Sun Microsystems Enables Next-Generation of 'Smart' RFID Devices

(I-Newswire) July 2, 2005 - The Sun Java System RFID Software for Java technology-enabled RFID devices allows Java technology-enabled devices to intelligently process and filter data directly on the device. This shields both the network and end-user from the potential avalanche of information that can be generated in large-scale deployments and simplifies network management by reducing the number of network components needed. These 'smart' RFID devices participate within a highly adaptive RFID system that delivers resilience, reliability and scalability in complex deployment environments. Sun's RFID software is available now for Java SE technology and will be available in early access for Java ME technology at the end of summer 2005.

Sun is working with a number of RFID reader and device companies including: Intermec, SIS Technologies and ThingMagic to help create the next generation of 'smart' RFID readers and devices. SIS Technologies, a leading technology integration solutions provider, and Sun have been working together for over a decade, most recently on RFID solutions around SIS' Mustang, a secure, remotely managed 915 Mhz, multi-protocol RFID edge appliance (RFID reader/writer).

"The ability to run the Sun Java System RFID Software directly on the SIS Mustang appliance is key to helping us simplify our customer's RFID infrastructure needs while increasing their ability to support and maintain the environments. As RFID networks expand, so to does the cost of supporting the RFID infrastructure. Sun's multi-platform Java technology-based RFID software combined with our Mustang appliance, creates a self-healing network where downtime is virtually eliminated, leading to a more significant return on investment (ROI)," said Sean Clark, director, RFID Solutions, SIS Technologies, LTD.

Leveraging the advanced dynamic networking capabilities of Jini network technology, Sun's RFID solution stands out from others in the market today. Sun Java System RFID Software enhances core infrastructure technologies such as Sun Java Enterprise System and the Solaris 10 Operating System (OS) and simplifies the integration of RFID data from the edge of the network to enterprise application systems.

Sun Java System RFID Software for Java technology-enabled RFID devices not only extends the Java ME and Java SE platforms, but also supports EPCglobal ALE (Application Level Events) specifications for intelligent data processing and filtering. In addition, the Sun Java System RFID Software for Java technology-enabled RFID devices can integrate with the enterprise version of the Sun Java System RFID Software, providing centralized monitoring and management of large numbers of distributed devices and delivering Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities.

RFID is a booming market. Large companies and governments worldwide are expected to spend $6 billion on RFID hardware, software and services by 2010, according to Datamonitor. Additionally, Venture Development Corporation says the device market alone will be worth $700 million in 2005. Java technology is poised to play a significant role in this market, having already been installed on more than two-billion embedded devices, up by 14 percent since June 2004.

"We view RFID as a disruptive technology that will revolutionize the network and the way companies do business," said Sam Liu, director of RFID product management, Sun Microsystems. "Our latest offering helps customers unlock their network's potential and achieve competitive advantage by providing a clear picture of their business and by accelerating decision making from the edge to the enterprise."

Sun Java System RFID Software for Java technology-enabled RFID devices extends Sun's Electronic Product Codes (EPC) compliant Java System RFID Software v2.0 to the edge of the network. The unique distributed architecture of Sun's RFID Software allows for RFID data processing to be performed where it makes the most sense - sometimes at the device level, sometimes at the enterprise level, and sometimes in between. In addition to Java SE and Java ME technology, Sun Java System RFID Software is available on the Solaris OS and Linux. For more information, see: http://www.sun.com/rfid.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

A singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer" -- guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world's most important markets. Sun's philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, Solaris, Jini, and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.



Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Jacki DeCoster
(415) 294-4482
jacki.decoster@sun.com

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