18 October, 2006
category: Contactless, Financial, RFID
SkyeTek Inc., which makes RFID reader technology, announced that Zebra Technologies is using its M2 as the embedded RFID reader module for its R110XiHF printer/encoder.
The recently launched High Frequency RFID OEM readers come with 200mW of output power, broad tag support, and onboard security.
Besides printing/encoding, the M2 is also experiencing rapid adoption in application areas such as anti-counterfeiting, contactless payment, handheld reading/encoding, item-level inventory, and patient safety, says SkyeTek’s press team.
Zebra Technologies Selects SkyeTek as RFID Reader Technology Partner
R110XiHF Printer to Incorporate M2 HF SkyeModule for High-Performance, Multi-Protocol Tag Encoding
WESTMINSTER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that it has entered into a technology partnership with Zebra Technologies. The market share leader in auto-ID printing, Zebra selected SkyeTek’s M2 as the embedded RFID reader module for its R110XiHF printer / encoder. With 200mW of output power, broad tag support, and onboard security, the recently launched M2 is the clear leader in performance, reliability, and privacy protection among HF RFID OEM readers.
“We selected SkyeTek for our HF line of printers because we believe the company’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture is a significant innovation in terms of embedded RFID technology,” stated Bill Shuff, Senior Product Manager, Zebra Technologies. “Because of AURA, we believe the M2 provides an optimum combination of performance, security, and tag support that is at least one generation ahead of the current HF marketplace.”
Based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M2 leads the industry in HF reader price-performance due to its ReaderWare software layer. ReaderWare provides advanced reader intelligence that not only delivers adaptive behavior, broad tag support, and tag heuristics but also delivers security, which typically runs on a Pentium-class processor, on an ARM7-class processor. ReaderWare also performs functions traditionally performed in hardware allowing the M2 to achieve uncommon efficiencies in cost, power consumption, and form factor. Priced at $60 per module and $18 per ReaderWare license, the M2 offers unparalleled value in the embedded HF reader market.
“In terms of RFID, Zebra Technologies is as respected and accomplished as OEM partners get,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Their selection of the M2 is an endorsement not only of our product but also AURA. Through our ReaderWare software interface, they will be able to seamlessly upgrade their printers to add additional tag support and security in the future.”
In addition to printing / encoding, the M2 is also experiencing rapid adoption in application areas such as anti-counterfeiting, contactless payment, handheld reading / encoding, item-level inventory, and patient safety. OEM customers can purchase SkyeTek’s M2 as a module (includes ReaderWare license) or ReaderWare license. Licensing also provides customers with access to the ReaderDNA reference design, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module.
About SkyeTek, Inc.
SkyeTek, Inc. develops reader technology that enables the pervasive adoption of RFID as an embedded feature in existing products. Customers use SkyeTek’s technology to create new applications for their product lines in areas such as anti-counterfeiting, configuration management, consumables authentication, item-level inventory, patient safety, patron management, contactless payment, and mobile data collection. SkyeTek specifically designed AURA to serve as the multi-frequency, universal reader architecture for embedded RFID applications. AURA’s common architecture disaggregates the RFID reader into a ReaderWare software layer, optimized for broad tag support, reader intelligence and easy application integration, and ReaderDNA hardware reference designs, crafted to optimize read range / performance while exploiting Moore’s Law for gains in cost, space, and power efficiency. SkyeTek offers its AURA-based products as either a SkyeModule or ReaderWare license, which comes with access to ReaderDNA. Customers using SkyeTek represent numerous vertical markets and range from mid-market companies to Fortune 500 corporations. Based in Westminster, Colo., SkyeTek sells exclusively through OEMs, systems integrators, and distributors. For more information about SkyeTek, visit www.skyetek.com or call 720-565-0441.
Tagnostic is a registered trademark of SkyeTek Inc. in the United States and /or other countries. All rights reserved.
