RFID Gazette

RFID dealers form association with eye on more scalability and cost effectiveness

In what seems to be a step in the right direction, RFID dealers have formed an association. It would primamrily look in to the patenting and licensing of products based on the technology. It is believed to be on the lines of the organisation formed by the DVD and MPEG -2 players manufacturers.

The vision of the group is increased appeal and cost effectiveness for the technology.The business model RFID follows as of now is not the best in terms of structure. The association aims at an organised approach which would ensure fair pay packets to RFID patent holders. This would in turn enable the latter to sell them at lower prices to the end users. It also believes in amagamating RFID with low cost technologies to bring down the overall cost. Mobile Health Data reports:

The consortium's goal is to offer a structured approach for holders of RFID patents to receive fair compensation for them so they can offer reasonable prices to users.

Read more: RFID Vendors Form Consortium

IDTechEx reveals RFID market trend

The research database of IDTechEx on RFID, has hundreds of cases and companies' data. The findings have thrown light on some interesting market trends.

With around one thousand companies across the world doing business with the technology, it is has been growing at an exponential rate in the last decade. While USA and UK are leading the way, important nations across Europe are not yet eager to bite the RFID pie. Smaller nations like Holland and Asian giant China are rapidly moving up the RFID ladder.

The IDTechEx research provides insights as to who the main stalwarts of the technology are. It also acts as a guide for future investments and risk management while dealing with the technology. The strength of the research is that it constantly keeps itself abreast with modern trends in the industry with new and updated cases. CNWreports:

By collating this database of case studies, IDTechEx is able to present a
wealth of RFID knowledge to tell you who the main protagonists are, what
technologies they are using, what status their projects are and if they
succeeding?

Read more: More Revalations from the World's Largest RFID Database

RFID legislation - misunderstood technology?

When it comes to RFID there are various groups of people with different schools of thought. The RFID legislation that came into being in California recently might be a step by such a group which wants the technology to be vetoed without weighing its pros and cons. True, like any other technology it has its share of trepidations, however it has been here for sometime now and has never failed to bring excitement in the scientific circles.

Automated tracking of various goods and humans across industries has been its key feature and it has found pioneers in companies like Metro, Wal-Mart, Tesco and has been used extensively by the US Department of Defense for supply chain adoptation. The legislation came into being because some Californian legislators felt that there might be security issues with the technology being used for licenses and identification cards and wanted an outright ban.

The first part of the California state bill offers some insights on  management and protection while using RFID in indentification cards, however further it goes on to disallow its use in four broad areas for the next three years. This might hamper the positive talks that were going on for best practices with RFID. AIMglobal reports:

RFID should not be immediately adopted in driver licenses, identification cards, library cards, health insurance and benefits cards or student identification cards but legislation such as CA SB 682 will effectively "pause" the educated dialogue that is needed to formulate the guidance and best practices where the technology can offer benefit as well as the guidance on where it does not make sense for privacy or business reasons.

Read more: Editorial: RFID Legislation -- Protection or Pause Button?

Foremost Executives are to Meet to Discuss RFID Issues

Following directives issued by major retailers, Target and Wal-Mart, and the US Department of Defence several organisations are implementing RFID. While this is proving to be extremely efficient in monitoring supply chains, the technology is a cause of bafflement to most managers. With an object to clarify the issues surrounding the technology, leading executives are gathering at the Chicago Omni Hotel in the first week of October. Larstan Business Reports is producing the two-day conference, which is entitled “RFID: Focus on the Future”. The industry's most brilliant are expected to be at the conference, and it is anticipated that the discussions, that will ensue, will provide in-depth practical knowledge and shatter coventional wisdom. Inside Collin County Business reports:

“RFID: Focus on the Future” will tackle the data management challenges inherent to RFID.

