Cisco joins Intermec RFID Rapid Start Licensing Program

The Intellitag IF5 RFID fixed reader from Intermec Technologies Corp. has become the first RFID (radio frequency identification) device to meet test criteria in testing by an independent testing facility for interoperability with the Cisco RFID Solution introduced today by Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, at the EPCglobal Conference in Atlanta. In addition, Cisco in August licensed a number of Intermec RFID network patents through Intermec's Rapid Start Licensing Program, which just concluded. Cisco's participation in Rapid Start allows Cisco to manufacture products with the RFID capabilities and functionality that today's end-users require.

Cisco Compatible Intermec IF5 RFID reader

The IF5's successful testing by an independent testing facility indicates that interoperability test criteria were met for the new Cisco RFID Solution introduced today and allows a reader to be placed automatically into a company's Cisco infrastructure without any manual configuration. The network recognizes the IF5 as an RFID device and then configures it to the correct personality based on its location, allowing it to begin operating immediately.

The IF5 is factory-configurable for use within a range of frequencies for true global use. The multi-protocol IF5 reads and filters information from RFID tags, monitors external sensors, and controls audible and visual indicators - all without the expense and potential additional point of failure of a separate server "box" required by other RFID scanning systems. As with all Intellitag readers, the IF5 both reads and writes to RFID tags, providing companies maximum supply chain information and visibility.

The Cisco RFID Solution includes a powerful family of hardware and software solutions that optimize business application performance with intelligence at the edge of the network. Intermec's participation in the Cisco Technology Developer Program allows Intermec RFID customers to fully take advantage of all the benefits of this complete RFID information access. Members of the Cisco Technology Developer Program support standards and commit to creating products and services that are designed to be interoperable with Cisco products, technology and software. Program member products and services pass lab testing and interoperability criteria to ensure that they meet Cisco product specifications.

"With Cisco RFID Solution technology offerings such as the Intermec IF5, customers can quickly and efficiently deploy business solutions with tested interoperability to enhance employee productivity, reduce costs and improve customer care," said Steve Sneddon, Director of Business Development of Cisco's Application-Oriented Networking Business Unit.

Cisco joins Intermec RFID Rapid Start licensing program

The Intermec networking patent portfolio licensed by Cisco covers Cisco solution networking products that can receive data from or send data to an RFID reader or RFID printer that in turn communicate with RFID inserts and RFID tags.

Intermec holds more than 145 RFID patents covering broad areas of UHF supply chain RFID practice and applications. Its patents cover all standards and classes for the international practice of RFID, including Class 0, Class 0+, Class 1, UHF Generation 2, ISO and others.