Sun Announces Java RFID Product, Architectures Grant Gross, InfoWorld

Sun Microsystems has announced a Java-based product designed to make it easy for suppliers to switch from tagging their products with traditional bar codes to RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. Sun, which announced its Java RFID software in July, unveiled its Sun Java System RFID Tag and Ship product, an entry-level RFID product targeted at suppliers looking to switch to RFID tagging nse. Tag and Ship allows companies to quickly convert bar code tags to RFID tags, said Vijay Sarathy, director of RFID product marketing and strategy at Sun. The product allows companies to comply with RFID mandates without major investments in new RFID systems. Sun also announced a new Sun RFID Reference Architecture, as well as plans to create RFID Industry Solution Architectures (ISAs) specifically designed for industries including government, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail. Sun and SeeBeyond Technology outlined plans for a forthcoming RFID ISA for Retail, which will offer an integrated RFID solution designed specifically for retailers. Sun's RFID Reference Architecture is a methodology designed to help companies identify, design and build RFID systems using Sun technology and third-party applications.