Read more: Executive roundtable to confront RFID challenges

Australian Troops Bank on the US for RFID Solutions

US based RFID solutions provider, Savi Technology, is to supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with battery-powered RFID tags. With a view of improving supply chain visibility, the Australian troops in Iraq will use RFID tags starting February next year. In addition to the RFID tags, the ADF is also putting to use ‘contact memory buttons’. The buttons are capable of storing as much as 8MB of data. This could prove useful as the buttons could hold information on how to repair the object which accompanies it. The tags will store identification and license data, and can transmit to a reader hundred meters away. The Iraq project accompanies the wider In-Transit Visibility project, which will integrate RFID with ADF's transport, distribution and inventory management systems. Silicon.com reports:

In order to improve visibility of supplies in the network, pallets and containers in Iraq would be RFID-tagged from February, Brigadier David McGahey, its director general of material information systems, told ZDNet Australia.

Read more: RFID to track military supplies in Iraq

RFID Ltd. Takes Over Packaged RFID

RFID Ltd. has bought over Packaged RFID, Inc., in view of providing RFID integration for small and medium businesses supplying Wal-Mart, Target and Department of Defense. Packaged RFID and Independent Professional Management (IPM) have also formed an alliance, establishing IPM as part of Packaged RFID’s initiatives. Packaged RFID, Inc. consists of two businesses. RFID compliance case studies, implementation and RFID solutions for small to medium sized businesses are Package RFID’s fields of specialization. The second business unit, RFIDBrains, is involved with scouting and recruiting RFID talent. Additionally, Packaged RFID has existing ties with IBM, HP and Microsoft to assist in implementing RFID for retail suppliers. Frontline reports:

"The merging of RFID, LTD. and Packaged RFID will create the broadest portfolio and the most experienced leadership team in the RFID integration industry who are focused fully on delivering value to customers, partners and shareholders," said Betty Chavez, Packaged RFID Inc. chair and CEO.

Read more: RFID Ltd. Acquires Mid-Marked RFID Integrator

ETILUX Launches New Website on RFID

ETILUX, a European company, has developed a new website on RFID. Featuring an intuitive design and navigation system, the website targets not only professionals but also the nonprofessional. The site offers interactive case studies of the applications of RFID in different environments, and general information on the technology for beginners. ETILUX, recently certified as a Value Added Solutions Provider by Alien Technology, has launched its own encapsulated RFID as well. Etitag, the RFID solution from ETILUX, offers added features to the tracking of pallets, carriers and other containers. Detailed information of the product as well as all Alien Technology products is available at the new website. ETILUX’s marketing team in collaboration with Globule Bleu, a digital media agency that developed the engaging and stunning Interactive tutorials, designed this website. MoreRFID reports:

ETILUX, a leading European provider of data capture and label automation/dispensing/printing solutions, is proud to announce the unveiling of their new RFID website, designed to optimally address the needs of current and potential customers.

Read more: ETILUX Systems announces launch of New RFID website

Microsoft and Alien Technology Sort Out their Compatibility Issues

Alien’s ALR-9800 reader, designed primarily for EPC Class I Gen 2 compatibility, has cleared a major obstacle -- its compliance with Microsoft’s RFID technology. Microsoft’s RFID infrastructure is based on the ubiquitous .NET Framework and includes event- and device-management layers. It is designed to enable the deployment of RFID capabilities across the enterprise. Alien Technology’s ALR-9800 fosters enterprise scaling by reducing cost of implementation, integrating with major enterprise applications, and allowing large number of readers to operate in close proximity. Compatibility of Microsoft’s RFID infrastructure with Alien’s ALR-9800 spells out great success and a new promise for the future of RFID technologies. MRT reports:

Alien Technology and Microsoft have achieved compatibility between Alien’s ALR-9800 enterprise radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and Microsoft’s RFID infrastructure, both of which will be supported by Microsoft’s RFID technology.

Read more: Alien RFID reader now compatible with Microsoft infrastructure

UGHO Develops Technology for those Paranoid with Security

Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc. (UGHO), a company leading the world market in non-lethal protection products and security systems, has announced the release of its ISR Systems’ Trusted Shipper platform. The platform has been specifically designed to protect inter-modal worldwide transportation. Developed in over a period of four years, ISR Systems’ Trusted Shipper platform provides visibility and security throughout the whole of the global supply chain. The costs borne by companies to comply with directives issued by the government concerning RFID can be converted into profits using the new platform. The Guardian GPS/GPRS enabled container tracking system, a part of the package, achieves the task. ClickPress reports:

Today, less than five percent of containers are inspected. The Department of Homeland Security and ISR Systems have devoted their efforts to developing a multi-tier system that will track, monitor and secure cargo from the source to the final destination.

