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SkyeTek Launches Plug-and-Play Desktop USB Reader for UHF Applications

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT

SR70 Desktop is the First in a Line of Finished RFID Readers to be Offered by SkyeTek

Westminster, Colorado, March 25, 2009 – SkyeTek, Inc., a leading provider of RFID reader and software technology, today announced availability of the SR70 Desktop USB reader / writer for UHF applications. The SR70 incorporates SkyeTek’s award winning M7 reader technology and SkyeReader Console software to deliver an attractive combination of reliable performance and plug-and-play usability. This rich functionality combined with a $369 quantity price makes the SR70 the price-performance leader in its category.

“The SR70 extends SkyeTek’s position as a leading provider of reader module technology into the category of off-the-shelf, finished RFID readers,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Our module customers consistently ask us to develop finished RFID readers based on our award-winning reader technology, and the SR70 represents our first response to those requests. The feedback has been exceedingly positive with several customers having already placed production orders prior to general availability. Given this success, the SR70 will be the first in a line of finished RFID readers offered by SkyeTek that will cover applications on the desktop as well as those for standard-size doorways and smart-cabinets.”

The SR70 is an excellent match for reading and writing to tagged items and documents in desktop applications such as tag commissioning, shipping / receiving, point-of-sale, and check-in / check-out. Cost, space, and power efficiency coupled with an intuitive installation process and easy-to-use software make it particularly well suited for large scale deployments across the enterprise. The SR70’s firmware is also field upgradeable allowing for support of future tags once they become available.

Desktop RFID readers must be ready for operation within minutes of being plugged into a PC. The SR70 meets these requirements with plug-and-play USB 2.0 connectivity, industry standard EPC Class 1 Gen 2 tag support, and easy-to-use SkyeReader Console software. Excellent read / write performance confined within a small 5.8” by 3.5” footprint (for cross read elimination) is achieved via the integrated directional antenna, power control, and tag anti-collision / filtering algorithms. The SR70 is certified for use in North and South America. Support for Europe and select countries in Asia will be made available in future releases of the product.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.skyetek.com/ProductsServices/FinishedRFIDReaders/Desktop/tabid/509/Default.aspx

SkyeTek Launches the SkyeModule M10 – The New Price Performance Benchmark Among Compact 1-Watt UHF Reader Modules

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, January 14, 2009 – SkyeTek, Inc., a leading provider of RFID software and reader technology, today announced availability of the SkyeModule™ M10 UHF reader module designed to deliver an industry‐leading combination of high performance, low cost, and compact size. Leveraging SkyeTek’s awardwinning reader design expertise, the M10 delivers up to five meters of range and robust anti‐collision performance in a package smaller than a typical business card. The M10 is available today with support for FCC regulatory mode and is adding support for the EU and select Asian countries in the coming months.

The M10, along with its SkyeOS™ firmware and SkyeWare development software allow device OEMs, product design firms, and system integrators to effortlessly embed a high performance RFID reader into a range of products used to support applications such as: inventory management, asset tracking, and patron management. The SkyeModule M10 shares a common software interface with the rest of the SkyeModule product line for maximum design flexibility and investment protection.

“The M10 reinforces SkyeTek’s position as an industry‐leading provider of feature‐rich, easily integrated RFID reader modules.” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Several customers have tested the SkyeModule M10 and the response has been exceedingly positive, especially in regard to price, performance and ease of integration. With the M10, customers can come to SkyeTek to choose from a full line of UHF RFID readers that span output power from a quarter of a Watt in the M7 to a full one Watt in the M10.”

The Tagnostic® feature of the M10 provides support for a wide range of EPC Class 1 Gen 2 tags for maximum application flexibility and cost savings. The M10’s SkyeOS firmware is field‐upgradeable providing investment protection as future tags and tag features enter the market. ReaderDNA™ licensing allows customers to manufacture the module themselves to reduce the costs in larger production deals.

SkyeTek Launches MetaFi Application for RFID-Based Sales Chain Optimization

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Groundbreaking Solution Provides Real-Time Visibility of Field-Based Inventory and Employees by Coupling Hosted Software with Mobile and RFID

Westminster, Colorado, August 25, 2008 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID solutions for field-based applications, today announced the introduction of MetaFi, an application service for sales chain optimization, enabling manufacturers to dramatically improve the visibility of goods as they move outside the factory to customer locations. While much of the attention in the RFID market has focused on the cost savings from supply chain optimization - SkyeTek’s sales chain application substantially increases revenue and distribution efficiency by providing accurate, real-time data on field-based inventory and employees. The increased visibility results in fewer out-of-stocks, higher inventory turns, increased sales productivity, faster invoice-to-cash cycles, and proactive removal of expired or defective products.

"SkyeTek’s historic success in developing an embedded RFID reader platform for use in field based products allows us to uniquely understand the requirements of a turn-key application that provides real-time visibility to inventory and employees throughout the sales chain," said Rob Balgley, CEO or SkyeTek. "Our decision to add a business application to our existing portfolio was driven by our installed base of customers who need software to fully leverage the new data streams created from deploying readers onto their customers’ premises."

Manufacturers currently struggle to gather accurate and timely data on inventory levels throughout the sales chain due to manual tracking methods used inconsistently by time-constrained field sales and service representatives. MetaFi leverages RFID and wireless technologies to provide manufacturers with the means to automatically collect, analyze, and act on real-time data from mobile field representatives and remotely located smart-containers including cabinets, totes, and shelves.

"Many RFID vendors and market observers continue to focus on technological minutiae, but the users we've surveyed and interviewed tell us loudly and clearly that to them, 'RFID' is about ‘real-time, fully integrated data’ they can use to improve their businesses," said Michael Dortch, senior analyst, Aberdeen Group. "SkyeTek’s MetaFi solution responds to the top challenges facing RFID users - easing the integration and maximizing the business value of RFID-generated data, to help turn that data into higher revenues and better business processes."

The ROI generated by MetaFi impacts the following areas across the company:

Sales and service reclaim lost productivity by spending less time taking inventory while also increasing accuracy and frequency of data collected
Operations reduces out-of-stocks, over-stocks, and shrinkage while increasing inventory turns and SLA achievement
Finance reduces working capital, increases return-on-assets, and accelerates cash collection cycles
Legal improves regulatory compliance and decreases liability related to product expiration and recalls

MetaFi is a purpose-built, horizontal field inventory management application that allows:

Consumer goods manufacturers to augment direct-to-store delivery (DSD) operations
Industrial goods manufacturers to improve the efficiency of their vendor-managed inventory (VMI) initiatives
Medical device manufacturers to optimize consignment and loaner processes used at hospitals
Service providers (eg, utilities, transportation lines, IT managed services) to improve field productivity and SLA attainment

In all cases, MetaFi delivers extraordinary ROI with payback typically in six months or less.
For more information, please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/ProductsServices/WebServicesRFIDSoftware/MetaFiSoftwareOverview/tabid/501/Default.aspx
SkyeTek will also be demonstrating the capabilities of MetaFi at RFID World, which is being held September 8 – 10 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. SkyeTek will be exhibiting at booth 509.

SkyeTek Adds Support for UHF RFID ICs from EM Microelectronics

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, July 22, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, announced today that its M9 SkyeModule will support a full command set of EM4122 and EM4444 UHF ICs from EM Microelectronics (EM). In cooperation with EM, SkyeTek has completed deep reader/tag integration to support the full lines of commands of the EM ICs. Support of these tags allows SkyeTek to offer one of the highest performing and low cost tag and reader solutions in the market.

EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, is a worldleading manufacturer of ultra low-power, low-voltage integrated circuits (ICs) and has been ranked number two of global vendors of RFID transponder ICs last December by market research group ABI.

“EM Microelectronics is another example of an innovative organization we have cooperated with that further enhances our high performance and low-cost RFID reader technology,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “By integrating with EM, we are better able to deploy RFID in applications such as anti-counterfeiting, asset tracking, and itemlevel inventory. This enables organizations of all kinds to benefit from RFID as more than just barcode, but rather as a networked technology.

”EM Microelectronics offers a complete portfolio of read-only UHF RFID ICs that enable transponders for any application requiring long range and high speed identification. The ICs are suitable for applications such as access control, airline baggage, anticounterfeiting, handheld reading, item-level inventory, and supply chain management. The EM4122 and EM4444 are the hallmark UHF RFID ICs and feature a factory programmed 64 bit serial unique ID number, high reading data rates, user programmable and lockable memory, low voltage operation, easy antenna development and operate at temperatures between -40 to +85C.

SkyeTek’s SkyeModule M9 is the world’s smallest, least expensive, globally compliant UHF RFID reader module. Approximately half the size of a business card, the M9 was designed for embedded UHF applications. The M9’s combination of high performance, security, and cost/space/power efficiency make it the industry’s price performance leader delivering unparalleled size. Furthermore, SkyeTek’s SkyeWare software enables simple demonstration of tags and easy application integration with its common and intuitive APIs.

The new EM-compliant M9 is available today through SkyeTek’s M9 Developer Kit, which comes with a complete RFID solution that allows for quick demonstration and proof-of-concept development when integrating RFID into applications or products. EM Microelectronics also offers its EM UHF RFID Developer Kit which features SkyeTek’s M9 reader module and EM’s UHF tag assortment based on the 4x22, 4x44 and the upcoming EM4324, EM's first EPC C1 Gen2 compliant transponder chip.

SkyeTek Expands Executive Team in Key Operational Areas

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, July 22, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the appointment of Jeff Battin as vice president of engineering, as well as the promotion of Martin Payne to senior vice president of sales and marketing and Wally Cooledge to vice president of sales for North America.

“SkyeTek is experiencing continued growth as demand for our RFID readers and software increases,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “We are pleased to have such a talented engineering executive in Jeff join our ranks and look forward to Martin and Wally continuing their successful performances in their expanded roles.”

Battin brings more than 20 years of experience in wireless product development, including a wide range of products, such as pagers, cell phones, wireless modules, broadband wireless systems, and network management software. As Vice President of Engineering at SkyeTek, Battin will be responsible for leading the company’s product development and engineering initiatives.

“SkyeTek is a recognized innovator in RFID, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to lead the highly-experienced product team in expanding the company’s successful product line,” said Battin.

Battin was most recently the Vice President of Engineering at SmartSynch, where he managed the development of wireless modules for monitoring electrical power meters. Prior to SmartSynch, Battin spent time developing wireless products at Harris Corporation, Wavtrace, Motorola, and AT&T. He is a graduate of the University of Devry Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology.

As senior vice president of sales and marketing, Payne adds worldwide sales and business development to his existing responsibilities of marketing, product management, and sales operations. Payne’s leadership in product definition, channel strategy, and demand generation have enabled 100+ percent sales growth in each of the past two years.

As vice president of sales for North America, Cooledge takes on responsibility for SkyeTek’s largest sales region. Prior to this role, he was SkyeTek’s director of sales for the western United States, which saw significant growth during his tenure.

Study Published in JAMA on RFID Interference Ignores Real-World Use

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, July 14, 2008 –

News Facts:

A study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that RFID systems can cause "potentially hazardous incidents in medical devices” used in hospitals. Unfortunately, the report ignores mainstream passive RFID readers in favor of an uncommonly high-powered RFID reader used at an uncommonly close distance.
SkyeTek, Inc., a leading provider of passive RFID reader technology, sees the study as making a strong case for the upper limit of passive UHF output power (2 - 4 Watts) around medical devices. However, it is important to note the study does not test for today’s most common passive UHF use cases which call for RFID reader output power anywhere from 0.25 Watt to 1 Watt, the maximum allowed by the FCC. By comparison, one of today’s most popular cell phone models emits 1.59 Watts.

The study also ignores the HF frequency entirely which comprises a substantial, if not the largest, portion of passive RFID technology used in hospitals today. The potential EMI coming from passive HF RFID readers is significantly less than that coming from their UHF counterparts.

Key Takeaways:

The passive UHF RFID reader used in the study is an unrepresentative product used unconventionally

Although the reader model was not specified in the study, it is most likely the Feig ID ISC.LRMU2000 Fixed UHF Long Range Reader Unit which has a maximum of 3 Watts of output power. The vast majority of passive UHF RFID readers sold today are readers that emit 1 Watt or less of output power at the antenna (ie, not including antenna gain).

The reason why the industry has standardized around 1 Watt is straightforward:

1 Watt is the maximum UHF RFID output power as specified by the FCC in North America as well as several other major countries around the world.

Readers capable of 1 Watt are capable of reading RFID tagged inventory and assets several meters away – plenty of range for the majority of tracking applications

In the event that a 3 Watt reader is necessary, the presumption is that there is a requirement to track items well in excess of the 5m – 10m that a mainstream 1 Watt reader is capable. Yet, the study finds the vast majority of its EMI at 0.5m or less, distances for which a 3 Watt reader would not realistically be used.

The study also ignores passive HF RFID, which is a substantial, if not the dominant, type of RFID used in hospitals.
- HF RFID operates at 13.56 MHz, typically operates at lower power levels than UHF, and uses the magnetic portion of the radio wave to communicate between reader and tag.
- These characteristics make HF much less susceptible to EMI with adjacent devices than UHF.
- This is the same technology used for security badge access into office and buildings.

