Socket Releases Industry’s First RFID Development Kits with CompactFlash RFID Readers for Pocket PCs
Development Marks First Product in SkyeTek and Socket Partnership
Boulder, CO, – August 9, 2004 – SkyeTek is pleased to announce the availability from development partner
Socket Communications, Inc. of SocketReader™ Development Kits for its Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) product line
as part of an ongoing strategy to help value added resellers (VARs), systems integrators (SIs), and Auto ID software
developers implement RFID technology into their mobile solutions using Pocket PCs. Consistent with the previously
announced schedule, Socket’s existing Auto ID developer community will now be able to begin development and pilot
deployment of applications that support reading of and writing to ISO15693 and ISO14443 industry standard tags and smart labels.
Two versions of Socket’s Development Kits are available. The first is a single-function CompactFlash RFID reader plug-in
card priced at $1,995, and the second is a multi-function CompactFlash RFID reader plus a laser bar code scanner for $2,495.
Socket has posted an RFID technology brief/position statement on its website at www.socketcom.com/support/learn.asp which
provides additional information. More information on RFID technology is also available by visiting the RFID Journal website
at: www.rfidjournal.com. Single-function development kits will be shipped within 30 days of receipt of order. Developers
who require further information or wish to order should complete and submit the Developer Application at
www.socketcom.com/product/rfidqualform.asp.
The software element of the development kit is based on the same programming standards used by the well-established
SocketScan™ SDK that supports Socket’s family of bar code scanning products. The RFID technology is based on SkyeTek's
SkyeRead family of RFID products.
“The availability of affordable, low power, Tagnostic® plug-in CompactFlash RFID readers for Pocket PCs allows companies
to begin supporting this exciting technology while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to new application and user
requirements as implementation progresses” said Kevin Mills, president and CEO of Socket.
Future RFID products may include an SDIO card version as well as a similar family of products supporting the
evolving 900MHz EPC-Global standard and related tag protocols. Socket has historically developed products that
conform to established communication and interoperability standards and it will continue to follow this practice
as it strengthens its RFID product line.
About RFID
Radio frequency identification (RFID) first appeared in tracking and access applications during the 1980s.
RFID wireless AIDC systems allow for non-contact reading and are effective in manufacturing and other hostile
environments where bar code labels can not survive. RFID systems have tags and readers. Tags are microchip based
radios with built-in antennas, which already have shrunk to the size of postage stamps. They listen for a radio
query from a reader and respond by transmitting their unique ID code. RFID is established in a wide range of markets
including retail, healthcare, livestock identification and automated vehicle identification (AVI) systems because of its
ability to register and record moving objects.
About SkyeTek
SkyeTek develops and manufactures the most flexible, easily embedded and low-cost advanced radio frequency
identification (RFID) read/write modules for OEMs, VARs and Systems Integrators to meet the demands of emerging
RFID markets worldwide. The SkyeRead™ family of RFID reader modules includes one-inch square models, mini models
and encrypted-data models complete with development kits and a wide range of software interfaces to enable fast
starts for developers. SkyeTek supports a full range of ISO, EPC and industry standard RFID tags and smart labels.
SkyeTek markets high-volume licensing and private-label options directly to OEM customers in a variety of verticals,
as well as through a network of distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators. SkyeTek is based
in Boulder, Colorado and can be reached at 720-565-0441 or www.skyetek.com.
About Socket Communications
Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides the broadest range of connectivity and
data collection products for mobile computers, including Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices,
Palm PDAs and Smartphones, as well as Tablet PCs and notebooks. Socket’s Mobility Friendly™ products are feature-rich
while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly® power
consumption in their class. Socket's Embedded Systems Group provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC™
interface chips and KwikBlue™ modules with embedded Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. Socket is headquartered in Newark,
California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.