Partners work with Microsoft on RFID-in-a-box
02 June, 2004
category: RFID
Manhattan Associates and Alien Technology have teamed up with Microsoft to bring high performance EPC (electronic product code) compliant solutions to the enterprise market in the form of an ‘RFID In A Box’ solution.
Using the Microsoft.NET framework for Manhattan Associates’ RFID-enabled supply chain execution applications, and the Microsoft Windows CE device platform for Alien Technology’s RFID reader hardware, the partners have created a standardised and easy-to-implement ‘off the shelf’ RFID solution.
Microsoft platforms
The toolset and built-in enterprise services in Windows CE allow RFID system developers to build applications and integrate web services into various devices, according to Janet Kennedy, managing director of the Retail & Hospitality Industry Solutions Group at Microsoft. Alien’s use of the Windows CE platform makes it easier to integrate with Manhattan’s .NET-based solution, and should make it easier still for users to build their own applications for handling RFID tag data and readers.
What’s in the box
The pre-configured RFID In A Box solution contains the necessary servers, Alien Technology readers and tags, and EPC printers. Thereafter, Manhattan’s integration platform for RFID, along with the business solution components of the company’s Integrated Logistics Solutions, allows the generation of RFID tags within a business as well as at remote supplier locations.
Taking advantage of the networking and communications services built into Windows CE, Alien’s third-generation readers include support for multiple EPC protocols including Class 1, Class 1 Gen 2, and Class 0.
“Current readers are meeting the need for the initial deployments of RFID in retail and DoD supply chains but, when suppliers begin installing thousands of readers, their rapid deployment and IT integration will become a dominant consideration,” noted Stav Prodromou, CEO for Alien Technology.
US and European labs
The three companies will jointly operate laboratories in the USA for product testing, development, and demonstration in Atlanta, GA, Redmond, WA, and San Jose, CA. The partners will also operate similar labs in a number of locations throughout Europe to showcase the solution for their global clients.
For additional information:
- Visit Manhattan at http://www.manh.com
- Visit Alient at http://www.alientechnology.com
- Visit Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com
Reprinted with permission from Using RFID (http://www.usingrfid.com/news)
UsingRFID provides free daily news reports and informative articles about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and its applications, users, developers, trials, and implications – for executives, technologists, researchers, developers, vendors, and prospective and current RFID users.