Quotes from Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek

“We feel it is important to provide clarification around the results of this study because RFID continues to drastically improve patient care in the healthcare industry.”
“While the results do a good job of indicating a limit to the amount of RF power applied around medical devices, the test did not account for the most common uses of RFID today.”
“On top of that, none of our experiences with readers used in hospital deployments are near the amount of power that the readers in this study required. If you wanted to show EMI due to passive RFID, you would go out of your way to pick the reader that was used in the study. If you wanted to represent the market, you would have chosen a lower powered reader.”
“Despite its flaws, we do see the study as a call to action for standardization around RFID in hospitals, particularly as it relates to power requirements. This would certainly benefit the industry in the long run providing a commonly understood framework for how best to employ RFID in healthcare.”

For detail on other studies on RFID and its use in healthcare environments, please visit http://www.wirelesshealthcare.co.uk/wh/news/wk29-08-0003.htm.

SkyeTek to Host Webinar Discussing RFID-Based Solution for for Medical Sales Processes Automation

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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WHO: Martin Payne, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, SkyeTek

Leigh Hocker Radtke, Director, Software Product Management, SkyeTek

WHEN: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

TOPIC: Leveraging RFID to Optimize Field Inventory Management

DESCRIPTION: Medical sales processes are becoming increasingly complex, due to changes in healthcare procurement practices that push more of the inventory management onus on manufacturers. The manual nature of these tasks creates significant problems, including:

• Sales spends more time counting and less time selling
• Operations lacks accurate data, causing over/under-stocks
• Finance lacks timely cash conversion cycles

To alleviate these challenges, SkyeTek enables manufacturers to automate field inventory management and billing. This Webinar will cover the following:

• Challenges with managing inventory at remote customer sites
• SkyeTek’s solution:
• How it works
• Benefits to manufacturers
• Technical considerations
• Case studies showing ROI in as little as 90 days

HOW: Register here: www.skyetek.com/medical_sales/

SkyeTek Provides Reader-Driven RFID Tag Security Solution

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, June 17, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to provide the highest level of security in the industry while maintaining the lowest cost for customers. While other reader offerings rely on tag manufacturers to provide security for RFID tag memory, SkyeTek supplies advanced RFID readers that implement security onto generic tags, providing immediate cost savings as well as long-term investment protection by allowing customers to switch tags without penalty. This revolutionary approach to tag security allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and product designers to control their own security requirements. In addition, with reader-driven security on generic tags, manufacturers can take advantage of encryption without the cost of a proprietary tag.

Some tag manufacturers provide no tag security at all, and the ones that do sell those tags at a premium. As part of a full security solution, SkyeTek supports several proprietary encryption algorithms that are generally tailored to provide enhanced security for specific markets such as ticketing. For most other applications, SkyeTek has eliminated the need to purchase proprietary tags because security can be applied to the memory of tags that otherwise do not support it as a feature. In addition, for those seeking to expand the security of their existing solutions, SkyeTek readers can overlay security on top of existing proprietary tags, thus exponentially thwarting would-be hackers. For example, the security level for AES encryption can be much higher than what is supported by proprietary MIFARE Classic or DESFire. SkyeTek supports standards-based security algorithms, including TDEA and AES ciphers and SHA-2 hashes, which can be applied in addition to proprietary methods, which is especially relevant in light of recent successful hacks on MIFARE Classic.

“Most companies consider security as an afterthought, but at SkyeTek security is a priority and we integrate innovative security capabilities into both HF and UHF readers,” said SkyeTek CEO Rob Balgley. “Companies spend a lot of money purchasing securityenabled RFID tags, but they are looking at only half of the solution. We’ve differentiated ourselves with our advanced reader-driven security model, which provides our customers with state-of-the-art tag security at an unprecedented cost savings. Our technology can be used either to add another layer of security on top of proprietary tags or add a first layer of security to generic tags with user memory.”

Reader-driven security is especially important in the areas of product authentication and consumables authentication, as it allows for anti-cloning and anti-tampering. For example, a reader can enforce tag usage constraints by enforcing expiration dates and limiting the number of times a tag can be read. To prevent counterfeiting and cloning, applying a hash algorithm tied to the tag ID prevents the contents of the tag memory from being cloned or replicated on an unauthorized tag. Most proprietary security-enabled RFID tags are not immune to cloning.

SkyeTek's standards-based approach enables secure support for generic tags, saving customers up to 70 percent over systems using proprietary security. SkyeTek’s security uses the same state-of-the-art standards-based encryption that is used in e-commerce and that has been adopted by the government and military. For more information, please visit http://www.skyetex.com/ProductsServices/Software/SkyeSecurity/tabid/439/Default.aspx

SkyeTek Enables Medical Implant Manufacturers and Distributors to Automate Inventory Management

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, June 9, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to enable medical manufacturers and distributors to improve their operations and inventory management through the use of embedded RFID. SkyeTek’s solutions for consigned and vendor managed inventory (VMI) allow medical implant manufacturers and distributors to automate the inventory management process at customer sites. The solutions offer the ability to quickly and comprehensively authenticate inventory in the field, a process generally handled by the sales force of the distributors.

“The costs and the time associated with manual inventory tracking methods that are commonly used by medical implant manufacturers are extremely high and do not protect from errors or misuse of these expensive products,” said SkyeTek CEO Rob Balgley. “Typically, it is people on the sales team for the manufacturers who are tasked with conducting manual inventory counts, which leads to less time spent out in the field selling and generating new revenue. With the help of SkyeTek, these manufacturers and
distributors are able to greatly reduce the costs and time associated with inventory tracking, allowing the sales team to focus on selling versus managing inventory counts.”

Hospitals are increasingly shifting the onus to medical implant manufacturers and their distributors to sell on consignment and/or manage inventory on behalf of the hospital. When selling on consignment or through VMI programs, medical implant manufacturers and distributors experience common pains associated with manual, bar-code based inventory tracking methods, including inaccurate inventory, shrinkage and slow billing.

With the help of SkyeTek, implants are now able to be tracked based on digital signatures to prevent counterfeiting and programmable metadata such as manufacture date, manufacture site, lot number, and expiration date for age-sensitive products.

SkyeTek provides two solutions, RFID Smart-Container and Mobile-RFID, which allow
medical implant manufacturers and distributors to automate the inventory management
process at customer sites.

SkyeTek Smart-Container Solution: The Smart-Container solution retrofits existing cabinets and shelves with a network-connected RFID reader sub-system that automates item-level tracking. The inventory process happens without field personnel involvement and can occur multiple times per day. Data is sent to backend inventory management and billing applications in real-time via a wired or wireless network connection installed in the cabinet / shelf system.
SkyeTek Mobile-RFID Solution: Using an RFID handheld, the Mobile-RFID solution allows field personnel to take inventory of an entire shelf with a simple arm wave. Data is sent to back-end inventory management and billing applications in real-time via a wireless network connection.

Healthcare solutions from SkyeTek are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing products to add a layer of intelligence and create a fully networked technology. SkyeTek provides the world’s smallest and least expensive RFID readers, with advanced software that allows integration of RFID into new applications.

SkyeTek and RFID Journal to Lead Webinar Examining Benefits of of “Super-Charging” Products with Embedded RFID

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:26:21 GMT

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WESTMINSTER, Colorado – June 4, 2008

WHAT: This Webinar will explore how RFID can be added by manufacturers and OEMs as a feature to an almost unending list of products – adding new functionality, increasing reliability and enhancing the user experience.

Attendees will learn:

The differences between RFID and existing barcode and contact technologies
How embedded RFID expands beyond early Wal-Mart and Department of Defense supply chain implementations for new applications in:
- Medical disposable authentication
- Smart-shelf & smart-cabinets
- Secure contactless payments
- Asset tracking
- Inventory restocking and controls
- User-specific machine configuration
Unique technical and business considerations for embedded RFID
Various ways real-world companies are presently using RFID in their products to drive revenue and differentiation

Bonus: All attendees will receive the white paper Innovate with Embedded RFID

WHO: Panelist: Martin Payne, VP of Marketing and Strategy, SkyeTek, Inc.

Moderator: Mark Roberti, Founder & Editor, RFID Journal

WHEN: Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 10:00 a.m. CDT / 8:00 a.m.

HOW: Register here: http://www.skyetek.com/webinar-rfidjournal

SkyeTek Announces Embedded and Networked RFID Educational Webinar Series

Wed, 28 May 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, May 28, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced it has launched a series of free Webinars dedicated to all aspects of embedded RFID. SkyeTek will host a total of 12 Webinars in 2008 detailing the business cases and technological implications associated with designing and embedding secure RFID into existing solutions, such as handhelds, cabinets and containers.

SkyeTek has already hosted five Webinars so far this year with a total of more than 3,000 registrants and 1,200 attendees. During the most recent Webinar held on May 16th, Martin Payne, SkyeTek’s vice president of marketing and strategy, discussed how embedded RFID enables printer manufacturers to address the pirating of cartridges through guaranteeing authentic toner cartridges. In a Webinar earlier in May, Payne used real-world examples of how companies are using RFID to enable new applications for disposable authentication and smart shelves and cabinets to drive revenue and competitive differentiation. The first Webinar of the year provided manufacturers with an overview of how embedded RFID can help them to control what disposables get placed in their products and to manage how those disposables are consumed.

Responding to SkyeTek poll questions, 46% of Webinar registrants have already, are in the process of, or are planning to design an RFID-enabled product. 16% said they have one or more RFID-enabled products already in production, and 40% said their companies are in the process of evaluating RFID, but have no plans to begin development. Respondents also said RFID security is growing increasingly important to them.

“Companies today are always seeking innovative methods to increase productivity and revenues, and our Webinars provide an overview of the capabilities of embedded RFID to those with little or no knowledge of the technology,” Payne said. “The poll numbers and questions from attendees we’ve received reflect a significant need for further education around RFID, which is why we feel these Webinars are important. At the same time, experienced RFID users attending the Webinars are gaining further understanding of how embedded RFID can help them improve their overall operations.”

The next Webinars in the series will be held on June 5th at 11:00 AM EDT in conjunction with RFID Journal (register here) and on June 26th at 2:00 PM EDT in conjunction with Machine Design, Medical Design Technology, and Electronic Design (register here). Both events will cover various aspects of embedding RFID into products from technical and environmental considerations to networking and tag selection. They will also include real-world case studies on how manufacturers are using RFID to bring uncommon features to their products.

In addition, recorded versions of SkyeTek’s previous Webinars are freely available at www.skyetek.com/webinars/

SkyeTek Sees Increased Awareness of Embedded Technology

Thu, 22 May 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado, May 22, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to see solid awareness and interest in embedded RFID technology, as evidenced by the eagerness on the part of recent trade show attendees to adopt the technology for use in a variety of industries.

SkyeTek executives attended a number of trade shows already this year where they witnessed strong growth opportunities for a variety of new RFID applications that can be achieved through SkyeTek’s embedded RFID solutions. For example, at CTIA Wireless held in Las Vegas, NV, in April, there was an entire pavilion dedicated to machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, which streamlines processes by removing the need for human interaction. Although M2M has been around for a while, traditional RFID has not been represented as part of that space. However, embedded RFID is poised to move into that industry, as it can seamlessly connect machines and physical goods to create an efficient, networked system.

Embedded RFID is also taking off in the inventory control and item level inventory management markets, especially in the healthcare industry, as SkyeTek saw at the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) conference in Anaheim, California in March. RFID is embedded into smart shelves and cabinets, which enables distributors of high-end inventory, such as implants, to manage their inventory remotely. For example, a leading medical implant manufacturer announced plans to use RFID-enabled smart cabinets to track orthopedic implants consigned to hospitals. Many cabinet manufacturers also see the potential ROI for implementing embedded RFID solutions that can securely and accurately track inventory.

At ESC Silicon Valley in April, SkyeTek VP of marketing and strategy Martin Payne spoke on a panel about the evolution of RFID to a true networking technology. The session explored how RFID has come a long way from its roots as a supply chain technology and is now extending its reach into markets and industries where it was never before possible by integrating intelligent RFID seamlessly into existing networks to enhance operations. Martin explored the business and technical implications of using RFID as a networking technology and educated attendees on how RFID, applied as a networking technology, is transforming existing business processes, in item tracking, consumables authentication, patron management, and contactless payment.

“It is clear that the market for embedded RFID is increasing, especially as people continue to gain a better understanding of the technology and the many applications it can enable,” said Payne. “There is certainly progress being made, as evidenced at the recent tradeshows we’ve attended and spoken where the audiences understood RFID is much more than just a supply chain technology, and that embedded RFID is the next wave of growth in the industry. This puts SkyeTek in a solid position to capitalize on the move toward embedded, as we offer the most comprehensive, secure and cost-effective embedded RFID reader solutions on the market.”

SkyeTek also exhibited at RFID Journal LIVE! in Las Vegas in April, one of the industry’s most important shows. At the show SkyeTek showcased their entire suite of embedded RFID reader modules, including the M7, which rounds out SkyeTek’s SkyeModule line and was named an RFID Journal Best in Show award finalist.

SkyeTek’s M7 Named a Finalist for RFID Journal’s Best in Show Award

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:00:00 GMT

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LAS VEGAS, April 14, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, has been named a finalist for the second annual RFID Journal Awards for the Best in Show category. The SkyeModule M7 was selected along with nine other new products as a finalist for the new Best in Show award. The award will be presented to the RFID technology providers exhibiting the best new product at RFID Journal LIVE! 2008, being held April 16 – 18 in Las Vegas.

“The M7 is truly a revolutionary product, as it is the smallest and most cost effective UHF reader module available on the market today,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “We continue to receive positive feedback from our customers because of the M7’s ability to maintain high performance, enhance security and increase space and power efficiency. We are honored to be selected as a finalist for this prestigious award and look forward to demonstrating the M7’s capabilities at the event.”

