Sybase iAnywhere Supports Fixed and Handheld RFID Devices

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc., announced the latest version of RFID Anywhere, the company's software platform that provides an extensible environment for developing and managing robust, highly distributed radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions. RFID Anywhere 2.1 includes next-generation support for both fixed and handheld RFID devices. The new release gives developers complete access to the full set of features available in an RFID reader and provides additional capabilities, such as dynamic support for new tag formats (e.g., Gen 2), simplified general-purpose input/output (GPIO) control, and reader synchronization for operation in dense-reader mode.

"More and more companies are starting to scale their RFID solutions to the point where they require multiple RFID readers and antennas in close proximity with one another, which often results in interference," said Martyn Mallick, director of RFID and mobile solutions, iAnywhere. "The ideal way to address this is to coordinate the readers to work better in dense-reader mode. RFID Anywhere now provides the ability to control the readers by time slicing and GPIO, enabling the most efficient network possible."

For organizations using handheld RFID devices, RFID Anywhere 2.1 provides a complete on-device framework for the creation of mobile applications as well as tight integration with RFID Anywhere's development framework and management tools. These capabilities simplify the development of mobile RFID applications and provide guaranteed delivery of data from the handheld device to the enterprise system.

Key new features in RFID Anywhere 2.1 include:

  • Reader synchronization for improved operation in dense reader mode
  • An extensible architecture to support custom user data as available in new tag formats, including Gen 2 and ISO protocols
  • Ability for RFID readers to operate in autonomous mode, allowing for the configuration and capture of reader operations and GPIO communication. GPIO devices include sensors that monitor temperature, proximity, or motion, along with feedback mechanisms, such as light stacks and LED message boards.
  • Integrated support for handheld RFID devices, allowing them to be incorporated into the RFID Anywhere environment for application development and management, even in occasionally-connected environments

iAnywhere partners are excited about the latest innovations to RFID Anywhere:

"Supporting handheld devices is much different than supporting a fixed reader," said Ron Caines, vice president of marketing, Psion Teklogix, Inc. "The combination of the RFID Anywhere server software with the on-device agent provides Psion Teklogix 7535 customers with a solution that is both scalable and secure."

"Having a single platform that can support Symbol's XR400 series of fixed readers and MC9000-G with RFID handheld reader provides a significant advantage for organizations that need to scale their RFID deployments with both fixed and mobile devices," said Alan McNab, senior director of RFID product marketing, Symbol Technologies. "iAnywhere has demonstrated they understand what it takes to manage hundreds of streams of data coming from read-intensive applications delivered by Symbol's complete portfolio of high-performance RFID devices."

"We are thoroughly impressed with the work iAnywhere has done to integrate with the ThingMagic Mercury 4," said Kevin Ashton, vice president, marketing, ThingMagic. "They have been able to take advantage of our complete API to provide customers with an excellent experience."

Availability
RFID Anywhere 2.1 is available immediately. Handheld devices supported include the Psion Teklogix 7535, Intermec 751, and Symbol Technologies MC9000-G with RFID mobile computer. Additionally, enhanced support for next-generation devices is available for the Alien 9800, AWID 3014, Symbol XR400/XR480, ThingMagic Mercury4, and Intermec IF5.

For more information, please visit the Sybase booth #730 at RFID Journal Live! 2006. Martyn Mallick, director, RFID and Mobile Solutions will also be speaking on Tuesday, May 2 at 3:45 p.m. on the topic, "Key Considerations to Ensure a Successful RFID Implementation." Additionally, to join the popular iAnywhere RFID Developer community and to download a free development copy of RFID Anywhere, please visit www.ianywhere.com/RFID.

About Sybase RFID Solutions
Sybase is the largest enterprise software company exclusively focused on managing and mobilizing information. The Sybase RFID solution simplifies every stage of enterprise RFID implementations. Sybase's RFID Enterprise extends the functionality of RFID Anywhere with modeling, programming, and data management tools to ensure that RFID data and events are stored and propagated for application integration, auditing, reporting, and business intelligence purposes.

About iAnywhere
iAnywhere enables success at the front lines of business. The company holds worldwide market leadership positions in mobile and embedded databases, mobile management and security, mobile middleware and synchronization, and Bluetooth and infrared protocol technologies. Tens of millions of mobile devices, millions of subscribers, and 20,000 customers and partners rely on the company's "Always Available" technologies, including SQL Anywhere, Afaria, OneBridge, and the AvantGo mobile Internet service. iAnywhere is a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, iAnywhere, iAnywhere Solutions, SQL Anywhere, OneBridge, Afaria, and AvantGo are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Sybase, Inc., or its subsidiaries.