Read more: UGHO RFID tracking and tagging technology breaking news!

EPCglobal US Conference 2005: The Authoritative Source for RFID Information

A panel of experts from various fields will share their insights on Electronic Product Code (EPC) and RFID implementations at the upcoming EPCglobal US Conference. Scheduled to take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, from September 13 to 15, old hand ABC and MSNBC news anchor, Forest Sawyer, will moderate the conference. Mike Meranda, president of EPCglobal US believes that the only way to learn more about EPC and RFID is by interacting with leading individuals in the industry. He further claims that the panelists are the best in their particular fields, and conference attendees will gain valuable tips, apart from indispensable information, which, when applied to supply chains, will generate efficiencies. The EPCglobal US Conference 2005 is indented to be an authoritative source for information regarding EPC, the EPCglobal Network, and emerging global standards. Business Wire reports:

Subscribers, end users, solution providers, and industry leaders are already registering for the conference at a rapid pace. Conference organizers attribute this year's high level of interest to the growth of the EPCglobal US subscriber community, the ratification of new standards such as UHF Gen 2, and the development of new support programs.

Read more: Industry Panelists Named for EPCglobal US Conference

Implantable RFID VeriChip Faces Nationwide Resistance

Quoting Revelation 13:16-18 of the Bible: "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads, and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." The VeriChip implantable microchip, or the mark of the beast as devout Christians across the US now call it, has been a cause of controversy and unrest. The VeriChip is fast replacing credit and debit cards, as well as conventional forms of identification. Schools across America are using RFID devices to monitor student movement. The move to implant VeriChips has gained worldwide attention, their being some who have already taken the implant. Christians around the world have taken a stance against such devices from of the time of implementation, and an official nationwide boycott is the only course of action. The author of The Resistance Manifesto, John Conner, says that this is a call to all humanity to refuse the “beastly system” before it is forced upon everyone. FreshPlaza reports:

The Resistance has gained worldwide press with their allegations that the war on terror is being exploited and is taking away American liberties.

Read more: Christians boycott the implantable RFID VeriChip

OAT and ADT to Satisfy Cephalon’s RFID Needs

International biopharmaceutical company, Cephalon Inc., has decided on the OAT Foundation Suite software platform for its pilot RFID programme. Developed by OAT Systems, the software will provide visibility of products through all phases of transport from the manufacturer to the end-user. The software includes enterprise data management, enterprise-level analytics and reporting, Edge data management, and item-level tracking. The primary use of the software will be to track branded pharmaceuticals across the supply chain, and avoid discrepancies in shipment receipts. ADT's Sensormatic RFID hardware will complement the OAT Foundation Suite, leveraging a partnership between the two companies. Randy Bradway, Cephalon's vice president of commercial operations, expects that the OAT Foundation Suite will not only enable the use of RFID to sow efficiencies in the supply chain, but  also provide a platform to support future upgrades. UsingRFID.com reports:

The company wants to deploy RFID to gain better visibility of goods movements and inventory, right from manufacturing to retail, to help reduce shipment-receipt discrepancies with trading partners and ensure patient safety by tracking products all the way to the end user.

Read more: OAT and ADT drive biopharmaceutical RFID test

Sybase Learns from its Customers

Sybase Inc. is gathering knowledge for improving its products from its customers. Sybase’s RFID Anywhere application, based on technology acquired after taking over XcelleNet Inc., integrates RFID hardware with an organization’s existing enterprise applications. ProPath, a Dallas based pathology services, deployed RFID Anywhere immediately after its release. After analyzing ProPath’s use of the solution, Sybase has come up with RFID Enterprise, a package to complement RFID Anywhere. It offers a collection tool and database to store information collected by the RFID system, and the ability to map RFID data collected from tags to specific business data. The package is designed specifically for healthcare organizations. Mobile Health Data reports:

ProPath's use of the technology gave Sybase an idea for how to improve it for other health care organizations. As a result, two months after the organization began using Sybase's technology, the vendor added new functionalities.