The M7, which is smaller than a matchbook, offers enhanced reliability through improved anti-collision and dense reader mode capabilities that can further support more EPC Class 1 Gen2 tags than any other comparable reader, allowing customers to fully optimize their application. The M7 operates over a wide range of frequencies (862-955 MHz) for global operation and includes an integrated low-pass filter to meet China and Japan regulatory requirements.

At RFID Journal LIVE! SkyeTek will be exhibiting at booth 518 where they will showcase their entire suite of embedded RFID reader modules, including the M7. SkyeTek will also have demonstrations available for several innovative applications of RFID that they are involved in, including RFID-enabled smart shelves for monitoring and tracking inventory in real-time.

SkyeTek Continues Momentum in the Healthcare and Diagnostics Industry

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:00:00 GMT

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New Solutions and Services, Industry Accolades and a $10 Million Series C Round of Funding Lead to Tripled Revenue Growth

Westminster, Colo., March 3, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to enable organizations in the healthcare industry to ensure patient safety and prevent counterfeiting through innovative, cost-effective RFID solutions. Today at Pittcon, SkyeTek is further demonstrating its success with notable customers including Iris Diagnostics and Aionex, which have both implemented SkyeTek’s solutions within the past year.

SkyeTek’s success in the healthcare space is best exemplified by its work with Iris Diagnostics, a division of IRIS International Inc., (NASDAQ: IRIS) a leading manufacturer of medical diagnostic systems. In the healthcare industry, using reagents of the proper type, freshness, and authenticity is critical to ensuring proper instrument performance. Counterfeiting poses a significant threat as cloned reagents tend to negatively affect patient safety, recurring revenue, insurance costs, and provider brand equity.

“Our urinalysis system relies on the authenticity of reagents, so using the wrong reagent can affect the outcome of tests and ultimately patients’ diagnoses,” said John Yi, Corporate Vice President for Operations, Iris Diagnostics. “SkyeTek’s RFID technology provides us with a unique combination of intelligent, secure software and affordable hardware that allows us to cost-effectively ensure the safety of patients that rely on the accuracy of our results. With SkyeTek, we can rest assured that patients are receiving the high-quality care that they associate with Iris.”

To thwart counterfeits, Iris adopted SkyeTek’s M2 SkyeModule with SkyeSecurity as its single source solution for authenticating reagents used in its flagship product, the iQ®200 Automated Urinalysis System. The M2 creates a unique digital fingerprint for the iQ®200’s reagent units, ensuring accurate test results that maintain the highest levels of patient safety.

In another example, Aionex leverages SkyeTek’s M1 HF SkyeModule to RFID-enable emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. The readers provide Aionex’s Patient Response Platform (PRP) with the information it needs to monitor patient care, authenticate hospital staff members, and track process efficacy. RFID has proven to be efficient and cost-effective in the hospitals that have implemented Aionex’s PRP. For example, Huntsville Hospital in Alabama has more than 350 RFID readers and thousands of tags in use. By implementing the SkyeTek-enabled system, the hospital has improved efficiencies and communications that directly impact surgical start times.

“The healthcare industry offers exciting opportunities for us to implement networked RFID technology,” said SkyeTek CEO Rob Balgley. “RFID is a cost-effective option that is being employed more and more in the healthcare space to improve reliability and efficiency. By choosing SkyeTek, our customers reap the benefits of our continued momentum in the healthcare space, where we are helping organizations improve their products by integrating RFID in innovative ways.”

Healthcare solutions from SkyeTek are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing products to add a layer of intelligence and create a fully networked technology. SkyeTek provides the world’s smallest and least expensive RFID readers, with advanced software that allows integration of RFID into new applications.

SkyeTek Announces Record 2007 Results

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:00:00 GMT

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New Solutions and Services, Industry Accolades and a $10 Million Series C Round of Funding Lead to Tripled Revenue Growth

Westminster, Colorado, February 25, 2008 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced record results from 2007, as the company continued its strong momentum by tripling revenues and doubling its bookings growth from 2006. SkyeTek also introduced several new products and services in 2007, including the M4 HF SkyeModule™, in addition to closing a $10 million series C round of venture capital funding and receiving industry accolades throughout the year.

“In 2007, we further validated our strong position in the RFID industry through significant revenue growth in our company, continued customer traction, and through our innovative and cost-effective product lines,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “We are continuing to build upon our strategy of enabling RFID to be a true part of the overall network by expanding our product portfolio and services, growing our partner network and working with our customers to develop new and innovative applications for RFID. I’m confident that through the validation we have received from both our investors and from the market that we will continue our growth and momentum throughout 2008.”

SkyeTek’s revenues in 2007 grew by 158 percent compared to 50 percent growth in 2006. In addition the company doubled its bookings in 2007, adding 18 new production wins with companies including Advanced ID, Gaishan, Seeonic, Taiwan Semiconductor Company ltd., and Cadi Scientific. The company also announced partnerships with key industry leaders, including Atmel, USSEN, Hangzhou Ziytek, Digi-Key, and Mouser Electronics.

In addition, SkyeTek secured a $10 million Series C round of venture capital funding. Maryland-based Grotech Capital Group led the round with participation from TD Fund, based in Washington D.C., and existing investors Appian Ventures, Sequel Venture Partners, and Palomar Ventures. The funding has enabled SkyeTek to expand its headcount, sales coverage, product development, and patent portfolio in making RFID a seamless IP networking technology as well as further validating SkyeTek’s position in the market.

In August 2007, SkyeTek introduced the availability of the M4 SkyeModule, the world’s smallest, least expensive, globally-compliant UHF RFID reader. Following just one month after the release of the M4, SkyeTek unveiled its professional services group which helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) quickly and efficiently deliver RFID-enabled finished products.

Beyond financial and product success, 2007 was an important year for SkyeTek in terms of achieving industry accolades. SkyeTek’s SkyeModule M9 was selected as a winner of the 17th Annual Electronic Design News (EDN) Innovation awards, which honor outstanding engineering professionals and products. In addition, SkyeTek received the CMP Excellence in RFID Technology award in honor of ADASA’s SkyeTek enabled PAD3500, a low-cost, wearable mobile encoder that supports the encoding of UHF RFID tags anywhere.

SkyeTek Introduces SkyeModule M7 - World’s Smallest, Globally Compliant UHF RFID Reader Module

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:00:00 GMT

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Reader is Designed to Serve Distinct Market Applications that Require UHF Features at HF Pricing

Westminster, Colo., February 13, 2008– SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the availability of the SkyeModule™ M7, the smallest and most cost effective UHF reader module available in the market. Leveraging SkyeTek’s award winning M9 design, the M7 continues to approach HF module prices while maintaining high performance, enhanced security, and space and power efficiency.

Designed to serve distinct market applications that require a lower cost reader, the M7 allows OEMs, VARs and system integrators to effortlessly integrate UHF Gen2 capabilities within new and existing applications such as printers, mobile and handheld devices. The M7 has been created specifically for several applications that share common requirements for tag support, protocol, performance, and security. The solution is ideal for printing and encoding, handheld reading/encoding, item-level inventory management, patron management, access control and asset management.

“With the M7 module, we’re able extend our position as the leader in feature-rich, easily integrated RFID modules,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “This innovative solution will enable us to continue to provide our customers with the highest performing and cost-effective RFID readers to help meet their specific requirements. In fact, several of our top tier handheld and RFID printer customers have tested the SkyeModule M7 and the feedback so far has been extremely positive, particularly around price per performance and global operation capabilities.”

The M7, which is smaller than a matchbook, offers enhanced reliability through improved anti-collision, and dense reader mode capabilities that can further support more EPC Class 1 Gen2 tags than any other comparable reader, allowing customers to fully optimize their application. The M7 operates over a wide range of frequencies (862-955 MHz) for global operation and includes an integrated low-pass filter to meet China and Japan regulatory requirements.

The SkyeModule M7 is supported in an enhanced version of the SkyeWare 4 demonstration and evaluation application included in the M7 Developer Kit. SkyeWare version 4.2 supports all of the latest generation of SkyeModules in a single application and includes usability enhancements and new performance evaluation tools that allow the user to adjust configurable parameters and assess the resulting performance of the SkyeModule in different capacities.

M7 Development Kits and modules are available immediately with support for FCC regulatory testing. Support for international regulatory testing will become available through a firmware upgrade at the end of March, 2008.

Data Ltd Leverages SkyeTek’s RFID Platform to Deliver Industry’s First Tablet PC with Embedded Contactless Payment Capabilities

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:00:00 GMT

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Device Mobilizes Point of Sale Transactions through Contactless Payment and Enables Personalized and Improved Customer Service in the Field

New York City, January 14, 2008 – Today at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Conference, SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, announced that Data Ltd Inc. is leveraging SkyeTek’s embedded Contactless Payment reader technology in their Ruggedized Tablet PC device to enable mobile point of sale (POS) transactions in the retail and hospitality industries. By incorporating SkyeTek’s M4 HF reader module into its device, Data Ltd is able to offer retailers the industry’s first 3-in-1 handheld device with barcode scanning, magstripe reading and contactless payment capabilities to enable improved POS operations, real-time loyalty programs and a more personalized customer experience.

“As an organization, we pride ourselves on continued innovation and our ability to bring products to the market quickly,” said Bryan Wesolek, President of Data Ltd. “That is why we were attracted to SkyeTek, as we recognized not only their superior RFID and Contactless technology but also their shared commitment to innovation. The M4 provides us with a small, cost-effective and easy to embed reader which enabled us to bring the 3-in-1 device to market as fast as possible to satisfy the specific needs of our customers.”

Data Ltd’s Ruggedized Tablet device was designed in response to customer needs for improved POS operations. The 3-in-1 module not only improves POS transaction process for retailers, but has also been embraced by data and payment collection groups within retailers, as well as technicians who are now able to visit homes and instantly access specific information on the product and potential equipment problem. With the help of SkyeTek, the device will also enable improved customer service in a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, theme parks and gaming, as employees will be able to pull up customer preferences and offer personalized service based on previous purchases.

“The addition of RFID to mobile devices certainly validates our belief that RFID is becoming a true part of the network,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Mobile POS transactions represent a major opportunity for the retail industry to embrace RFID for applications beyond just inventory tracking. For this reason, we are thrilled to partner with an innovative organization like Data Ltd to enable new applications for RFID and to help retailers to better serve their customers.

” Data Ltd’s device is software agnostic and can run on any POS application or operating system. In addition, the device is also coupled with customized software packages from Data Ltd’s reseller partners. It can also read credit cards from major companies including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Data Ltd is currently seeking certification approval from all four companies. The company has more than 1,000 tablets in use to date and is currently undergoing beta testing with the 3-in-1 device.

The SkyeModule M4 supports contactless payment applications with a firmware personality that includes support for all of the major credit card providers. With its Product Authentication personality, the M4 supports a wide range of ISO 15693 tags as well as advanced standards-based security protocols for protecting against unauthorized tag cloning or tampering. This personality allows for the use of generic tags instead of proprietary secure tags, providing a savings of 50 to 75 percent on tag costs. This is a significant savings since tags can be priced up to 80 percent of the overall solution cost.

For more information, please visit www.skyetek.com or visit Data Ltd at the NRF Annual Conference in booth number 2805.

About Data Ltd Inc Data Ltd Inc, located in Laporte, Indiana is a privately held company engaged in the design and manufacturing of wireless data collection devices, and the integration barcoding and wireless data collection applications and technologies. With additional offices in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio and Georgia, Data Ltd provides “best-of-breed” data collection products and solutions throughout the corporate enterprise. A proven industry leader, Data Ltd pairs over 15 years of installation experience & integration expertise along with a history of developing rugged, industrial computing devices. The company is renowned for its in-house service depot and custom software application development.

SkyeTek and GAO RFID Sign Reseller Agreement

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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GAO RFID will Resell SkyeTek’s Full Line of RFID Reader Modules and Developer Kits

Westminster, Colo., December 17, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to expand its reseller network with the announcement today of an agreement with GAO RFID Inc. GAO RFID will resell SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules and products in North America.

This partnership will enable SkyeTek to leverage GAO’s experience in providing complete RFID solutions and integration services to many different industry verticals across North America, particularly in the Canadian market where GAO has a historically strong presence. By partnering with SkyeTek, GAO will increase its already strong line of RFID solutions while also adding new product offerings designed for the embedded market.

“SkyeTek continues to expand its presence in new markets and industries,” said Chris Turner EVP of Sales and Business Development for SkyeTek. “We look forward to leveraging GAO RFID’s strong presence in Canada as we expand in North America in an effort to drive increased adoption of RFID as an embedded product feature and true network technology.”

GAO RFID has developed cutting edge RFID solutions for a wide range of verticals including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, supply chain and logistics. The company is a global provider of one of the most comprehensive lines of RFID readers, RFID tags, and RFID antennas. Furthermore, GAO RFID offers integration services in order to deliver a complete and seamless solution to its customers.

“SkyeTek has developed innovative and cost effective RFID solutions that enable the pervasive adoption of RFID not just in traditional supply chain applications, but across a wide range of industries,” said Edmund Rucels, VP of Sales and Marketing GAO RFID. “As demand for intelligent RFID continues to increase, we will be able to offer customers more comprehensive RFID solutions through our partnership with SkyeTek.”

SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules and developer kits are now available for same day shipping through GAO RFID at: http://www.gaorfid.com/skyetek

About GAO RFID
GAO RFID Inc., headquartered in Toronto is a global provider of RFID embedded and fixed readers, tags and middleware for multiple verticals including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, DoD, supply chain and logistics. With LocateWare™, a rapid deployment middleware and over 150 different RFID products, GAO RFID designs solutions tailored to a company’s needs and budget.

