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ConnecTerra RFTagAware Supports Cisco Application-Oriented Networking With RFID Middleware Functions; Companies Collaborate to Extend Traditional Enterprise Computing and Manageability to the Edge

Posted on: Tuesday, 13 September 2005, 09:00 CDT

Lay Groundwork for Integration of Sensors and Other Real-Time Data Devices

ConnecTerra a leading supplier of enterprise software for radio frequency identification (RFID) and device computing and a Cisco Technology Developer Program Partner, announced today at the EPCglobal US Conference that its RFTagAware(TM) RFID infrastructure software will deliver RFID middleware functionality as an integrated component of the Cisco Application-Oriented Networking (AON) for RFID Solution. The Cisco AON for RFID Solution is an element of the Intelligent Networking Foundation for RFID Solution designed to deliver integrated capabilities and the support that enterprises need to optimize the use of available network capacity and simplify RFID infrastructure deployment.

The Cisco AON modules, enabled with ConnecTerra RFID software, can be installed throughout an enterprise network: at the edge, for RFID event capture and filtering, and in the data center for data authentication, additional filtering and aggregation, and application protocol bridging. Additionally, with RFTagAware included as an integrated component, AON for RFID supports ConnecTerra's overall architecture, designed to be compatible with ConnecTerra RFTagAware Enterprise Server for centralized real-time data management and existing applications built on RFTagAware.

"We are excited to be collaborating with Cisco to deliver this first-to-market RFID solution designed to greatly simplify RFID infrastructure deployment." said Linda Bernardi, ConnecTerra CEO and President. "ConnecTerra and Cisco share a vision of how to address the complexities of highly-distributed environments where RFID technology is being deployed on a large scale. This offering uniquely addresses customer concerns of protecting their investment in their existing infrastructure while implementing a solution that can expand as their needs for RFID grow."

AON for RFID adds ConnecTerra's leading RFID software to deliver end-to-end, standards-based, manageable RFID solutions to the enterprise - leading to benefits in scalability, reduced deployment costs, and simplified RFID deployments. Key advantages include:

-- Lower cost and complexity of deploying RFID at the enterprise edge; optimizing RFID event capture, filtering and routing

-- Central management of remote readers, printers and other devices

-- Central management of ConnecTerra RFTagAware Edge Server

-- Ability to manage RFID network traffic directly

-- End-to-end security features and reliability using AON datacenter configurations

The combined product is the first to integrate RFID with network quality of service (QoS), providing new deployment and management options and adding intelligence to the network to support more effective and efficient business decisions. AON for RFID supports a wide range of RFID and other devices, as well as many common edge applications. By implementing AON for RFID, customers can lay the groundwork for the integration of sensors and other real-time data devices, maximizing their current deployments of RFID applications across the enterprise.

"As a key Cisco Technology Developer Program partner, ConnecTerra provides the technical expertise and standards-based, open, modular architecture that fits well into AON's RFID solution framework." said Taf Anthias, vice president and general manager of Cisco's AON business unit. "ConnecTerra is a leader in the operation and management of RFID devices and other emerging real-time data sources, and their expertise complements Cisco AON technology and our broader RFID solution portfolio."

In addition, ConnecTerra is teaming with Cisco to deliver a set of RFID services which provide a lifecycle approach to enable customers to architect, build, and deploy RFID solutions on an intelligent network architecture. These service offerings, including RFID architecture design, AON Pilot Service Support and network deployment planning are delivered through the Cisco Advanced Services group and supported with ConnecTerra's technical expertise and experience in deploying production proven RFID solutions.

The Cisco AON for RFID Solution is scheduled to ship in the U.S., Canada and Europe in October 2005 and in Japan and the emerging markets in the second half of FY06. Cisco services for RFID are available now worldwide. For more information on Cisco RFID Solutions, please visit www.cisco.com/go/rfid. Additional pricing and availability terms are available from Cisco.

About ConnecTerra, Inc.

Founded in 2001, ConnecTerra, Inc. is the leading provider of RFID and device computing infrastructure software and applications designed to leverage real-time data for business process improvements. ConnecTerra's product architecture provides the foundation for the company's RFTagAware family of products and has been embraced by many key partners playing significant roles in bringing compatible, powerful RFID solutions to customers across many markets.

ConnecTerra is a member of EPCglobal and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.connecterra.com or call 617-441-2200.

Source: Business Wire

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