By offering an open-source low-level reader protocol toolkit to RFID interrogator manufacturers and software developers, the group expects to help lower the cost of RFID implementations.

As major customers of RFID technology, pharma companies risk getting caught in a squeeze play between competing RFID vendors in a battle over RFID-related intellectual property.

A pair of reports released last week provides insights into the industry's emerging workforce. One says RFID vendors and integrators face a shortage of RFID professionals, while another indicates end users prefer workers with industry-specific hands-on experience.

At this year's conference, Microsoft announced the general availability of the beta version of BizTalk RFID, while technology vendors talked about moving their products—and customer deployments—from pilot to production.

A managed-services approach to RFID networks is another example of vendors making it easier for companies to deploy and leverage RFID technologies.