Read more: Sybase Enhancing its RFID System

UPS to Provide Funding for G2’s Latest Development

The UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund, the United Parcel Service’s investment fund that supports companies developing technologies with transportation and logistics applications, has invested an undisclosed amount of capital in G2 Microsystems, a California based developer of integrated circuits. Other investors in G2's initial round of funding include Starfish Ventures and DB Capital Partners, the private equity and venture capital arm of Deutsche Asset Management. Both of these firms are based in Australia, and the amounts of their investment were not disclosed. G2 is developing SmarTag, an active 2.4 GHz tag that is being designed for systems using Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) RFID and location software to track people or assets. G2 says its tags can be combined with sensors to provide other data. The company expects to have its SmarTag commercially available later this year or early next year. EE Times reports:

"We are excited to have UPS as an investor," said John Gloekler, G2 Microsystems' CEO and president, in a statement "Their knowledge and operational experience in deploying worldwide asset-tracking systems will greatly enhance G2 Microsystems' ability to deliver superior technology to the Mobile Resource Management market."

Read more: UPS invests in Wi-Fi, RFID combination

RFID4U and Supply Insight Strive to Simplify RFID for Solutions Providers

In a combined effort to help system integrators and end-users build dependable and efficient RFID systems, RFID4U and Supply Insight are conducting a two-day, intensive training session. Supply Insight DevCon will commence in Chicago from November 7. The seminar will delve into detailed discussions on the components that make up a RFID system, and will cover RFID fundamentals, standards, integration obstacles and best practices. Also included will be an advanced training session on Supply Insight’s primary product, rPlatform 2.0. RFID4U, a world leader in RFID learning solutions, is a preferred partner of suppliers of Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Albertsons as well as the Department of Defense. Connecticut based Supply Insight is a foremost provider of RFID solutions and products. PRWeb reports:

RFID4U offerings include: one day RFID Made Easy and Managing the Mandates training course, two days RFID workshop, three days RFID implementation training and custom courses for Supply Insight, Intelleflex Corporation as well as Two Technologies.

Read more: RFID4U and Supply Insight launches RFID Solution Developers Training

Active Tags Preferred to Passive Tags in Healthcare

A study concluded by Spyglass Consulting Group, a market intelligence firm and consultancy focused on wireless technologies within the health-care industry, revealed that less than 23 percent of RFID solutions implemented by healthcare organizations are using passive RFID technology. Instead, many of the organisations are investing in active RFID technology. The study was done to better understand how RFID solutions could be used for positive patient identification, accurate mobile asset and patient tracking, and supply chain inventory management to help increase operational efficiency and improve the quality of patient care delivery. For the study, Spyglass interviewed more than 100 health-care organization professionals. Many said they do not see a strong business case for passive RFID. The reasons cited include a lack of industry-wide standards, cheaper alternative solutions based on bar coding and a lack of government or regulatory mandates. Mobile Health Data reports:

The "Healthcare Without Bonds: Trends in RFID" study found that many health care organizations instead are investing in active RFID technology. In an active RFID application, signals are continuously transmitted between transponders and transceivers…

Read more: Study: Providers Not Passive about RFID

New RFID Handheld Computer from Two Technologies

Two Technologies has unveiled its latest addition to its series of customizable handheld computers, based on the Windows CE platform. The JETT-RFID+ utilizes the Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture, which allows for new protocols and tags to be supported by the device through simple field upgrades. This renders the device future-proof. The handled runs Windows CE 4.2 on an XScale processor. A 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer is incorporated into the device that is fully complaint with MiFare (ISO 14443A, ISO 14443B, and UltraLite) tags as well as ISO 15693 tags. The device also features a unique adjustable rotating antenna.  This eliminates any issues of tag orientation that are extensive in applications such as libraries, item-level supply chain, and EAC markets. WindowsForDevices.com reports:

The JETT-RFID+ employs a field upgradeable Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture to "future-proof" its RFID capabilities, according to the company.

