IBM Developments Move Toward Use of Open Standards in RFID Tools
October 12, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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IBM announced two developments related to using open standards in radio frequency identification (RFID) tools:
- Eight device manufacturers implemented the Eclipse open source device model to interface their devices with the IBM premises server 6.0.
- GS1 EPCglobal certified the IBM WebSphere RFID information center version 1.1 as fully compliant with the EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standards for tracking the progress of items as they move through the supply chain.
The WebSphere premises server is an enterprise-class tool that enables real-time aggregation and analysis of RFID and other sensor information.
The software builds upon a service-oriented architecture (SOA) foundation to give context to sensor events within required business processes, integrating with the EPCIS repository and applications such as enterprise resource planning, warehouse management systems and manufacturing systems, IBM said.
IBM shipped version 6.0 in March 2007 and introduced an open-standards-based RFID device support model so RFID device vendors can deliver data to IBM's middleware. The device support program is part of the Eclipse open source community.
IBM also is providing support for EPCglobal's newly ratified reader interface standard, called low level reader protocol (LLRP). According to IBM, LLRP will benefit manufacturers by allowing them to focus on building unique capabilities in their products.
The company said enterprises will benefit, as the new standard will protect their investment in RFID by fostering the availability of standards-compliant readers that can be optimized to meet their specific requirements.
GS1 EPCglobal also announced that IBM WebSphere RFID information center has been certified and is fully compliant with the organization's EPCIS standard.
EPCIS provides a data model for events including shipping and receiving of uniquely identified objects such as units and cases. The standard also defines interfaces for capturing product movement data and for sharing that information with trading partners.
The WebSphere RFID information center is a tool for use by enterprises seeking to share product movement information with trading partners that are also using EPCIS-compliant tools.
The newest version of the software includes an optional ePedigree feature that provides all participants in the pharmaceutical supply chain with access to historical data on individual bottles or packages of medicine to enable compliance with current and emerging regulations, IBM said.
"As a core participant in the creation of the requirements for the EPCIS standard, IBM has been a leader in adopting open standards in its RFID solutions," said Bernie Hogan, senior vice president and chief technology officer, GS1 US.
"The IBM WebSphere RFID Information Center software complies fully with the EPCIS standard, which means it can be used by enterprises to securely and efficiently share data with trading partners who are also using EPCIS compliant solutions," Hogan said.
Source: IBM.