Questions:
- Isn't this (RadioActive applications) the same technology as proximity cards and other such devices?
- What is RFID middleware?
- What are RFID applications?
Isn't this (RadioActive applications) the same technology as proximity cards and other such devices?
As a technology, RFID has been around for quite a long time. The auto industry has been using this technology for over 10 years now in different theft prevention devices. The application of RFID technology that we are focusing on deals with the EPC standards, and the EPC network. These standards are more than just RFID tags; they are a global network that provides the history of a unique serial number through out different location in the world. To accomplish this, RFID technology is used. This is completely different from previous types of applications of RFID.
Other than the hardware involved, I was under the impression that RFID tags were just like bar codes?
This is not exactly accurate. The EPC network offers much more to the a supply chain than todays bar codes do. In a way, a RFID tag is similar to a bar code in that it is used to identify an item, but that is about where the similarities end. Although RFID and EPC technology are in a great spot to replace bar codes in the future, this is quite a ways off.
Isn't RFID technology a privacy concern? Can Wal-Mart track my shopping habits?
RFID privacy is a huge concern. Large organizations will have to follow guidelines set out by the government about a consumers privacy. A RFID tag cannot be "tracked" once it leaves a store. Organizations may wish to begin opt-in programs where you use devices to track your shopping habits and then get discounts relevant to you, but any program like this would have to be something that you opt-in to and agree to be a part of. The EPC Global group has a web page dedicated to RFID privacy and can be found here.
What is RFID middleware?
RFID middleware sits between RFID hardware and current enterprise applications acting as a bridge between them. This is referred to a Savant according to EPCGlobal. This software is the primary means of data gathering for any RFID deployment. Due to the nature of RFID technology in a fast paced environment, data must be captured in an intelligent manner, cleaned and distributed to the appropriate locations. There are currently many different proprietary RFID middleware applications available. The high cost of these applications make it difficult to implement RFID in small scale projects. RFID middleware is a standards based type of application, with the standards being written by the EPCGlobal Group.
What are RFID applications?
Right now RFID applications consist of multple levels of software. For us, RFID applications fall under two groups: software that is geared towards the EPC network ("EPC Network Software") and software that is used to interact directly with RFID technology ("RFID Software"). EPC network software includes the Object Name Server (ONS), EPC Discovery Service, the EPC-IS (Information Service) and EPC networking tools that communicate with the Verisign ONS. Normal RFID software includes RFID middleware and RFID utilities and tools including test applications and testing enviroments.
If you have any questions please email us and we will add it to our FAQ. |