Read more: Windows CE RFID handheld incorporates software defined radio

PEAK's New Laboratory Inaugurated

PEAK Technologies has opened a new lab: the RFID Test and Integration Laboratory. The high-tech lab is located within the company’s twenty thousand square-foot warehouse in Columbia, Maryland. Besides helping customers understand better ways of implementing RFID, by way of simulations, the lab will also test hardware from select manufacturers. The RFID Test and Integration Laboratory is designed meticulously, and includes conveyor systems and RFID readers at the dock doors to present a live tag-testing environment. Companies faced with RFID compliance issues can also get a sneak preview of the PEAK Compliance solution package as part of the lab offering. PEAK Compliance is a complete, ready-to-use RFID solution that supports EPC RFID. Broadband Wireless Exchange reports:

PEAK's RFID Test and Integration Lab allows customers to understand the best ways to utilize the technology through a detailed lab process that includes testing packaging composition in terms of RFID signal propagation...

Read more: PEAK Opens Real World Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Test and Integration Laboratory

Bearing Point and Subsystems Join Hands to Cater US Army Needs

Bearing Point and Subsystem Technologies are joining hands. Their motive is to bag RFID jobs for the US Army. The announcement was a follow-up of a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) for RFID awarded to Bearing Point by the Information Technology, E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center, the official contracting authority of the US Army. Bearing Point was among twelve other companies awarded BPAs. As Bearing Point acquires contracts under the BPA, Subsystems Technology will provide engineering and technical services for the projects. The US government adopted the RFID technology at a very early stage. As a result, it has become mandatory for suppliers to tag all shipment from the beginning of 2005. The RFID BPA programme is an attempt at standardising the systems. Such an alliance goes a long way to prove what ABI Research had claimed: the RFID industry is evolving into a more mature one. Internetnews.com reports:

Such partnerships indicate that the RFID industry is moving into a new, more mature phase, as vendors broaden their focus to include full integration of RFID with end-users' business systems, according to ABI research analyst Erik Michielsen.

Read more: Subsystems, Bearing Point Team on RFID

RFID-Tagged License Plates to be Unveiled in UK

Using RFID to identify and track vehicles is perhaps one of the most ingenious applications envisaged. Slated for trials later in the year in the UK, RFID-tagged license plates have drawn the attention of major players in the market as well as the US government. The RFID circuits used to tag the plates will feature built-in batteries, enabling transmission of signals to readers more than three hundred feet away. The technology is already in restricted use in the US: Homeland Security is issuing them to foreign vehicles entering the country. Jim Harper, director of information studies at the Cato Institute, however, warns that RFID-tagged license plates will inevitably transform into a backdoor surveillance tool. The UK Department for Transport gave official permission to commence development of the license plates last week. Toward Freedom reports:

Proponents argue that making RFID tags mandatory is not only a logical move to guard against terrorists using the roadways, but also will help to catch insurance and registration scofflaws.

Read more: UK to test RFID-tagged license plates

HP Enters Triple Alliance to bring RFID to Japan

In an effort to bring EPC RFID services to the Japanese market, Hewlett Packard has tied up with Japanese internet services provider Internet Initiative Japan and its systems integrator subsidiary IIJ Technology. This is a result of a year’s deliberation. The practical research into the utilization of RFID in Japan progressed to the next level ensuing from the Japanese government’s decision to grant use of the spectrum between 950 to 956 MHz for RFID. This set the stage for HP to enter market with IIJ and IIJ-Tech for providing RFID solutions. All three companies are part of EPCglobal, and HP is co chair of the Asian Adoption Program Working Group, established by EPCglobal to propel deployment of EPC in the Asiatic region. The new alliance has declared that its initial focus will be supply chain management deployments for faster transfer of goods. RFID Journal reports:

HP and IIJ say they plan to research what practical and technical problems need to be solved in implementing EPCglobal RFID in Japan. They will then design their RFID offerings accordingly.

