Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides a broad range of data collection and network connectivity products for mobile devices, such as its popular line of plug-in Compact Flash (CF) Card barcode scanners for Pocket PCs. 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.
Requirements:
- Accomodate a time-to-market window of less than nine months.
- Timely, small, and cost-efficient RFID readers that could be easily incorporated into the existing CF barcode designs with minimal impact.
- Robust programming interface that would allow quick integration with SocketScan software drivers.
- Scalable, extensible solution that would provide a simple migration path to future reader functions and air-interface protocols.
- Solution that would allow the company to leverage its expertise in low-cost manufacturing and distribution.
Solution:
- ReaderDNA™ license that allowed quick integration with Socket's existing laser scanning module.
- Rapid deployment enabled initial product launch eight months after initial contact with SkyeTek.
- RIFD functionality added with PCB real estate to spare.
- ReaderDNA™ reference designs saved approximately 30 percent compared to the cost of finished modules.
- Simple addition of new tag protocols to increase satisfaction of Socket's customers.
- Using the SkyeTek API, Socket quickly provided RFID technology on Windows Mobile™ (Pocket PC) platforms via the SocketScan™ drivers.