Indications from the industry suggest that the joint efforts by the two companies will pay off big in terms of good returns on investments for most RFID enabled companies. noticias.info reports:

BEA can augment ConnecTerra's RFID software with its industry-leading infrastructure components to help provide a complete solution for customers looking to build new RFID enabled business processes. ConnecTerra and BEA have already worked together successfully over the past year with key customers to create market-specific solution bundles for pallet and case tracking applications in retail as well as mobile asset tracking in transportation.

Best Buy's RFID Inititative

iRiver America is one of the earliest participants in Best Buy's RFID initiative. It is currently doing pre-pilot testing of OATSystem Inc.'s RFID framework. It will launch a full-fledged system within the next two weeks. It also expects to join on Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s RFID initiative. It might be possible by 2006. iRiver America is the leading consumer electronics product manufacturer and distributor.

Over the past few weeks, iRiver has used OATSystems' OATxpress to produce its first batch of RFID tags. When the system goes live in February, the portable device maker will add OATaxiom, another product in OAT's RFID framework, for supply chain. eweek.com reports:

Ultimately, iRiver will also participate in Best Buy's plans to use the OAT framework for building an RFID portal architecture, according to the senior sales operations manager. Govil acknowledged that complying with Best Buy's mandate is the biggest driver behind iRiver's RFID adoption.

RFID in Indian IT Industry

RFID has now acknowledged by the Indian IT Industry. Indian IT Industry is seen as the biggest IT market in the world. Now IT companies are exploring the opportunities in the development and implementation of RFID-based software solutions. IT companies can pick up RFID data and work on network security.

RFID market is very big and it has to be explored successfully by the companies who want to reach the top by implementing next generation technologies. There has been a lot of changes in the design and implementation of RFID technologies. Earlier, RFID tags bought from one company could not be read b another company unless it used the same RFID system. Now this is not the case and RFID technology has moved beyond that. rediff.com reports:

Presently, the cost of one RFID tag is 15 cents (about Rs 7) but with more and more orders placed, the cost is expected to come down. In India, the awareness is slowly picking up with Airports Authority of India showing interest in RFID for cargo as well as passenger goods management.

Read More: RFID: The next big thing for Indian IT

World's First 100 Meter RFID Read-Write Device

IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, will soon launch i-CARD CF, the world's first RFID Read-Write device. It will have a range of 100 meters. It is compatible with IDENTEC SOLUTION's Intelligent Long Range (ILR) transponders. It can be easily integrated into laptops and mobile devices. IDENTEC is a leading global supplier of long-range RFID-based Intelligent Asset Management solutions. The new device will be presented in a Compact Flash format.

The software on the CF card enables the pre-processing of data and firmware updates via the CF interface. The i-CARD CF enables users to rapidly develop customized applications, as it is equipped with software libraries. prnewswire.com reports:

The i-CARD CF combines two factors essential to the identification, tracking, and localization of assets: mobility and range," said Gerhard Schedler, Managing Director of IDENTEC SOLUTIONS AG. "We're very proud of being the first to market with a mobile 100 meter RFID read/write device in Compact Flash format.

Read More: IDENTEC SOLUTIONS Presents the World's First 100 Meter RFID Read-Write Device in Compact Flash Format

Viisage launches RFID Smartchip

Viisage has announced the launch of smartchip capabilities for its iA-thenticate product line. The smartchip will incorporate RFID technology to authenticate travel credentials on Viisage's widely used product set. The integration of RFID into Viisage's smartchip is expected to help run the border crossing process smoothly. It will simplify the authentication of identity documents. I will also improve identification and security at border crossings.

The Viisage iA-thenticate system is currently deployed at many border crossings, airports and embassies all over the world. The countries, which are on its list, are Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Canada and Australia, the UK and the USA. The combination of the already proven document authentication capabilities is designed to provide border control agents with a higher-level service. contactlessnews.com reports:

Imbedded RFID or smartchips add considerable storage space for critical data, including biometric information such as digitalized fingerprints and facial images. The Viisage iA-thenticate system facilitates the secure transfer of biometric identity information from the document to the border control systems while at the same time meeting all necessary standards to prevent unauthorized access to data on the smartchip.

