SYNOPSIS: RFID Anywhere 2.0 provides management capabilities for
configuring, monitoring and provisioning RFID networks from proof-of-concept
to enterprise-wide deployment. RFID Anywhere supports the broadest range of
protocols and standards and offers comprehensive role-based security that
enterprises require.
CHICAGO, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FRONTLINE SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE
& EXPO -- iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), today announced
the release of RFID Anywhere(TM) 2.0, the next generation of the company's
software platform that provides an extensible environment for developing and
managing robust, highly-distributed radio frequency identification (RFID)
solutions. Today the company also announced an RFID Anywhere Developer
Program that provides developer versions of the software, comprehensive
support materials and general RFID educational content to customers, partners,
and prospects (see separate release, "iANYWHERE LAUNCHES "RFID Insider" AS
RESOURCE CENTER FOR RFID DEVELOPERS").
"Since releasing the initial version of RFID Anywhere in early 2005, we
have seen significant interest from enterprises, systems integrators and
application developers that are faced with the complexities of RFID
implementations," said Steve Robb, senior director of marketing, iAnywhere.
"Building on iAnywhere's expertise in mobile and widely-distributed computing
environments, RFID Anywhere 2.0 brings together our vision for the platform
with the substantial requirements that large-scale adopters of RFID technology
have encountered. It addresses the challenges raised by varying protocol
standards, the broad range of hardware devices available, and the distributed
nature of typical RFID network components."
RFID Anywhere simplifies RFID projects every step of the way, reducing both
up-front development expense and ongoing operating costs in the following
areas:
-- Development -- RFID Anywhere handles interfaces with RFID devices
(readers, printers), and non-RFID data collection technology (bar code
equipment, remote monitoring devices), across multiple protocols,
leaving developers to focus on business logic. New code can be tested
through the RFID Simulator without investments in readers and tags.
-- Operations -- Edge processing allows business logic to be distributed
in the network as appropriate for gathering data from RFID and bar code
equipment. This allows data to be processed in a timelier manner to
drive rapid response when necessary. It minimizes RFID data traffic on
the network and guarantees data delivery - even across occasionally
connected networks.
-- Management -- True enterprise management and security are extended to
the RFID network even as it spans multiple locations, ensuring maximum
uptime and availability.
As RFID technology has evolved, a major hurdle for early adopters has been
the proliferation of various standards and protocols. RFID Anywhere 2.0
allows for multiple data protocols in a single network, including standards-
based RFID and barcode protocols in the ISO and EPC families, as well as
customized tag formats required by certain applications. Most notably, the
EPCglobal Generation 2 (GEN 2) standard is fully supported within the product.
At the heart of the solution is the new Data Protocol Processor, which
operates as a "universal translator" for handling the broad variety of
protocols and tag formats.
Key New Features in RFID Anywhere 2.0
Enterprise Manager, a standalone console that can be accessed from any
browser, monitors and manages the entire RFID network. It allows
configuration of groups of hardware based on location or device-type, and
facilitates enforcement of policies and repeatable configurations. In
addition, Enterprise Manager can distribute and update software and system
configurations as well monitor the health of the RFID network.
Security enhancements include local security settings, or authentication
against network-based directories such as LDAP, Active Directory or Windows NT
domain directories. As a result, role-based security can be implemented,
granting specific rights to individuals or groups with regard to devices and
business modules.
Multi-protocol support is provided by the Data Protocol Processor, which
provides for the decoding of tag data after reads and the encoding of data
when printing/commissioning RFID tags. The support for multiple protocols is
carried through the product in its data simulation, data processing and data
reporting areas. For example, the Report Engine MP feature enables the simple
creation of XML reports based on the tag activity of tags representing
multiple protocols.
RFID Anywhere continues to make extensive use of industry standards, such
as Web Services for Management and Web Services for Security in delivering
enterprise-class capabilities for operating RFID networks.
"The number of variables that must be considered when planning an RFID
network can be staggering. Also, the accommodation of multi-protocols and the
many types of hardware that go into the development of a single network can
significantly drive up the initial costs," said Curtis Price, Director of
Network Services, IDC. "Relying on middleware that easily handles the
complexities of an enterprise RFID deployment reduces the cost of deployment,
as well as ongoing maintenance expense, allowing a company to focus on
integrating processes that facilitate business decisions and increase the
return on investment of a network."
RFID Anywhere 2.0 will also be available as a middleware component of
Sybase's RFID Enterprise offering, an end-to-end solution that provides the
database persistence, process management, and business intelligence necessary
for enterprise use of RFID data.
About iAnywhere
iAnywhere provides software solutions that enable applications used on the
front lines of business to be just as reliable, secure and available as those
at headquarters. The company holds worldwide market leadership positions in
mobile and embedded databases, mobile device management and security, and
mobile middleware. Millions of subscribers, 15,000 customers and 1,000
partners rely on the company's award-winning technologies, including SQL
Anywhere(R), Afaria(R), and the AvantGo(R) mobile Internet service. iAnywhere
is a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY). Visit http://www.ianywhere.com for
more information.
Sybase, iAnywhere, iAnywhere Solutions, SQL Anywhere, Afaria, RFID
Anywhere and AvantGo are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of
Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. (R) indicates registration in the United
States of America. All other company and product names mentioned may be
trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
Special Note: As used in this release, iAnywhere means iAnywhere
Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. Statements concerning iAnywhere
Solutions' product market, relationships with its customers and new products
are forward-looking statements that involve a number of uncertainties and
risks and cannot be guaranteed. Factors that could ultimately affect such
statements are detailed from time to time in Sybase's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings, including but not limited to its annual report on Form 10-
K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (copies of which can be viewed on the
Company's web site).
Crystal King
iAnywhere Solutions
(978) 287-1524
crystal.king@ianywhere.com
Scott Malinowski
Citigate Cunningham
(617) 374-4223
smalinowski@cunningham.com
SOURCE Sybase, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.ianywhere.com
http://www.sybase.com
CONTACT:
Crystal King of iAnywhere Solutions,
+1-978-287-1524, crystal.king@ianywhere.com; or Scott Malinowski
of Citigate Cunningham, +1-617-374-4223,
smalinowski@cunningham.com
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