Zebra Technologies broadened its RFID intellectual property portfolio by acquiring IP and patents from BTG, a technology transfer company. BTG, which has been involved in RFID for years and previously helped commercialize the Supertag for retail item tagging, is now fully divested of RFID technology.
Some people believe RFID Journal downplays the possibility that retailers will use RFID to infringe on the privacy of their customers for financial reasons. Here’s why that makes no sense.
Companies deploying RFID for payments or other applications requiring strong security are taking risks today, the research firm reports, while users of RFID in small-scale, standalone tagging systems for supply-chain apps are less vulnerable.
BEA announces RFID enterprise server upgrades; GS1 Argentina supply-chain center offers RFID learning; Puerto Rico’s RFID toll system exceeds expectations; Singapore Polytechnic developing EPC system for industry; 3M joins RFID Consortium; PEAK upgrades SAP software in solutions center.
The AeA, AIM Global and Secure ID Coalition all advised California on proposed California Senate Bill 768 (SB 768), which places controversial new restrictions on RFID systems used by government agencies in the state. Representatives of those organizations share their concerns about the bill and point out its positives.
Savi Networks has announced that the Port of Felixstowe became the first UK port outfitted with the SaviTrak RFID container tracking infrastructure, and Jaguar will track parts shipments from Felixstowe to the US. Now 50 percent of all cargo that enters the US originates from ports equipped with Savi tracking technology.
The city’s central library and 17 branches will start deploying a system to manage the circulation of 2 million items per year. Patrons will check materials in and out themselves.
The company is providing the systems free of charge to 3,000 U.S. retailers, making it possible for merchants to accept RFID-enabled credit cards.
Cell phone giant Motorola yesterday announced that it would buy Symbol Technologies for $3.9 billion, at a per-share price of $15. The purchase price represents roughly a 20% premium over Symbol’s closing stock price Friday afternoon, before rumors of the acquisition drove it up over the weekend.
The mobile unit, designed for use on forklifts, has several potential applications for users of RFID technology.