Read More: Viisage Launches RFID Smartchip in Document Authentication Solution

Cisco plans to launch new RFID Products and Services

In a major boost to RFID technology, Cisco Systems Inc has announced that it is planning to launch new RFID products and services. According to company sources, its new products and services will help enterprises implement RFID technology into their supply chain. Its new services include an Application Oriented Network for RFID. It will also include a wireless location service.

Cisco has decided to work with its partner companies to develop RFID products and services. It will support RFID-related products from Intermec Technologies, Connec Terra, ThingMagic and PanGo Networks. Cisco's RFID Solution, which is built on open standards, is the extension of Cisco AON. It includes embedded RFID functions into the network. cbronline.com reports:

The company's RFID services include an RFID network readiness assessment, pilot service offering and production implementation support. The Cisco wireless location service is based on the Cisco 2700 wireless location appliance, which uses RF fingerprinting to track up to 1,500 WiFi-enabled active RFID tags from within the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN infrastructure.

Read More: Cisco readies new RFID products and services

Pentamaster Corp to supply RFID technology in ASEAN

As RFID technology is considered as the next-generation technology, major companies are planning to expand their base to the different parts of the world. Pentamaster Corp Bhd is is planning to supply its RFID technology to the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations). It is reportedly negotiating with the companies in the Motor Vehicle and Pharmaceutical industries. According to Pentamaster sources, the concerned companies are based in Malaysia.

Pentamaster has recently signed an agreement with American RFID Solutions (ARS) to form an alliance. It believes that the new alliance will help it promote awareness of RFID. According to the Executive Chairman of Pentamaster Corp, it is also exploring opportunities with legal firms and public libraries for the adoption of RFID technologies. It will help the legal firms and public libraries to adopt RFID technology on their files, books and other records. biz.thestar.com reports:

ARS chief executive officer Harold Clampitt signed the agreement on behalf of the company. Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon witnessed the signing ceremony.

Read More: Pentamaster eyes RFID deals in Asean

AT & T and Cisco plan to launch new RFID Products and Services

The RFID technology is becoming popular among the companies. They have realised that RFID technology is the need of the hour. RFID standards group EPCglobal Inc says that it has certified one tag and nine readers under its hardware certification programme for Gen2, the next generation RFID technology. Major companies like At & T and Cisco are planning to launch new RFID products and services. AT & T will launch a new RFID network service in January 2006.

Through RFID technology, AT & T is planning to reach the manufacturing, transportation and government sector. Cisco is not far behind and it plans to introduce RFID technologies into its supply chain. Cisco will launch its RFID solutions in October this year. informationweek.com reports:

AT&T says five or six customers have opted to participate in a managed RFID network service that will get under way in early January. The 90-day trials will test AT&T's ability to effectively manage RFID services by first lying down the infrastructure and then deploying the services, which will target retail, manufacturing, transportation and government sectors.

Read More: New RFID Chips And Services Are On The Way

New Gen2 RFID Solution by Paxar

Paxar Corporation announced that it has released its Gen2 RFID solutions. Paxar is the leading provider of bar code, RFID and identification technologies. It will display all its RFID solutions including Gen2 at the EPCglobal US conference, which will start on 13 September in Atlanta. Paxar is also the supplier of Monarch(R) products and services.

The Monarch(R) 9855(TM) RFMP multi-protocol printer/encoder has been fully tested and qualified to operate with Monarch(R) 9855(TM) Gen2 Smart Labels. It will be operated using the EPC Gen2 inlays from Texas Instruments. The Monarch Smart Label Performance Guarantee now covers the Gen2 products. It will offer a full refund and an additional 10% for any label that is returned for inspection and could not be programmed by the Monarch printer/encoder. businesswire.com reports:

The Gen2 standard protocol promises global interoperability, faster read rates, more dense reading capabilities, improved anti-collision algorithms, and improved security. Paxar and Texas Instruments are both Rapid Start licensees, as announced by Intermec in early September.