SkyeTek to Present Webinar on Transforming the Management of Medical Devices & Supplies with Embedded RFID

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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Webinar to Highlight Applications in Inventory Management, Disposables Authentication and Patient Management

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – December 11, 2007

WHAT: This presentation identifies key challenges facing manufacturers of medical devices and supplies and explains how embedded RFID technology is being leveraged to overcome those challenges in a way that enhances safety and reliability, increases revenue and brand equity, and reduces operating costs.

RFID is not just for supply chain applications anymore. Significant investment has gone into making the technology practical, cost-efficient, and easy-to-use, especially in embedded applications. As this Webinar details, embedded RFID has become a game-changing technology that medical manufacturers and healthcare providers are using to satisfy some of their most pressing needs.

Topics Include:
•    Challenges faced by today’s medical device manufacturers including inventory visibility, counterfeited disposables authentication and patient safety.
•    How embedded RFID expands into medical and pharmaceutical applications:
        o    Inventory management and consignment inventory
        o    Disposables authentication and configuration
        o    Patient management
•    Unique technical and business considerations for embedded RFID as it relates to medical devices
•    Various ways real-world medical companies are presently using RFID in their products to drive         revenue and differentiation

WHO:        Martin Payne, VP of Marketing and Strategy for SkyeTek, Inc.

WHEN:    Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 11:00 a.m. CDT / noon p.m. EDT

Media Contacts:
Gareth Walter                                     Kristin Cronin
SkyeTek, Inc.                                     Lois Paul & Partners
303-615-8027                                    781.782.5771
gareth.walter@skyetek.com            skyetek@lpp.com

Tagnostic®, ReaderWare™, and SkyeModule™, the SkyeTek logo, SkyeTek® and SkyeWare™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkyeTek, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks or brand names are the properties of their respective holders.

HOW:    Register today!

Digi-Key and SkyeTek Sign Distribution Agreement

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colorado and Thief River Falls, Minnesota – December 6, 2007 “As demand for our products continues to grow, the addition of Digi-Key further extends our distribution partner network,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Through this strategic partnership, we are now able to leverage Digi-Key’s expansive customer presence and online marketplace in order to reach new design engineers who are looking to deploy embedded RFID solutions in new, innovative applications.”

Digi-Key Corporation is one of the fastest growing electronic component distributors in the world. Digi-Key will offer SkyeTek customers its superior customer service for both engineering and production needs, including product availability, same-day shipping and on-time delivery. Digi-Key will stock SkyeTek’s full line of UHF and HF RFID reader modules and development kits, providing all of the hardware and software engineers need to start integrating RFID into their design projects.

“Our strong reputation and track record for performance coupled with SkyeTek’s expertise and market-leading reader technology will help drive further adoption of embedded RFID,” said Mark Larson, president and COO of Digi-Key. “Our ability to be a full-service provider and handle both prototype/design and production volume quantities ensure that customers of SkyeTek’s reader technology will have what they want when they want it.”

SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules and developer kits are now available for same-day shipping to North American customers through Digi-Key at Digikey.com.

About Digi-Key Corporation
One of the world’s fastest growing distributors of electronic components, Digi-Key has earned its reputation as an industry leader through its total commitment to service and performance. As a full-service provider of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, Digi-Key has been ranked #1 for Overall Performance for 16 consecutive years from among the nation’s more than 200 distributors (EE Times Distribution Study/ May 2007). Offering more than a million products from over 400 quality name-brand manufacturers Digi-Key’s commitment to inventory is unparalleled. Access to the company’s broad product offering is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week at Digi-Key’s top-rated Web site, www.digikey.com.

SkyeTek and Atmel Jointly Develop and Offer Market Leading Secure RFID Demonstration Kit

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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Joint Solution Enables Ultra-Secure RFID Applications

Westminster, Colorado, December 5, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, and Atmel® (NASDAQ: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of the CryptoRF® Demonstration Kit, a complete RFID security demonstration featuring SkyeTek’s M2 SkyeModule and Atmel’s cryptographic RF tag assortment based on the CryptoRF® product family.

“With this level of security and privacy protection, SkyeTek and Atmel are breaking down some of the largest barriers to RFID adoption,” said Sayan Chakraborty, CTO and Vice President of Engineering at SkyeTek. “The combination of cutting edge cryptographic standards and intelligent reader technology make the CryptoRF Demonstration Kit an ideal solution for customers looking to generate immediate ROI in applications from contactless payment to product authentication.”

The CryptoRF Demonstration Kit is a complete RFID solution that allows for quick demonstration and proof-of-concept development when integrating secure RFID into applications or products. Targeted at industries that require secure applications such as contactless payment, product authentication, patient safety, and patron management, the solution will enable customers to easily embed RFID into existing products using one of the safest, most secure HF reader/tag platforms on the market.

Based on the same security standards used by the U.S. Department of Defense and financial sectors, SkyeTek’s SkyeModule M2 reader provides support for industry standard security, including TDEA and AES encryption and SHA-1, SHA-2, and MD5 hashing as well as proprietary security.

Atmel’s CryptoRF tags provide enhanced security through the use of hardware embedded cryptography to provide mutual authentication, data encryption, Message Authentication Codes (MAC) and encrypted passwords. The 7-member family features user memory densities from 1K to 64 bits with customizable security levels and options that include Write Lock Modes, One Time Programmable features and multiple zones each with individually definable access rights. The solution will deliver world-class security capabilities to various industries where privacy and data protection are critical.

“Our customers continue to choose Atmel because of our commitment to advanced security solutions,” said Jean Pierre Benhammou at Atmel. “The CryptoRF Demonstration Kit shows how CryptoRF supports the most stringent security standards used for track and trace, logistics management, anti-cloning and anti-counterfeiting, identification, and e-purse.

Together we are dedicated to providing that same level of protection to our customers. We are pleased to partner with SkyeTek; they share our commitment to security, and have the technological expertise to back it up.”

Available immediately, pricing for the CryptoRF Demonstration Kit is $295. The solution, which is brought to market as a result of a partnership between SkyeTek and Atmel announced in January 2007, will be sold exclusively through SkyeTek and Atmel sales channels.

SkyeTek Delivers Next Generation Software Toolkit for RFID Evaluation and Development

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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SkyeWare 4 Provides Comprehensive Suite of Software Development Tools that Simplifies RFID Project Prototyping and Application Development

Westminster, Colo., November 27, 2007– SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the availability of SkyeWare™ 4, the company’s next generation suite of software development tools and demonstration applications. Included with every SkyeTek Developer Kit, SkyeWare 4 provides companies with a quick and intuitive interface that allows developers to quickly build prototypes and develop software that controls and manages the underlying RFID hardware.

“SkyeTek continues to experience success across many applications by providing software that allows customers to easily and effectively evaluate RFID technology, develop prototypes, and accelerate time-to-market,” said Martin Payne, VP of Marketing, SkyeTek. “SkyeWare 4 represents SkyeTek’s next generation software toolkit for RFID development. It allows developers to seamlessly configure, secure, and test multiple tag types in order to determine the optimal tag configuration for their application.”

SkyeWare continues to be one of the most comprehensive RFID reader application development toolkits available. This latest version includes the following:

Wizard-driven setup process that automates the process of configuring the reader, antenna, and tags
Demonstration applications in the areas of product authentication, contactless payment, access control, and item-level inventory management
Utilities that provide an easy way to evaluate and optimize settings for anti-collision, read range, memory, and secure memory

SkyeWare 4 is currently available with the SkyeModule M4 Developer Kit and will begin shipping with all SkyeModule M2 and M9 Developer Kits on December 5, 2007. For more information on SkyeWare 4 please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/ProductsServices/Software/SkyeWare4/tabid/418/Default.aspx

Component Distributors Inc. Signs Agreement with SkyeTek to Distribute Embedded RFID Readers

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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CDI to Distribute SkyeTek’s Full Line of HF and UHF Reader Technology in North America

Westminster, Colorado, October 15, 2007 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that Component Distributors Inc. (CDI), a high tech electronics distributor, has signed a strategic agreement to distribute SkyeTek’s full line of high frequency (HF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID readers in North America.

"We chose CDI for its proven ability to keep pace with product demand, especially in the growing RFID industry, as well as its strong sales team and deep RF knowledge," said Rob Balgley CEO of SkyeTek. "We view CDI as a true extension of our own sales force and we are confident that they will help us deliver upon our mission of enabling the pervasive adoption of RFID as a networked technology."

CDI provides world-class service to help OEMs increase efficiencies and drive product demand. The company’s extensive product and market knowledge, particularly around RF, is unmatched in the industry. CDI will manage the entire customer life-cycle while leveraging SkyeTek services to help customers easily integrate RFID into new applications. Both CDI and SkyeTek are based in Colorado.

"We are proud to partner with an innovative company like SkyeTek who is a market leader in identifying and developing new applications for RFID," said John Williammee, CEO of CDI. "Our strong background in wireless and RFID coupled with SkyeTek’s expertise and market leading reader technology will enable us to continue to expand our reach and further the adoption of RFID."

SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules and developer kits are now available for same day shipping through CDI’s online store at www.cdiweb.com/skyetek.

About CDI Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, CDI is a High Tech Electronics Distributor providing world-class service, which creates increased efficiencies, product demand, and the ability to capture new opportunities for our customers and partners.

CDI distributes semiconductor, discrete, passive, electro-mechanical and embedded products into the communications, industrial, medical, consumer, military and transportation markets. An employee owned enterprise; CDI strives for distinction as an exceptional partner to our customers in the electronic marketplace. For more information, you may contact CDI at 1 (800) 777-7334, or visit our web site at www.cdiweb.com for a list of products, services, and to locate a sales location near you.

Aionex Adopts SkyeTek’s Embedded RFID Solution to Ensure Patient Safety

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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SkyeTek’s Secure RFID Solution to Improve Hospital Call Station Operations

Westminster, Colorado, October 3, 2007 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID solutions, today announced that Aionex has adopted SkyeTek’s RFID reader technology to streamline delivery of patient care in hospitals. Aionex is leveraging SkyeTek’s M1 HF SkyeModule to RFID-enable emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. The readers provide Aionex’s Patient Response Platform (PRP) with the information it needs to monitor patient care, authenticate hospital staff members, and track process efficacy.

"Our customers utilize our application and rules engine to track and report timed events as well as to verify and locate of staff and patients," said Curt Freemyer, CEO of Aionex. "As a result, our systems are directly involved in the day to day operations of hospitals and have an impact on the effectiveness of patient care at each facility. By combining our patented infrared solution with SkyeTek’s RFID readers, we can now provide our customers with a robust tracking solution for our patient response platform that operates with the highest level of usability and reliability."

The Aionex Patient Response Platform (PRP) is a unique and fully integrated communication and transaction software product that rapidly communicates and documents information from various sources to specific personnel responsible for delivering patient care and services. Aionex relies on infrared technology for staff but needed RFID for patient wrist bands to improve the overall usability of the platform. The company researched several RFID readers before choosing SkyeTek’s SkyeModule™ M1 and has been working with SkyeTek to develop its RFID-enabled PRP since last year.

Hospitals that have implemented PRP use RFID badges and wristbands to identify staff members and patients, greatly improving wear-ability and durability. One hospital has more than 350 RFID readers and thousands of tags in use. Additionally, RFID has proved to be more cost-effective for Aionex and its customers, as infrared wrist bands and scanners cost significantly more than their RFID counterparts.

"We continue to work with customers across all industries to apply RFID as a true networking technology," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "By choosing SkyeTek, Aionex is not only helping its customers to improve their operations but also allowing them to reap the benefits of enhanced security, improved reliability, and lower costs."

Aionex chose SkyeTek’s active RFID reader technology because it offers powerful functionality in an extremely small form factor that is embedded easily into a variety of wireless devices, including handheld PDAs. The SkyeModule M1, a multi-protocol embedded high frequency RFID reader module for OEMs, provides a low-power, high-performance, and cost-effective option for embedded applications. The SkyeModule M1 runs ReaderWare software, the brains behind all SkyeTek readers, easing integration and providing customers with a significant cost-performance advantage.

About Aionex, Inc. Aionex’s innovative communication, management and workflow technologies connect thousands of patients with caregivers and hospital staff every day. Founded in 1994, Aionex today is a unique solution provider to the healthcare market. Aionex’s efficiency and throughput solutions provide hospitals of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing patient, staff and physician satisfaction. Aionex is headquartered in Goodlettsville, TN. For more information visit www.aionex.com.

Seeonic Leverages SkyeTek RFID Platform to Deliver Industry’s First Disposable Smart-Display for Promotions Marketing

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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SkyeTek RFID Software and Reader Modules Allow Seeonic to Provide Real-Time Monitoring of Promotions

Boston, Mass., September 19, 2007 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID solutions, today announced that Seeonic, a leading innovator in smart-shelf technology, is leveraging SkyeTek’s software and embedded RFID readers in their disposable smart-displays in order to provide real-time inventory tracking of promotional items. By incorporating SkyeAPI and the M9 UHF reader module into its design, Seeonic will now be able to provide reliable real-time tracking of promotional goods allowing retailers and CPG manufacturers to ensure correct placement of promotional displays and optimized inventory based on observed buying patterns.

"Our smart shelf systems will enable manufacturers to ensure retailers are honoring obligations for item placement while also extending the retailers visibility into detailed demand data," said Peter Grimlund, CEO of Seeonic. "With the help of SkyeTek and its technology, we can now provide retailers and CPG manufacturers with a significantly improved view of their promotions marketing effectiveness."