Read more: HP to Offer RFID Services in Japan

ScanSource's RFID Edge Helps Solution Providers

RFID Edge, a programme developed by ScanSource, Inc., to help solution providers be more successful in selling, installing and supporting RFID solutions, has undergone some improvement.The programme now includes a weeklong RFID qualification course, an RFID Lab and Demo Center, a solutions engineering team, and a dedicated helpdesk amongst others. With the demand for RFID solutions rising rapidly, it is essential for solution providers to be increasingly efficient in providing after-sales and technical support. Courses akin to the RFID Edge programme provide companies with an edge over their competitors: a necessity in today's rat race. It is a rigorous struggle to make it to the top, and to maintain the position requires continual updating of skill sets. Frontline reports:

"We have designed the RFID Edge program to assist solution providers from the earliest stages of getting educated about RFID all the way through certification, installation and post-sale support," said Greg Dixon, chief technology officer, ScanSource Inc.

Read more: ScanSource RFID Edge Program Aids Integrators

RFID Industry Growing in Age and Maturity

Last week saw twenty major RFID vendors announcing their intentions of forming a “patent pool” conglomerate. Intended to make simpler the users’ access to RFID intellectual property, it flagged the beginning of a new age in the RFID industry, one that is more mature. ABI Research’s continual market study, RFID Integration Services Markets, has revealed that the industry is evolving: companies are widening their perspective and focusing on the full integration of RFID with end users’ business systems. The trial and testing stage is over, claims ABI Research’s Erik Michielsen. The stage is now set for the development of large-scale, highly integrated solutions; it is a progression to improving and making the core tag information more meaningful. Business Wire reports:

Large IT-based firms such as IBM (with its WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure), Microsoft, SAP and Oracle are actively tying RFID information into enterprise architectures, while smaller fry such as TrueDemand Software, OATSystems, Connecterra and ACSIS try to redefine themselves to complement their bigger neighbors.

Read more: ABI Research sees RFID Integrators Looking to the Long Term

Pragmatyxs Bent on Demystifying RFID

Pragmatyxs, Inc., recently named an Intermec RFID Authorized Partner, an exclusive honour acquired after meticulous training and qualification, has published a new whitepaper: RFID Demystified. Available at their website, the whitepaper discusses practical details of the workings of RFID and its application to small and medium businesses. It also covers the controversy surrounding the technology, and presents a comparison between AIDC technologies using barcodes and RFID. Pragmatyxs intends the whitepaper as a reference and tool for persons involved in Supply Chain and Logistics, Inventory Management, Operations, and the like. The company, Pragmatyxs, is fast becoming a leading authority in RFID. A joint venture with Intermec, which lasted nine years, has lent an edge and a unique perspective to the company. Business Wire reports:

RFID Demystified comprehensively breaks out the different terms and applications, and provides real-world examples of how the technologies can benefit small to medium manufacturers and distributors.

Read more: Pragmatyxs Publishes New Whitepaper on RFID

RF-Enabled Cows: India Ventures into the World of RFID

Local authorities in India’s capital, New Delhi, have devised an ingenious method to curb the nuisance posed by cattle let astray on the streets of the city. By inserting RFID tags into the animals, wandering on the city’s streets, local authorities are tracking the owners down and imposing a fine of US $233. A dangerous, yet common phenomenon in India, cattle on the streets is a great cause of irritation and annoyance to the motorists. Owners are letting cows on the streets after milking them, and the cows wander about the city, eating out of garbage dumps. Foreigners visiting the country find this unusual cattle problem most bewildering at best. Indians, however, are very much used to something of the sort! Moreover, a reward of US $46 awaits anyone who rounds up stray cattle and brings them to the authorities. SiliconIndia reports:

No one has made a market survey on the potential for tagging stray cattle in India with RFID devices, but if New Delhi itself has 35,000, there could easily be more than ten times that number in the various Indian cities and the potential for RFID tags will be huge.

