RFID for Canadian Retailers, Manufacturers

Microsoft enlists help of partners delivering RFID solutions in a new RFID council

Microsoft enlists help of partners delivering RFID solutions in a new RFID council

Mississauga, ON — July 6, 2004 — Microsoft Canada Co. announced today its list of partners creating radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions on the Microsoft-based platform to help Canadian manufacturers, distributors and retailers reduce human error in data collection, improve inventory visibility and provide better customer service.

Partners participating in the Canadian RFID Council include: Bell Canada, HP Canada, T4G Limited, Ship2Save, Cactus Commerce Inc., BearingPoint, RCM Technologies Canada Corp., CapGemini, Texas Instruments, SIRIT Technologies Inc and J.L. Albright Ventures.

RFID combines the benefits of the silicon chip and radio frequencies to provide increased levels of product and asset visibility across the supply chain.

"Microsoft is committed to providing a platform on which our technology partners can create RFID solutions to meet the needs of our joint customers," said Javed Sikander, Program Manager for RFID strategy at Microsoft Corp. "We are working closely with technology partners and customers to align our strategies and help ensure that they can create RFID solutions on the Microsoft-based platform that meet their requirements."

Victor Garcia, managing principal, Mobility Program Office and Chief Technology Officer, HP Canada, said his company fully understands how RFID technology can be used to streamline supply chains, improve inventory control, track baggage and assets within an airport, and provide enhanced customer experiences.

"HP is qualified to help customers realize the benefits of RFID technologies because of our knowledge of real-world applications, our implementation experience and lessons learned deploying RFID within our own manufacturing facilities," he explained. "We also understand the business, technical and logistical challenges associated with the design, implementation and support of RFID solutions, bringing a unique perspective that creates value for our customers. "

Microsoft Canada also announced today the formation of a new RFID Partner Advisory Council to look at RFID requirements and how to take advantage of today's technology to make it easier for Canadian retailers and manufacturers to reduce inventories, improve product availability, and track and ship merchandise.

"Microsoft is assembling a wide range of partner support for RFID solutions built with Microsoft.NET connection software," said Lasha Dekker, director, developer and Platform Evangelism, Microsoft Canada. "As part of the Canadian RFID Council, Microsoft and the technology partners on board so far plan to address industry needs with RFID solutions that are low-cost, simple to deploy and built on a robust scalable technology stack."

Brad Fisher, general manager, Consumer Services Development, Bell Canada, said his company is pleased to participate in the RFID Partner Council. "This is yet another innovation to come from our ongoing relationship with Microsoft, and it reaffirms our commitment to providing Canadians with innovative and secure solutions that simplify their lives," he said.

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