With little visibility on the sales floor, existing systems and processes are not accurate or timely enough to provide the manufacturer or distributor with the intelligent data they need to anticipate stock-outs and protect sales. Seeonic is solving this problem with the help of SkyeTek by adding RFID functionality to their glass smart shelf display system. By leveraging SkyeAPI and the M9 UHF module, a real-time demand management and inventory replenishment forecasting service is put into place using an RFID enabled smart display which monitors and reports the inventory levels of displayed items.

"Seeonic is yet another innovative organization that we have partnered with to enable new applications for RFID technology," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Real-time monitoring and management of promotions represents a major opportunity for retail and consumer goods manufacturers. Seeonic’s disposable smart-display and inventory management software will not only maximize the effectiveness of individual promotions, but will also aggregate data from multiple stores so that companies can glean insights on overall campaign ROI."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEM customers as a complete embedded RFID solution, which includes software, hardware, and professional services, or on a software license basis. Licensing provides the additional benefit of access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing OEMs to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module. SkyeTek has developed a global partner network to distribute and support its product portfolio. Partners include Mouser Electronics, Sobal, Hangzhou Ziytek, and Meshed Systems – for a full list of Skyetek channel partners, please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/ChannelPartners/tabid/346/Default.aspx.

About Seeonic, Inc. Seeonic provides actionable intelligence to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer packaged goods (CPG) products to limit out-of-stock (OOS) and overstock conditions at the consumer point-of-purchase (POP) display. Seeonic develops disposable electronics to gather up-to-the-minute inventory counts and transmit them wirelessly to the company’s web-based server. From the server, Seeonic’s customers can display alerts and establish replenishment models in real-time to limit the OOS or overstock conditions. Based in Shorewood, MN, Seeonic sells direct or through display manufacturers. For more information, visit www.seeonic.com or call 612-281-1089.

SkyeTek Launches Networked RFID Solutions: Absolute Visibility, Continuous Authentication, and Service Management

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Solutions Allow OEMs, Systems Integrators, and Service Providers to Offer Turn-Key Applications that Leverage Networks of Physical Goods and Assets

Boston, Mass., September 19, 2007 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID solutions, announced today at RFID World three new solutions: Absolute Visibility, Continuous Authentication, and Service Management. These solutions enable OEMs, Systems Integrators, and Service Providers to offer turn-key, networked RFID applications, such as Asset Tracking, Inventory Management, Product Authentication, and Patron Management, that improve an organization’s ability to predict demand, prevent counterfeiting, and personalize user interactions.

"Most of the industry views RFID as a type of wireless barcode, or data capture technology, as opposed to a true RF networking technology," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "SkyeTek has developed enabling technology and solutions that make RFID a seamless and secure part of the enterprise network. Our combination of software, hardware and professional services puts us in a unique position to help organizations leverage RFID in new and innovative ways driving top-line revenue growth in addition to bottom-line cost reduction."

Each SkyeTek solution is comprised of a specific set of software, hardware, and professional services that serve as the platform for robust, RFID-enabled applications in industries such as Healthcare, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, and Hospitality.

Absolute Visibility – Allows OEMs, SIs, and Service Providers to offer customers newfound insight into the movement and consumption of valuable assets and inventory
Continuous Authentication – Enables OEMs, SIs, and Service Providers to create offerings that provide authentication and chain of custody for products, consumables, parts, and security credentials
Service Management – Allows OEMs and SIs to create offerings that enhance the customer experience and improve workforce productivity by optimizing service delivery and asset utilization based on RFID credentials

For more information on these solutions, please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Solutions/SolutionsOverview/tabid/403/Default.aspx.

For case studies on completed SkyeTek projects where these solutions were successfully applied, please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Solutions/CaseStudies/CaseStudiesOverview/tabid/388/Default.aspx.

You can also visit SkyeTek’s booth at RFID World located in Hall D, number 1520.

Vail Resorts Teams with SkyeTek to Deliver RFID-Enabled On-Mountain Services

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:20:07 GMT

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Vail to Leverage SkyeTek’s Web Services, Security, and Professional Services

Westminster, Colo., USA, September 10, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that Vail Resorts has chosen SkyeTek as its solutions partner in the development of a new wireless on-mountain RFID network and suite of Web services. The new technology platform will enable Vail Resorts, operator of the Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Heavenly ski resorts, to improve operational efficiencies and enhance guest services over the upcoming ski seasons.

"Our ability to provide the highest levels of service to our guests is a key differentiator at each of our properties," said Robert Urwiler, CIO of Vail Resorts. "By leveraging the new technology platform, we expect to further our reputation as innovators in this area. We evaluated many potential technology partners – ultimately, no one could bring to bear the ability to seamlessly converge RFID and Web services with our existing base of applications like SkyeTek could."

Vail plans to pilot the use of SkyeTek’s technology to RFID-enable select lift passes for automated authentication this season. The objective of the pilot is to prove the technology as the basis for a better on-mountain experience for guests through the enablement of a wide variety of enhanced guest services and operational efficiencies.

"SkyeTek’s technology allows physical goods and assets, such as lift tickets, to enjoy the benefits of participating in a network-connected world," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "In Vail’s case, SkyeTek is leveraging its Web services technology and modern RFID security model to transform the on-mountain experience into something faster and more secure than in the past."

SkyeTek combines intelligent software with inexpensive hardware to provide a modern RFID security model, distributed policy management engine, and network-ready, cost-efficient readers. Enterprises deploy SkyeTek’s solutions to deliver a seamless RFID edge network capable of centralized management and real-time response for applications in item tracking, product authentication, access control, and patron management.

SkyeTek Professional Services Delivers End-to-End RFID Solutions for OEMs

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Finished Solutions Delivered for Asset Management, Product Authentication, and Patron Management

Westminster, Colo., USA, September 10, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID solutions, today formally unveiled its professional services group which helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) quickly and efficiently deliver RFID-enabled finished products. SkyeTek Professional Services supports all phases of the embedded RFID development cycle including requirements analysis, design, integration, and testing. Customers gain the benefit of SkyeTek’s industry-leading experience in delivering embedded RFID solutions which results in significantly reduced integration costs and time-to-market compared to in-house implementations.

"With new capabilities such as professional services, SkyeTek continues to extend the reach of RFID into new application areas by making the process of embedding readers and tags into devices simple and efficient," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "The addition of our professional services offering enables OEMs to optimize RFID performance, network connectivity, and application integration while minimizing cost and time-to-market."
SkyeTek Professional Services provides customers with the option of letting SkyeTek manage the full development lifecycle or choosing a la carte services which include:

SpringBoardTM – a timely and inexpensive feasibility study for estimating the entire embedded RFID integration effort

Integration Services – tag selection, module integration, antenna tuning / design, and network integration

Customization Services – custom circuit boards and application development / integration

Best Practices Advisory – regulatory certification, security review, and manufacturing support for license customers

SkyeTek Professional Services has successfully completed projects in which RFID was used in asset management, product authentication, and patron management. To view a sampling of past projects, visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Solutions/CaseStudies/CaseStudiesOverview/tabid/388/Default.aspx.

SkyeTek Lowers Cost Barrier for Secure RFID Applications with New M4 Reader Module

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:39:19 GMT

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Downloadable Firmware Personalities for Applications in Product Authentication, Payment, and Access Control

Westminster, Colo., USA, August 21, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the availability of the M4 HF SkyeModule. The M4 provides industry-leading security and application features commonly found in high-priced readers but at a groundbreaking price that is well below those of typical entry-level HF reader modules. The M4’s three separate firmware personalities provide solutions for product authentication, contactless payment and access control.

"The M4 offers us the opportunity to implement a robust, low power SmartCard solution in a small space," said Russ Corace, Executive Vice President, Printek, Inc. "This is of paramount importance for companies creating innovative, battery-operated, highly portable next-generation transaction devices."

The SkyeModule M4 supports contactless payment applications with a firmware personality that includes support for all of the major credit card providers. With its Product Authentication personality, the M4 supports a wide range of ISO 15693 tags as well as advanced standards-based security protocols for protecting against unauthorized tag cloning or tampering. This personality allows for the use of generic tags instead of proprietary secure tags, providing a savings of 50 to 75 percent on tag costs. This is a significant savings since tags can be priced up to 80 percent of the overall solution cost. Additionally, the M4’s Access Control personality supports ISO 14443 A and B and provides support for proprietary security solutions MIFARE and DESFire.

"As RFID adoption continues to grow across nearly every vertical market, advances in RFID security have lagged behind adoption rates leaving data susceptible to primitive hacking techniques," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Our SkyeModule M4 is leading the way in solving this problem by making RFID-based transactions much more secure and convenient. By building in proven security standards, the SkyeModule M4 works seamlessly with existing IT networks and applications, helping RFID to become a true networked technology."

The M4 Developer Kit includes all of the components required to develop and test an RFID reader solution. The kit includes a host interface board that allows developers to directly interface to the module using a serial RS-232 cable. In addition, the kit also includes an external PCB antenna for increased read range over the on-board antenna and a flex antenna that is tuned specifically for ISO 14443A/B.

The Developer Kit also includes SkyeWare 4, the next generation suite of industry leading developer tools and demonstration applications offered by SkyeTek. SkyeWare 4 offers tests for anti-collision, read range, memory, and secure memory. It also includes a host of test and development tools that allow a developer to determine the best tag and reader configuration for their needs. SkyeModule parameters can be quickly configured and firmware can be uploaded through an easy to use interface.

Advanced ID Develops Tire Product Authentication Solution Based on SkyeTek RFID Reader Technology

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 20:50:14 GMT

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Large Tire Manufacturers and Fleet Management Companies are Adopting Advanced ID’s Solution

Westminster, Colo., USA, August 14, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that Advanced ID Corp. a complete solutions provider in the RFID market, is leveraging SkyeTek’s reader technology to develop an asset tracking and authentication solution that protects tire manufacturers and fleet management companies against tire shrinkage and counterfeiting. These challenges are two of the industry’s top issues as they not only drive up the cost of distributing tires but also decrease vehicle fuel efficiency and reliability.

"Low cost solution devices and systems are expected to lead the way for migration to the era of tire RFID," said Dr. Patrick King, Global Electronics Strategist for Michelin. "This is particularly true for commercial tires and applications, and the publishing of global tire standards recently (AIAG B11, Tire and Wheel Data Standard and ISO 17367 Embedded RFID Standard) have helped to set the stage for adoption."

Advanced ID solves this problem with the help of SkyeTek by embedding RFID tags into tires allowing manufacturers and fleet operators to keep better track of inventory and authenticate tires to prevent counterfeiting. Advanced ID makes two UHF tire tags, the TT094/14-E and the TT094/14-I, and a full line of ruggedized handheld and stationary readers based on SkyeTek’s M9 UHF SkyeModule. Also, Advanced ID’s TireTRACS software captures and tracks data on tires as they move through distribution and are used by customers.

"Our tire tracking solution has been adopted by industry leaders in tire manufacturing, fleet management, and tire retreading," said Dan Finch, CEO of Advanced ID. "We are able to provide the market’s leading tire management solution because of our intellectual property and help from technologically advanced partners like SkyeTek."

"Advanced ID is yet another innovative organization that we have partnered with to enable new applications for RFID technology," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Counterfeiting is a major threat to the tire industry and directly impacts consumers in a negative way, particularly during the summer months when the roads are busiest. Working with partners like Advanced ID enables us to help organizations leverage embedded RFID technology to help solve this problem before it gets worse."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEM customers as a complete embedded RFID solution, which includes software, hardware, and professional services, or on a software license basis. ReaderWare licensing provides the additional benefit of access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing OEMs to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module. SkyeTek has developed a global partner network to distribute and support its product portfolio. Partners include Mouser Electronics, Sobal, Hangzhou Ziytek, and Meshed Systems – for a full list of Skyetek channel partners, please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/ChannelPartners/tabid/346/Default.aspx.

About Advanced ID Corp.
Advanced ID Corporation (OTCBB: AIDO) is a complete solutions provider in the RFID market with a focus in the tire management and supply chain industries. The company is also a major factor in the tire inspection business through its UK based Pneu-Logic subsidiary. The company is active in the pet recovery business through its AVID Canada subsidiary in Calgary, Alberta and has developed a UHF RFID reader product line through its Advanced ID Asia Engineering technical support and business development subsidiary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

RFID Reader Provider SkyeTek Closes $10 Million Series C Round

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:15:53 GMT

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SkyeTek Driving Adoption of RFID as a Networking Technology

Westminster, Colo., USA, July 25, 2007 the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that it has secured a $10 million Series C round of venture capital funding. Maryland-based Grotech Capital Group led the round with participation from TD Fund, based in Washington D.C., and existing investors Appian Ventures, Sequel Venture Partners, and Palomar Ventures. The funding will enable SkyeTek to expand its sales coverage, product development, and patent portfolio in making RFID a seamless IP networking technology.

"By investing in SkyeTek, we see an opportunity to continue moving RFID beyond supply chain to applications where it serves as the wireless technology that extends existing IT networks to physical items,” said Joe Zell, Grotech General Partner and new SkyeTek Board Member. “SkyeTek is the thought and market leader in making RFID a networking technology as evidenced by its impressive number of production wins where customers are using its technology to improve demand visibility and augment product authentication measures."

SkyeTek delivers robust security, policy management, and an intuitive API on an inexpensive reader platform that extends the edge of existing networks to goods and assets. This approach to RFID creates a single technology platform that enables high-ROI applications in asset tracking, item-level inventory management, product authentication, access control, and patron management. SkyeTek has over 60 production customers in several vertical markets including consumer products, healthcare, hospitality, industrial equipment, and IT.

