Alien Technology's reader hardware running Microsoft's Windows CE embedded operating system. The companies claim the result is a complete RFID solution that is both standardized and easy to implement.
(Click here for larger image)The pre-configured RFID in a Box contains all necessary servers, Alien Technology RFID readers and tags, and electronic product code printers, the companies say. Manhattan Associates's Integration platform for RFID provides the software support to generate RFID tags.
Alien Technology says that by taking advantage of the enterprise networking and communications services in Windows CE, its readers can improve the scalability, manageability and security infrastructure for companies implementing RFID in compliance with upcoming mandates and beyond. The readers use "third generation reader technology," and will 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. But when suppliers begin installing thousands of readers, easy, rapid deployment and IT integration will become a dominant consideration," said Stav Prodromou, CEO of Alien Technology.
Microsoft, Manhattan Associates, and Alien say they will operate product testing, development, and demonstration labs in Atlanta, Redmond, and San Jose in the U.S., and in multiple locations throughout Europe, to showcase RFID in a Box.
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