Read more: India set to RFID cows

PayPilot: Accelictec's Boon to Merchants

While popularity of RFID-enabled credit cards is on the rise, anguished merchants are demanding a cut in transaction fees. Faced with futility, retailers have already filed several lawsuits against major card associations. Enter Accelitec with its new RFID-enabled payment system, PayPilot. Expected to be unveiled in Bellingham, Washington, within the week, the company claims that the system will present consumers with an increased number of payment options while providing merchants ways to avoid high transaction fees. RFID Journal reports:

PayPilot accounts can be set up so that funds are pulled from credit, debit, prepaid or e-check accounts, or they can arrange for transactions in certain dollar ranges to be charged against specific accounts.

Read more: Accelictec Unveils RFID Payment System

New Mobile RFID Infrastructure Kit Developed by Savi Technology

Savi Technology has announced the release of the Portable Deployment Kit (PDK). Developed in conjunction with the PM J-AIT Office of the US Department of Defence, the PDK is a complete, portable RFID solution, designed to tackle the longstanding predicament posed by supply chain visibility in the last tactical mile. The problem arises due to lack of RFID fixed reader infrastructure in the Area of Operations. The PDK integrates numerous AIDC technologies, which include barcodes, GPS, and satellite communication. The US Marine Corps Systems Command is to be the first customer of the product for deployment in Southwest Asia. Business Wire reports:

"The PDK is a result of collaborative efforts between Savi Technology and the DoD's PM J-AIT office to address the challenge of getting supply chain visibility in austere environments," said Lt. Col. Beth Rowley, Product Manager, Joint-Automatic Identification Technology (PM J-AIT)  office...

Read more: Savi Technology Deploys New Mobile RFID Infrastructure Kit for Real-Time Visibility of Military Supplies to the 'Last Mile'

RFID Credit-Card to be Big Player in Small Transactions

The largest manufacturer of credit cards, Versatile Card Technology, is taking the next step in the nature of payment transactions. Recently, the popularity of contactless, RFID-equipped credit cards has been on the rise in countries including Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, and Turkey. Consumers using contactless cards simply wave their card in front of readers. The cards enable consumers to make quick purchases--reducing transaction time by up to 30 seconds. According to studies, the cards also increase consumer purchase sizes and frequencies. Versatile's contactless cards are interchangeable. They are equipped with the traditional magnetic strip for large purchases and RFID chips for purchases under $25. In the U.S., McDonald's, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, KFC, Regal Cinemas and CVS have already made arrangements to facilitate the cards. According to Chicago Sun-Times:

Rome Jette, vice president of smart cards at Versatile Card Technology Inc. in Downers Grove, said, "The credit-card industry is conducting a war on cash. It wants to handle what had been cash purchases as part of its growth strategy."

Read more: Credit-Card Industry's 'War on Cash'

Sparkice's Edward Zeng Ambitiously Advocates RFID in China

Controversial businessman, Edward Zeng, has big plans for his Chinese business, Sparkice. He hopes to transform the company into the central glue of a total China-based RFID industry. National security at the top of the government's list, Zeng insists that investing in RFID will enable China to maintain security by allowing it to have its own national coding standard, air interface, frequency, and information servers--as opposed to adopting Western standards. Prospectively the largest producer and consumer of RFID, China may indeed have the economic ability to set its own standards. Beijing-based research firm, Analysys International, has already sized the 2005 Chinese market in RFID-related equipment at $188 million. Only time will tell if Zeng's plans for China are premature. According to Red Herring:

"The Internet of Things will be 10 times the size of the Internet in China. And Sparkice will be at the center of this.”--Mr. Zeng

Read more: Edward Zeng’s RFID Strategy

Virgin Pilots RFID for Aircraft Maintenance

Virgin is teaming up with Oracle and Tata Consultancy (TCS) to head out their RFID pilot project. Virgin hopes that the data and accountability offered by RFID technology will enable them to streamline their operations. The pilot will take place at London's Heathrow Airport. It will monitor aircraft repairs in conjunction with on-site warehouse inventory. The technology is to be integrated into Virgin's existing Oracle infrastructure. According to TechNewsWorld:

TS Rangarajan, Head TCS, RFID Solutions, said, "TCS recognizes the potential of RFID as a business transformational technology and continues to invest substantially in developing RFID-enabled business solutions."

Read more: Oracle, Tata Consultancy, Virgin Atlantic Team on RFID Project