"SkyeTek has experienced three consecutive record-breaking quarters driven by robust demand for its intelligent firmware / software and inexpensive reader hardware," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "With our market thesis proven, we will expedite expansion plans now that this round of financing is complete. These funds will enable us to extend sales coverage and accelerate product development further augmenting our high-ROI solutions and increasing our lead in target markets."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEM customers as a complete embedded RFID solution, which includes software, hardware, and professional services, or on software license basis. ReaderWare licensing provides the additional benefit of access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing OEMs to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module. SkyeTek has developed a global partner network to distribute and support its product portfolio. Partners include Mouser Electronics, Sobal, Hangzhou Ziytek, and Meshed Systems – for a full list of Skyetek channel partners, please visit:
http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/ChannelPartners/tabid/346/Default.aspx.

Asia Shows Growing Demand for Intelligent, Embeddable RFID Reader Technology

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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SkyeTek Software and Reader Modules Enable Breakthroughs in Patient Services and Product Authentication

Westminster, Colo., USA, July 16, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to expand its footprint in Asia with the addition of three new customers and two new distributors in the region. Gaishan Technology, CADI Scientific and Taiwan Semiconductor Company Ltd are all leveraging SkyeTek’s RFID reader technology to deliver advanced patron management and product authentication solutions. In addition, SkyeTek has recruited value added resellers USSEN and Hangzhou Ziytek to provide sales, systems integration and support in Taiwan and China, respectively.

"Pacific Rim countries are world leaders in the deployment of RFID as a networking technology for applications such as health services improvement and automatic product configuration," said Rob Balgley, SkyeTek Chief Executive Officer. "Given the rate of RFID innovation in the region, Asia consistently shows strong demand for intelligent, low-cost RFID readers that can be embedded inside products and connected to existing networks. As such, our growth in Asia continues to accelerate – sales have expanded by approximately 150% in the first half of 2007."

Gaishan Technology is leveraging SkyeTek software and hardware to RFID-enable audio systems that will read aloud RFID-tagged books for sight-impaired individuals. CADI Scientific uses SkyeTek modules to augment their wireless sensing and tracking solutions for enhanced patient care and monitoring. Taiwan Semiconductor Company Ltd has embedded SkyeTek’s RFID readers into its thermal printers to ensure the correct placement of specialized paper inside the printer. These three are experiencing the same benefits that other OEMs using SkyeTek have experienced: revenue generation, enhanced customer service, and brand protection.

"SkyeTek’s ability to provide a single, reader platform that spans frequencies and tags and incorporates software that seamlessly and securely integrates with existing applications has created new applications for RFID in Asia," said Yue Xi Savage, SkyeTek Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, Asia-Pacific Region. "The addition of new VARs enables our growing customer base in Asia to quickly implement SkyeTek’s reader technology with easy access to comprehensive service and support."

To help meet the increased demand for its RFID reader technology in the region, SkyeTek has added USSEN and Hangzhou Ziytek to its global partner network which already includes Sobal in Japan and Passtech in Korea. USSEN and Hangzhou Ziytek will offer SkyeTek’s full line of HF and UHF reader modules, ReaderWare software, and technical support to customers in Taiwan and China, respectively.

SkyeTek and Mouser Electronics Sign Distribution Agreement

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Full Line of RFID Reader Modules and Developer Kits Now In Stock

Westminster, Colorado, and Mansfield, Texas, USA, June 20, 2007 SkyeTek, Inc., a leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products. Mouser will stock the manufacturer’s full line of UHF and HF RFID reader modules and developer kits, providing all the hardware and software engineers need to start integrating RFID into their design projects.

"Our indirect sales channels are experiencing rapid growth, so we continue to focus on expanding our distribution partner network," said Chris R. Turner, SkyeTek Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development. "The addition of Mouser provides us with access to hundreds of thousands of engineers who are now beginning to evaluate and deploy RFID in exciting new embedded applications from smart-shelves and smart-cabinets to medical, industrial, and high-technology devices."

"We’re pleased to add SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules as a natural extension of our wireless networking product portfolio," said Mike Scott, Mouser Vice President of Active Products. "Engineering customers will have access to these innovative network-ready reader modules through Mouser’s quarterly print catalog, as well as our continuously updated website, giving them a time-to-market advantage."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEM customers as reader modules, that include ReaderWare software, or as a ReaderWare license. ReaderWare licensing provides customers with access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module.

The distributor’s broad-based product line, unsurpassed customer service, and streamlined warehouse operations make Mouser the design engineer’s one-stop shop for all the board-level components and associated development tools necessary for total project design.

Mouser Electronics, the fastest growing catalog distributor in the electronics industry, is the only major distributor to publish a new 1,850+ page print catalog every 90 days. In addition, its website is updated daily, contains more than 845,000 products for easy online purchase, and provides over 1.5 million cross-references, as well as more than 677,000 downloadable data sheets.

SkyeTek’s full line of RFID reader modules and developer kits are now available for same day shipping through Mouser’s online store at: www.mouser.com/skyetek/.

About Mouser
Mouser Electronics, Inc. is an electronic component distributor, focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies to electronic design engineers. Mouser.com features over 845,000 products online from more than 330 manufacturers. Mouser’s 1,850+ page print catalog is published every 90 days, providing designers with up-to-date data on the components now available for the next generation of electronic devices. Mouser ships globally to over 280,000 customers in 170 countries from its 432,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Mansfield, Texas. For more information, visit www.mouser.com.

Trademarks
Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. Tagnostic®, ReaderWare™, and SkyeModule™, the SkyeTek logo, SkyeTek® and SkyeWare™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkyeTek, Inc. All rights reserved. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners

SkyeTek Appoints Kevin Mammel Vice President of Finance

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Seasoned Finance VP Rounds out Executive Team as Company Prepares for Expansion

Westminster, Colorado, June 4, 2007 - SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the appointment of Kevin Mammel as Vice President of Finance to round out its executive team. Mammel, 37, comes from the networking and telecommunications industry and has over 14 year’s experience in all aspects of corporate finance. He joins Skyetek at a crucial point on its growth trajectory having come off its most successful quarter to date and nearing the close of its next round of financing which will be used to expand product development and sales coverage.

"SkyeTek is experiencing its third consecutive record-breaking quarter behind robust demand for its intelligent, price-performing reader technology," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "With our market thesis proven, SkyeTek will enter a period of significant expansion following this round of financing. Kevin’s well-seasoned leadership is a welcome addition given the imminent increase in expenditures across all functional areas."

Prior to joining Skyetek, Mammel worked in various financial positions for McData Corporation, most recently serving as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. In this role, he led the treasury, tax, payroll and facilities teams totaling 35 people. He also played an integral role in McData’s $900 million acquisition by Brocade. Previously, Mammel held executive-level finance positions at Qwest Communications and also served as an auditor with Arthur Andersen.

"This is an exciting time to join SkyeTek as the company moves into the next phase of maturation where execution will dominate as the critical success factor," said Mammel. "Skyetek has a proven business model and established itself as the leader in RFID reader innovation, so I look forward to the challenge of helping guide the company through its next level of growth."

As Vice President of Finance at Skyetek, Mammel will lead fundraising, capital budgeting, and accounting. He will also oversee use of proceeds following this round of financing in areas such as product development and sales channel expansion.

SkyeTek Expands European Distribution Network to Meet Robust Demand for Intelligent, Low-Cost RFID Readers

Thu, 24 May 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Softwork and Gamma to Distribute SkyeTek’s Full Line of HF and UHF Reader Technology in Italy, Poland and Russia

Westminster, Colorado, May 24, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, continues to expand its global partner network with the addition of two more European value added resellers giving SkyeTek a total of nine VARs in the region. Softwork SrL and Gamma St. Petersburg will provide sales, systems integration, and support covering Italy, Poland and Russia. The new distribution partners will each carry SkyeTek’s full line of HF and UHF reader modules and ReaderWare software.

"Since opening our sales office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, last year, we have continued to see robust growth in the European market. Given this market validation, we are broadening SkyeTek’s reach to enable the adoption of innovative RFID applications across all of Europe," noted Chris Turner, EVP of Sales and Business Development for SkyeTek. "These regions are exciting markets for our intelligent RFID technology, and we continue to see significant growth beyond traditional supply chain applications as our technology permeates new applications and market sectors."

"Our partnership with SkyeTek enables us to provide our growing customer base with the most advanced RFID technology at the best price possible," commented Massimo Damiani, CEO of Softwork SrL. "We can now offer comprehensive solutions, services and support to the rapidly developing market for embedded RFID technology in Italy. The new regulation decided by the European Commission on November 2006 for devices operating in UHF band allows us to propose a complete range of RFID products in new application areas, such as logistics, identification and traceability of goods."

Gamma St. Petersburg, a distributor of electronic components from the world’s leading manufacturers, selected SkyeTek’s technology to address growing demand for RFID applications in Russia and Poland. "SkyeTek delivers the high caliber RFID technology that our customers are seeking," noted Jan Surowiec of Gamma St. Petersburg. "Demand for RFID applications in Russia and Poland is the driving force behind our distribution partnership with SkyeTek. We are currently seeing the development of many new applications across multiple industries."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEM customers or distributors as reader modules, which include a ReaderWare software license. Licensing provides customers with access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module. To learn more about these products or find a distributor please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/ChannelPartners/tabid/346/Default.aspx

SkyeTek and Impinj Lead RFID Reader Providers in Customer Satisfaction

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Study Shows that SkyeTek and Impinj Lead in their Respective Market Segments

Westminster, Colorado, April 23, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that a blind survey showed that SkyeTek and Impinj are the highest rated RFID reader vendors in terms of customer satisfaction. The independent study conducted by Amplify Communications measured the percentage of customers that consider themselves to be "very satisfied" with their RFID reader providers. In all, sixteen reader vendors received ratings including those that sell finished readers, reader modules, or both.

"At SkyeTek, we strive to deeply understand user requirements and those technology levers that most dramatically affect customer ROI," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "This study reflects the success we are experiencing in the marketplace and further validates that our RFID reader solutions, both hardware and software, are driving real business value for our customers."

SkyeTek and Impinj offer products in different market segments with the former offering reader modules for embedded applications, such as product authentication, smart displays, and patron management, and the latter offering finished readers for applications such as portals, forklifts, and shelves. In comparing SkyeTek to vendors also offering modules, the study shows that SkyeTek’s customer satisfaction rating exceeds that of the competition by two to four times.

SkyeTek commissioned Amplify Communications to conduct the blind, independent survey by acquiring contact lists from industry standard sources. Over 10,000 professionals were contacted resulting in approximately 400 respondents, each of whom is involved in one or more projects using RFID reader technology. The survey measured the percentage of customers that are "very satisfied", also known in the market research industry as a "top-two box", with their RFID reader vendors. To keep responses objective, respondents were not informed that SkyeTek sponsored the survey.

The survey results come on the heels of a successful first quarter highlighted by record sales for the second straight quarter, the launch of the SkyeTek Partner Program and several industry awards and accolades (For more details, see SkyeTek Announces Successful Q1 Highlighted by Record Sales, New Partners, and Industry Accolades).

SkyeTek Announces Successful Q1 Highlighted by Record Sales, New Partners, and Industry Accolades

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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SkyeTek Notches 100th Design Win, Six New Production Customers

Westminster, Colo., April 23, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today reported record sales in Q1 2007, far exceeding the company’s operating plan for the quarter. Following the company’s highly successful 2006, SkyeTek attributes its continuing momentum in 2007 to a growing demand for intelligent, cost-efficient reader hardware and software that enhances the simplicity, security, and personalization of products and processes across numerous vertical markets.

SkyeTek’s successful first quarter represents155% growth vs. the first quarter of 2006 and matched the company’s Q4 2006 bookings – SkyeTek’s largest quarter on record. Over the course of the first quarter, SkyeTek eclipsed 100 cumulative design wins while adding six production customers in item-level inventory, patron management, asset tracking and product authentication. Fueled by the RFID industry’s highest customer satisfaction rating (see SkyeTek and Impinj Lead RFID Reader Providers in Customer Satisfaction), SkyeTek also experienced strong repeat sales from existing production customers through direct and indirect sales channels.

"SkyeTek offers intelligent software coupled with commoditized, easy-to-integrate reader modules allowing networked applications to transparently benefit from the increased visibility provided by RFID," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Our customers use RFID to deliver authentication, authorization, and personalization at the edge of the network generating ROI based on top-line benefits. This unique approach to the RFID market has allowed SkyeTek to enjoy continued success in the marketplace."

During the first quarter, SkyeTek achieved many of its strategic business objectives, highlighted by the launch of the SkyeTek Partner Program and signing of four value-added resellers in Europe. The program is designed to help the company and its partners jointly offer market-leading SkyeTek RFID solutions to end-users around the globe. Four new members of the program, TDC, Equipements Scientifiques, AVE, and IAData, will each carry SkyeTek’s full line of HF and UHF reader modules and ReaderWare software in the United Kingdom/Ireland, France, Benelux, and Nordic countries, respectively.

SkyeTek has also received industry accolades over the past few months for their unique approach to embedded RFID. In addition to the company’s industry-best customer satisfaction rating, SkyeTek was recently announced as the winner of EDN’s 17th Annual Innovation Award in the Computers, Boards, and Buses category. SkyeTek won the award with its M9 SkyeModule, the world’s most intelligent, globally compliant UHF reader module. The win marked the second distinction for SkyeTek in the past month. SkyeTek’s customer ADASA was announced the winner of CMP’s Excellence in RFID Technology Award for its SkyeTek-enabled PAD3500, a low-cost, wearable mobile encoder that supports the encoding of UHF RFID tags anywhere.

