Microsoft's RFID Technology to Support Alien's Reader and Tag Products

Radio frequency ID specialist looks to be key partner for Redmond giant's RFID initiatives

Radio frequency ID specialist looks to be key partner for Redmond giant's RFID initiatives

Morgan Hill, CA — July 5, 2005 — Alien Technology is angling to be a key partner in Microsoft's radio frequency identification (RFID) initiatives, announcing that Microsoft's RFID technology will support Alien's reader and tag products.

In addition, Microsoft selected Alien tags and European-compliant ALR-8780 readers as one of the readers to demonstrate its RFID technology at the Microsoft TechEd EMEA conference in Amsterdam, according to Alien.

Alien said that the ALR-8780 reader was the first EPC RFID reader certified to the stringent new European specification (ETSI EN 302-208) for higher power readers. As with all Alien readers, the ALR-8780 is compatible with the Microsoft RFID Infrastructure, which is designed to enable deployment of RFID capabilities and simplified management of RFID data across the enterprise, including the integration of RFID data with enterprise business applications and real-time processes.

The RFID Infrastructure based upon the Microsoft .NET framework will include a device management layer and an event management layer that can be embedded in third-party applications.

"The Microsoft RFID Infrastructure, with its 'plug-and-play' functionality and open [application programming interfaces (APIs)], will play a key role in the integration of RFID with mainstream business applications and in the leveraging of RFID data for real-time visibility and decision making," said Andrew Berger, vice president, international at Alien. "As one of the key partners of Microsoft and a member of the Microsoft RFID Partner Council, Alien is committed to working closely with Microsoft in extending the value and reach of RFID technology around the world."


Additional Articles of Interest

— RFID technology has the potential to change the way supply chains are managed, but in order to be effective businesses need to take a holistic look at the deployment. Read more in the SDCExec.com article "Time for RFID: Applying RFID in the Supply Chain."

— For a contrary view of the future of the RFID market, see the article "The O'RFID Factor: A 'No Spin' Look at Where Radio Frequency Identification Is Headed," in the October/November 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

— For more information on trends relating to radio frequency identification (RFID), follow this link for an extensive listing of SDCExec.com articles, featuring the latest research findings on the RFID, including adoption, return on investment and barriers to implementation.


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