Read More: Paxar Gen2 RFID Solution Now Available for Immediate Shipment

A new Invention by the Malaysian Students using RFID Technology

Four Malaysian students proved that 'when there is a will, there is a way'. In a new dimension to the RFID technology, they came up with a software programme to solve the practical problems experienced by people. They invented a handy Object Identification Information Network (Odin) application device. This device was made using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

They displayed their invention at the Imagine Cup competition organised by Microsoft Corporation. It was held at Yokohama, Japan. Their decision to develop Odin was based on the assumption that posters, vending machines and other devices would come with RFID tag in future. The four students Saw Kee Leng, Ooi Wen Fong, Tan Boon Siang and Chuah Shang did the research work for three months. thestar.com reports:

Their invention is a hand-held Object Identification Information Network (Odin) application device using radio frequency identification (RFID) to solve practical problems. For example, if someone with an RFID hand-held device and mobile data and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) capability approaches an advertising poster fitted with an RFID tag, he or she will be able to view a trailer, read reviews, and buy cinema tickets.

Read More: Imagining a better world

No more waiting at the Cash register

Imagine not waiting in long queues to pay for your purchases. Imagine not even having a store clerk to assist you in completing the transaction. Sounds futuristic. Not any more. Two major establishment namely Duane Reade drugstores and New York Giants have begun to accept MasterCard International's PayPass credit card that allows customers to simply wave their cards and pay.

These special cards use a wireless RFID technology that do not require you to swipe cards in the traditional manner in order to transmit data. All the customer has to do is simply tap or wave the card in from of the cash register terminal. Duane Reade plans to have the facility available at all its stores by the end of 2005. Giants also hopes to have the system installed before the next football season.

Customers can apply for these cards from Citibank, KeyBank, MBNA Corp. and GE Consumer Finance. More than 20,000 merchant outlets are going to accept the card. The only other card similar to the MasterCard Paypass card that is currently available is the ExpressPay card offered by American Express. Newyorkbusiness.com reports:

"What we are looking to do is provide an alternative so you don't have to fumble for cash and change."says Cathleen Conforti, product manager of MasterCard PayPass. "Retailers will see the advantage of the convenience and speed of getting customers through lines."

Read more:MasterCard aims to cut lines with new card

Savi Develops Kits for Remote Military Tracking

A Portable Deployment Kit (PDK) has been developed by the Supply chain technology company, Savi Technology, that can help military stations located in remote areas to track incoming supply of goods. The kit includes all the necessary hardware and software required for tracking and is light enough to be carried by hand.

The kit is available in two versions and though it is designed for use with active RFID tags, the Savi mobile readers can also be configured to encode EPC passive tags. A central hub located inside the kit can be plugged into a vehicle's 12-volt electrical system and used to power the components of the kit. The kit has two mobile readers that stores data whenever its handheld device is used. The data collected is then uploaded from time to time to the laptop through wireless links.

The US Marine Corps is said to have placed an order of 100 such PDKs for its various military posts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A company personnel said the company is exploring other potential uses of the kit like in oil exploration and other places where there is outdoor access for satellite communication.rfidjournal.com reports:

Savi says the kit was designed to allow military logisticians to link into ITV network and use the mobile readers to locate, order and transport goods, from ammunition to uniforms, throughout their area of operation.

Read more:Portable Kit Enables Remote Tracking

Microsoft promotes RFID package for Post Offices

Sending and receiving packages may soon become very smooth and hassle free if Microsoft's recent efforts to market its RFID product for post offices succeed. At the Taipei 2005 - 18th Asian International Stamp Exhibition held in August 2005, Microsoft offered its radio identification device product exclusively for efficient tracking and delivery of packages by government postal services.

Microsoft's technology will allow  post offices, package senders and receivers to know the exact status of the packages sent from the time of its booking till the time of its delivery.The technology uses a RFID tag that will be attached to the package and will contain details of the package's content, its sender and its destination. The tag will also be complementary to other electronic mailing devices.

Microsoft also plans to provide a web site for on line booking of packages for post office customers. Besides approaching Taiwan's postal service, Microsoft is also said to have held preliminary talks with India's postal service. If implemented, Microsoft's RFID system will revolutionize the entire courier system by centralizing and simplifying the information storage need of the packages to be delivered.technewsworld.com reports:

Once the post office counter is equipped with RFID, the entire courier system -- from the first post office where the parcel is received to the destination post office where the parcel is supposed to be delivered to the end receiver, regardless of how many "stops" the parcel must make -- needs only one punch-in of information about the parcel.

Read more:Microsoft Offers RFID at Taiwan Show for Postal Services