SkyeTek’s M9 RFID Reader Module Wins Electronic Design News 17th Annual Innovation Award

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Award Comes Days after SkyeTek Earns Recognition as the Embedded Reader Provider to CMP Excellence in RFID Technology Winner ADASA.

Westminster, Colo., April 5, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, was announced the winner of the EDN 17th Annual Innovation Award in the Computers, Boards, and Buses category. SkyeTek won the award with its M9 SkyeModule, the world’s most intelligent, globally compliant UHF reader module. Approximately half the size of a business card, the M9 was designed for embedded RFID applications such as item-level inventory, product authentication, and patron management.

"SkyeTek is pleased and honored to be recognized as a technology innovator by EDN," noted Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "We design our HF and UHF reader modules from the ground up to serve the unique needs of the embedded design engineer. Ease of integration, robust functionality, and uncommon efficiencies in cost, space, and power consumption allow the M9 to deliver unprecedented uses of RFID in anti-counterfeiting, inventory management, and access control."

Based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M9 leads the RFID industry in UHF reader price-performance and meets regulatory compliance requirements for the world’s major markets including North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, and Japan. The M9’s ReaderWare Embedded software stack allows application logic, policies, and advanced security to be executed on the reader allowing unprecedented levels of intelligence to be delivered to the products in which the M9 gets embedded.

This award is the second distinction for SkyeTek in the past week. On March 29, SkyeTek’s customer ADASA was announced the winner of CMP’s Excellence in RFID Technology Award for its SkyeTek-enabled PAD3500, a low-cost, wearable mobile encoder that supports the encoding of UHF RFID tags anywhere.

Customers can purchase SkyeTek’s M9 as a reader module (which includes a ReaderWare license) or as a ReaderWare software license. Licensing also provides customers with access to the M9 ReaderDNA module reference design, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 – 70% cost savings versus common UHF reader modules available in the market today.

EDN, the premier electronics design magazine, is part of Reed Electronics Group, the electronics industry’s largest global information provider. For more information, go to www.edn.com.

SkyeTek Enables Cashless Payment at Cold-Drink Vending Machines at Atlanta International Airport

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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Convenient, Secure On-the-Go Transactions Now Available to Travelers Equipped with RFID Credit Cards.

Westminster, Colo., April 2, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the first consumer application resulting from its partnership with Isochron Inc., a leader in intelligent, networked vending technology for the food and beverage industry. Together, the companies have enabled cashless payment at vending machines located throughout the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Consumers equipped with RFID enabled credit cards can now make a purchase by just waving a card within a few feet of the new vending machines.

In October, Isochron selected SkyeTek’s M2 contactless payment module as the embedded RFID reader to enable secure, cashless payment at vending machines. Since then, Isochron has unveiled several vending machines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where consumers can now use RFID-enabled credit and debit cards issued by financial institutions such as Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Charter One, Chase and Key Bank to purchase cold drinks quickly, conveniently and securely.

"In developing interactive, contactless payment devices for vending machines, we were seeking only the best available technology," noted Bryan Godwin, CEO and president of Isochron. "Performance, reliability and security were the most important factors in powering this latest RFID based innovation. Ultimately, we determined that SkyeTek’s technology was best suited to meet the standards of our customer as well as the high expectations of today’s consumer."

SkyeTek's Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) is the foundation for the M2 contactless payment reader module which provides industry-leading tag support, read range / reliability, and security at the highest levels of cost- / space- / power-efficiency. The M2 supports Mastercard Paypass, Visa Contactless, Amex ExpressPay, and Discover Network and incorporates state-of-the art encryption and anti-cloning technology - the same algorithms used in the Department of Defense and financial services – to offer the highest levels of security to contactless payment.

"With contactless payment transforming the way people make everyday purchases, the demand for dependable, secure RFID technology is skyrocketing," commented Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "We are proud to bring the highest standards for security and reliability to applications that make life simpler, safer, and more secure."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEMs, systems integrators, and distributors as reader modules (which include a ReaderWare license) or ReaderWare software licenses. Licensing provides these customers with access to ReaderDNA reference designs, 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 Isochron Isochron Inc., is an innovative provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for the vending industry. Isochron’s flagship product, VendCast, is the leading vending management solution that is revolutionizing the way vending operators manage their business by providing enhanced insight, analysis and continuous monitoring of vending machines and route operations through a combination of integrated software and hardware devices. Unlike standalone products that address one specific need, Isochron provides a complete solution that uses the power of instant information to enhance vendor functionality, improve customer satisfaction, and provide direct interaction with the end consumer. Isochron is privately held and headquartered in Austin, Texas.

For more information, visit the Isochron website at www.isochron.com or call 512.732.2600.

Iris Diagnostics Adopts SkyeTek’s Secure RFID Solution to Enhance Patient Safety

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT

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AM2 RFID Reader Module and ReaderWare Security Being Used with Zebra Printers to Stop Reagent Counterfeiting.

Westminster, Colo., April 5, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that Iris Diagnostics, a Division of IRIS International Inc., (NASDAQ: IRIS) a leading manufacturer of medical diagnostic systems, has adopted the M2 SkyeModule with ReaderWare Security as its single source solution for authenticating reagents used in its flagship product, the iQ200 Automated Urinalysis System.

In the healthcare industry, using reagents of the proper type, freshness, and authenticity is critical to ensuring proper instrument performance. Counterfeiting poses a significant threat as cloned reagents tend to negatively affect patient safety, insurance costs, and provider brand equity. SkyeTek’s M2 SkyeModule with ReaderWare Security creates a unique digital fingerprint for the iQ200’s reagent units, ensuring accurate test results that maintain the highest levels of patient safety. "Our urinalysis systems oftentimes process hundreds" said John Yi, Corporate Vice President for Operations, Iris Diagnostics. "Given this responsibility, we do not have any margin for error in our results. Our customers choose Iris Diagnostics because we enable faster and more accurate test results, and working with SkyeTek will ensure that we are able to provide an extra layer of authentication as part of the process."

Iris will integrate an M2 HF SkyeModule with ReaderWare Security into the iQ200 Urinalysis System that will read data on the RFID-tagged consumable reagent system. With the M2 incorporated, the iQ200 will now be able to check for reagent type, manufacturing date, and authenticity each time the reagent system is used for sample testing. Zebra’s R110Xi-HF RFID printer, which also utilizes SkyeTek’s M2 as its internal reader engine, will generate an encrypted, tag-specific digital fingerprint and encode it onto the reagent label as it is being printed.

"We are pleased to be working with SkyeTek and Iris Diagnostics in the introduction of one of the RFID industry’s first network-based, multi-party authentication solutions," said Steve Park, Vice President and General Manager of RFID Solutions at Zebra. "RFID has the potential to greatly simplify and dramatically increase the effectiveness of product authentication across a wide range of industries. The combination of our printer solutions and SkyeTek’s reader technology helps customers like Iris reap the benefits of RFID-based product authentication."

The M2 HF SkyeModule is part of SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) which includes ReaderWare Security. Unlike other RFID solutions that leverage proprietary cryptography, ReaderWare Security implements open standards-based versions of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) for state-of-the-art encryption and hashing. ReaderWare Security can be used on any generic tag with requisite memory, significantly decreasing overall solution costs while delivering the same privacy and security protection found in government, financial, and internet applications.

"Iris Diagnostics is one of the first customers in any industry to implement an RFID-based product authentication solution throughout its supply chain – a step that is critical for the widespread adoption of RFID," said Rob Balgley CEO of SkyeTek. "SkyeTek’s unique combination of intelligent, secure software and affordable hardware will help ensure the safety of the patients that rely on the accuracy of Iris Diagnostics’ results. Over the years RFID has gained a reputation as simply a cost-saving technology, but we’re glad to be working with customers like Iris Diagnostics to enable innovative ways to apply RFID in making peoples lives simpler, safer and more secure."

SkyeTek Launches Program to Support Growing Network of RFID Partners

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:12:42 GMT

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500% Growth in SkyeTek RFID Partners over the Past Year Necessitates a Formal Support Program.

Westminster, Colorado, March 19, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today unveiled its SkyeTek Partner Program, designed to increase business opportunities and improve sales and profit growth for the company and its growing network of strategic partners. As SkyeTek continues to partner with industry-leading technology vendors to deliver simple, safe and secure RFID solutions to the market, the company is committed to providing every partner with a high level of service and support.

"SkyeTek intends to derive a majority of its revenue from indirect channels by building long lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with its growing network of partners," noted Chris Turner, EVP of Sales and Business Development at SkyeTek. "We are excited to offer additional support and a number of new program benefits to our partners as we work together to embed SkyeTek’s innovative RFID technology into products and applications."

The SkyeTek Partner Program has been designed to help SkyeTek and its partners jointly offer market leading RFID solutions to end users around the globe. Specifically, the following benefits are available:

Gain Incremental Revenue/Profit

Improve ability to target high growth RFID market

Receive sales assistance on key customer deals

Receive qualified leads from SkyeTek

Improve Customer Satisfaction

Enhance support capabilities through increased training

Gain access to SkyeTek technical support staff

Become a Market Leader in "RFID"

Join forces with SkyeTek, a leader in the RFID market

Launch joint marketing initiatives and awareness campaigns

"As a reseller of SkyeTek reader technology, we are always looking to identify and sell into new applications for embedded RFID," states Xuan Yulong, CEO of HangZhou ZiYTek. "We are excited to join the SkyeTek Partner Program and look forward to receiving the program benefits that will help us drive sales and improve customer satisfaction."

The SkyeTek Partner Program is now available to all current and potential partners in three distinct categories:

Channel Partners –The SkyeTek Partner Program has been specifically designed to help distributors and resellers of SkyeTek reader technology to better identify and close new RFID opportunities.

Business Partners – The SkyeTek Partner Program provides a number of benefits to business partners, including as systems integrators, who are thought leaders in developing embedded RFID solutions.

Technology Partners – The SkyeTek Partner Program has been designed to also help support partnerships with key RFID technology providers, such as tag and antenna vendors – companies critical to delivering complete solutions to SkyeTek customers.

To learn more about the program and its benefits, please visit the SkyeTek partner website at: http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/PartnerOverview/tabid/361/Default.aspx

SkyeTek Signs Resellers to Serve Large RFID Markets in Europe

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:55:47 GMT

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TDC, AVE, and IAData will Resell SkyeTek’s Full Line of HF and UHF Reader Technology in the United Kingdom/Ireland, Benelux, and Nordic countries.

Westminster, Colorado, March 19, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the addition of three value added resellers that will provide significant sales, systems integration, and support presence across Europe. TDC, AVE, and IAData will provide SkyeTek with sales and service support in the United Kingdom/Ireland, the Benelux, and Nordic countries respectively. These partners each carry SkyeTek’s full line of HF and UHF reader modules and ReaderWare software.

"The European RFID market has been thriving in business applications such as transport and logistics, access control, medicine and supply chain management," stated Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Now, RFID-enabled devices are set to pervade such applications as item-level inventory, patron management, contactless payment, and product authentication. Because our architecture is frequency-agnostic, systems integrators and value added resellers can focus and specialize on one common RFID reader platform, which speeds time-to-market and increases sales efficiency."

TDC, SkyeTek’s selected reseller for the United Kingdom and Ireland, supplies electronic component and module solutions to manufacturers of telecommunication, machine to machine, automotive and consumer electronic products. "The addition of SkyeTek sits perfectly with our wireless portfolio, and our position as the wireless specialist within the Abacus Group makes this a real win-win relationship," said Jerry Sandys, managing Director of TDC. "SkyeTek’s revolutionary HF and UHF reader technology offers simple and secure solutions for the demands of today’s RFID market."

SkyeTek has also selected Added Value Electronics (AVE) and IAData as value added resellers for the Benelux and Nordic countries respectively. AVE promotes professional niche electronic components and subassemblies across Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. The company’s field sales and application engineers provide customers optimal logistical and technical support. IAData sells RFID readers, tags and complete systems to companies in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

SkyeTek is excited to add these partners to its growing list of value added resellers. These companies have been selected based on their ability to help make the process of embedding RFID into customers’ products simple, cost effective, and secure. To learn more about SkyeTek’s market leading RFID solutions or find a value added reseller please visit: http://www.skyetek.com/Company/Partners/ChannelPartners/tabid/346/Default.aspx

ACC Systems and SkyeTek Deliver Handheld RFID-Based Solution for Tracking Casualties, Medical Resources on the Battlefield

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:25:09 GMT

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U.S. Military and Civilian Emergency Responders to Use RFID Handheld Reader for Real-Time Visibility, Rapid Response

Westminster, Colorado, February 5, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, and ACC Systems Inc. of Glen Head, N.Y., a leading defense systems integrator, today announced that they have entered into a technology partnership to deliver ruggedized, wirelessly connected RFID handheld readers for identifying, locating and tracking casualties and medical resources using RFID and satellite technology. The readers are designed for use within the Tactical Medical Coordination System (TacMedCS) deployed by military medical personnel and civilian emergency responders in conventional warfare, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and homeland defense settings.

TacMedCS is a wireless communication system that uses RFID technology to capture and display real-time casualty data in the field. SkyeTek’s embedded RFID technology will power wirelessly connected RFID handhelds used to read information resident on RFID medical wristbands placed on casualties or refugees and electronic dog tags worn by personnel in the field. Real-time awareness of casualty status and location allows medical personnel to more quickly respond with needed evacuation resources and helps medical personnel plan for incoming casualties. For more information, visit http://www.namrl.navy.mil/clinical/projects/tacmedcs.htm.

