Microsoft Forms RFID Panel
Redmond, Wash.–based Microsoft Corp. has formed an advisory council of technology experts who will examine how radio frequency identification (RFID) can benefit retailers and manufacturers with shipping and merchandising operations.
RFID uses silicon chips and radio frequencies to track products across the supply chain. Several retail chains, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the Target Corp., are requiring that their top accounts tag shipments with RFID chips beginning in 2005.
Microsoft’s mission is to provide a platform that its partners can use to create RFID solutions that would enable users to decrease human error in data collection, reduce inventories and improve product availability. The panel will also address privacy issues surrounding RFID technology.
The company plans to hold the first Microsoft RFID Council meeting later this month. Already, several partners have signed up, including Accenture Ltd., the GlobeRanger Corp., HighJump Software Inc., the Intermec Technologies Corp., Manhattan Associates Inc. and Provia Software Inc.
The first meeting will address the industry’s need for lowcost, simple-to-deploy RFID solutions that are built on a robust, scalable technology stack.
“With RFID in the early stages of adoption, we are continuing to expand and evolve our partner-driven strategy based on the needs of the industry,” said Javed Sikander, program manager for RFID strategy at Microsoft. “There is a wide spectrum of partners building RFID solutions on the Microsoft platform today; the formation of the Microsoft RFID Council is part of our commitment to continue to work closely with our customers and partners to ensure they receive the greatest value and opportunity when building their RFID solutions with Microsoft technologies.”
Sikander said Microsoft has joined EPCglobal, an organization leading the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product Code network, to support the use of RFID.
—Robert McAllister