"We selected SkyeTek for our RFID reader module because we believe the company’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture is a significant innovation in terms of reader technology," noted Victor Sackett, director RFID division at ACC Systems. "SkyeTek’s M1-mini provides an optimum combination of performance, reliability, and tag support that places it at the forefront of the current marketplace. These features are an absolute necessity when it comes to applications used in warfare and other critical settings."

The SkyeModule M1-mini provides a low power, high performance, and cost effective platform designed to enable any device with RFID reader technology. Smaller in size than a U.S. quarter, the M1-mini is the world’s smallest, self-contained multi-protocol 13.56 MHz OEM module. The SkyeModule M1-mini offers customers investment protection through a flexible, forward-compatible platform that will support future tags and reader enhancements.

"In terms of RFID implementations and security, government system integrators like ACC Systems are very sophisticated and exhaustive," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Their selection of the M1-mini is an endorsement not only of our Advanced Universal Reader Architecture but also our ReaderWare software. Through ReaderWare, they will be able to seamlessly and cost-effectively upgrade their capabilities as manufacturers add features to existing tags and more tags come on the market."

Customers can purchase SkyeTek’s solutions as modules or ReaderWare licenses. 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 – 70% cost savings as a result.

About ACC Systems ACC Systems Inc. is an international distributor of RFID products for government and industry with manufacturing and systems integration support for custom design and engineering using RFID, GPS and Wireless technology. www.accsystemsinc.com

SkyeTek Closes 2006 with Triple-Digit Revenue Growth

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:00:00 GMT

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Breakthroughs in Embedded RFID Reader Technology and Worldwide Channel Expansion Lead to Record Sales

Westminster, Colorado, January 22, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today reported record growth in 2006, capping a year in which the company introduced groundbreaking new HF and UHF reader modules and established a worldwide sales presence. Following the company’s most successful year to date, SkyeTek attributes its increasing momentum to a growing demand for intelligent, cost-efficient reader hardware and software that enhances the simplicity, safety, and security of products and processes across numerous vertical markets.

During 2006, SkyeTek achieved 144% growth in revenue bookings year-over-year, fueled in large part by ReaderWare software license sales which exceeded 50% of revenue this past year and will surpass 60% during 2007. SkyeTek also topped the 900-unit mark for developer kits and 50-win mark for production customers. SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) provided the industry’s first and only horizontal reader platform allowing customer wins in numerous applications including item-level inventory, field force automation, contactless payment, product authentication, homeland security, smart-appliance, and smart-display.

"SkyeTek’s strategy is to create a layer of commoditized reader hardware and simple, intelligent software that allows networked applications to transparently benefit from the increased visibility provided by RFID," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "This unique approach allows our customers to generate tremendous ROI based on top-line benefits. Conversely, other parts of the industry have found ROI to be elusive due to an RFID infrastructure that is difficult and expensive to integrate with existing applications."

Beyond financial and customer growth, 2006 was an important year for SkyeTek in terms of product development and sales channel expansion. Highlights include:

Introduction of AURA providing a common hardware and software layer that virtualizes underlying RFID tags, protocols, and frequencies making them transparent to applications.

Launch of the following AURA-based products:

The M9 SkyeModule, the world’s smallest, least expensive, globally-compliant UHF RFID reader.
The M2 SkyeModule providing HF support for contactless payment, consumer loyalty, patron management, and product authentication.
ReaderWare Security that allows DoD-class encryption and hashing to be used with generic RFID tags.
ReaderWare Payments which provides contactless payment capabilities to existing POS terminals and coin-operated machinery.

Two key hires to round out the executive team. Chris Turner joined the company as EVP of Sales and Business Development and Martin Payne was hired as EVP of Marketing and Strategy.

Doubling of sales in Europe and Asia due to four new distribution agreements and a new European sales headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Technology partnerships with several Fortune 500 customers including Zebra Technologies and Atmel.

SkyeTek and Atmel Partner to Offer Industry Leading Secure RFID Technology

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:43:22 GMT

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Westminster, CO, and San Jose, CA, January 8, 2007 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and Atmel® Corporation (NASDAQ: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today they have entered into a technology partnership. The combination of Atmel’s advanced cryptographic RF circuits, CryptoRF®, and SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) will give customers one of the highest performing, most secure HF reader / tag platforms available in the market.

"We selected SkyeTek because the company’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture is a tremendous complement to our secure RFID semiconductor technology," stated Kerry Maletsky, Crypto Products Business Unit Director, Atmel. "The combination of CryptoRF and AURA will allow Atmel to offer its customers the optimum combination of security, performance, and investment protection that is at least one generation ahead of the current HF marketplace."

The partnership between Atmel and SkyeTek will provide customers with an ultra-secure option for embedded RFID applications. Resulting solutions leverage CryptoRF’s security features and the enterprise-class reliability and price-performance of the SkyeTek ReaderDNA and ReaderWare technology. This combination will provide customers with the ability to adapt RFID technology into existing applications and is well positioned to provide valuable solutions addressing ePedigree, patient safety, consumables authentication, item-level inventory management, and ticketing. SkyeTek’s ReaderWare also provides the capability to upgrade the reader to support future tags, protocols, and cryptography via a firmware upgrade.

"Security and privacy have emerged as major factors in RFID adoption," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "As a result, customers evaluating RFID-enabled applications today are looking beyond existing HF technology for a solution that is capable of meeting the critical needs of enterprise and internet class applications. The solutions jointly developed by Atmel and SkyeTek as a result of this partnership will ensure that customers will be able to meet the IT industry’s most stringent security standards without sacrificing performance."

The agreement ensures support for Atmel’s CryptoRF tag family in SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture as well as an upgrade of SkyeTek’s ReaderWare and ReaderDNA, the key components of AURA, optimized around Atmel silicon.

Information: Atmel's CryptoRF product information may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/products/SecureRF/. SkyeTek’s product information may be retrieved at http://www.skyetek.com/.

About Atmel: Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry’s broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

© 2006 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel®, logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are®, CryptoRF and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Read Atmel's Press Release: Here

Onnitech and SkyeTek Partner to Deliver EPC-Based Traffic and Parking Enforcement Solution for Government of South Korea

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:00:00 GMT

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uWiz-4000 Handheld RFID Reader Incorporates Industry-Leading M9 UHF SkyeModule

Westminster, Colorado, USA, and Seoul, Korea, November 21, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, and Onnitech Ltd, one of Korea’s leading providers of finished RFID readers, today announced availability of the uWiz-4000 handheld reader designed for traffic and parking enforcement. Due to severe traffic and difficult parking conditions, the Korean government has instituted an RFID-based rationing program that limits when owners can drive their vehicles. Onnitech’s uWiz-4000, with integrated wireless network connectivity, will be used by government personnel to determine whether automobiles comply with the rationing schedule.

"Korea is a world leader in its implementation of wireless technology into everyday life," said Rob Balgley, CEO, SkyeTek. "The Korean government’s use of RFID to load balance commuters between automobiles and mass transit will reduce air pollution, time spent commuting, and expenditures on road / parking infrastructure. This use case is one of the many practical and powerful applications of RFID where a complex, labor intensive process is greatly automated and simplified."

Via an EPC Class 1 Gen 2 tag affixed to each vehicle, the Korean government specifies certain days when owners are allowed to drive their automobiles within city limits. To enforce the program, government personnel will use Onnitech’s uWiz-4000 to read tags on parked cars to determine whether or not they are in compliance. The identifiers in tags of non-compliant vehicles are sent to headquarters via wireless backhaul to the enforcement agency’s network where processing of the infraction occurs.

Based on SkyeTek’s M9 UHF module, the uWiz-4000 provides tag support for EPC Class 1, Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6B standards. With power efficiency that enables the reader to last up to a week without recharging, the uWiz-4000 provides parking personnel with reliable reads at ranges up to one meter. The handheld device is the size of a small writing tablet, has a foldable antenna, and weighs just over half a kilogram, making it easy for officials to transport it for use across the city.

"SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture is a tremendous advancement in RFID reader architecture and design," stated Mr. Kong-Sik Lee, CEO, Onnitech Ltd. "It is an enormous task for the Korean government to track commuting patterns of its citizens, and we needed a partner who could help us develop the right solution for such an ambitious project. The M9 UHF SkyeModule was the only reader module that allowed us to achieve our aggressive cost, space, power, and performance requirements."

The M9 UHF SkyeModule, the world’s smallest, least expensive EPC Class 1 Gen 1/2 and ISO 18000-6B/C OEM reader module that meets regulatory compliance requirements for the world’s major markets including North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, and Japan. Approximately half the size of a business card, the M9 was designed for embedded UHF applications such as item-level inventory, anti-counterfeiting, access control, handheld reading / encoding, and printing.

The M9 offers support for anti-collision, dense reader mode, security, and a broad array of EPC Class 1 Gen1/2 and ISO 18000-6B/C tags, including soon-to-be-released tags based on new Gen 2 silicon. As tag memory increases, customers will be able to leverage ReaderWare Security to provide privacy protection, anti-tampering, and anti-counterfeiting on generic tags without incurring additional cost. These features come standard in the M9 which is offered as a single, global SKU allowing the factory or end user to set which country mode it should operate in.

Customers can purchase SkyeTek’s M9 as a module or ReaderWare license. Licensing also provides customers with access to the M9 ReaderDNA reference design, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 – 70% cost savings as a result.

Pictured Above: Onnitech uWiz-4000 Handheld RFID Reader

SkyeTek’s Readers Enable Cashless Payment at Cold-Drink Vending Machines

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Isochron Selects SkyeTek, Incorporates M2 HF RFID Reader Module into Secure, Cashless Payment Solution

Westminster, Colo., October 30, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that it has entered into a technology partnership with Isochron LLC, a leader in intelligent, networked vending technology for the food and beverage industry. Isochron selected SkyeTek’s M2 contactless payment module as the embedded RFID reader to enable secure, cashless payment at cold-drink vending machines. With robust read performance, onboard security, and contactless payment support, the M2 is the clear leader in performance, reliability, and security protection among contactless payment reader modules.

"Our networked platform for cold-drink vending requires the highest read reliability and security in the smallest possible form factor," stated Bryan Godwin, CEO and President of Isochron. "We evaluated all of the major providers of contactless payment readers and SkyeTek’s M2 platform was the only one to meet all of our criteria."

SkyeTek's Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) is the foundation for the M2 contactless payment reader module which provides industry-leading tag support, read range / reliability, and security at the highest levels of cost- / space- / power-efficiency. The M2 has passed testing in support of Mastercard Paypass, Visa Contactless, and Amex ExpressPay and incorporates state-of-the art encryption and digital signature technology - the same algorithms used in the Department of Defense and financial services – to offer the highest levels of security to contactless payment.

"Our embeddable reader technology for contactless payment will allow machines and equipment, traditionally limited to cash only payment, to now receive cashless payment," commented Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "Contactless payment will revolutionize payment, turning parking meters, personal computers, cell phones, kiosks, and vending machines into contactless payment enabled devices, many of which will send POS data wirelessly back to the corporate IT network for decision support analysis and just-in-time inventory management."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEMs, systems integrators, and distributors as reader modules (which include a ReaderWare license) or ReaderWare software licenses. Licensing provides these customers with access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module.

Zebra Technologies Selects SkyeTek as RFID Reader Technology Partner

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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R110XiHF Printer to Incorporate M2 HF SkyeModule for High-Performance, Multi-Protocol Tag Encoding

Westminster, Colo., October 17, 2006 – 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.

SkyeTek M2 RFID Reader Module Enables Contactless Payment Applications

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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SkyeModule M2 HF Now Supports MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Contactless Payment Specifications

Westminster, Colorado, USA. October 3, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that the SkyeModule M2 HF now provides support for contactless payment, consumer loyalty, and patron management applications. Payment infrastructure providers can integrate the M2 directly into or as an add-on to traditional point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Manufacturers of cash-operated equipment, such as vending machines, appliances, and parking meters can also integrate the M2 to enable secure, cashless payment.

"RFID-based contactless payment has emerged as a far more secure and convenient model than cash and credit card transactions," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "The M2 offers robust payment support, easy application integration, and software upgradeability to future tag and security protocols. These features, when coupled with the M2’s industry-leading price and footprint, expand the addressable market for contactless payment beyond POS terminals to devices that have traditionally only accepted cash-based payments or those that have never accepted any form of payment."

Based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M2 can integrate seamlessly into most payment environments, providing support for the contactless payment specifications of MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Payment applications interface with the M2 via ReaderWare, which provides an abstraction layer that provides software upgradeability to future tag and security protocols. Roughly half the size of a business card, the M2 is priced at $60 per module in volume, enabling customers to reap the benefits of contactless payment at the industry’s lowest price point. Through a ReaderWare licensing agreement, which includes access to the M2 ReaderDNA reference design, customers can achieve incremental savings of more than 50% in both pricing and footprint.

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEMs, systems integrators, and distributors as reader modules or ReaderWare software licenses. Since its introduction in July, the M2 has won several major production customers in contactless payment and other applications. Customer references will be made available to the media and analysts upon request.

SkyeTek Opens European Headquarters to Expand Sales Channels for ETSI Compliant RFID Reader Modules and Software

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:42:32 GMT

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Meshed Systems is First SkyeTek VAR in Europe – Several Others to Follow

Westminster, Colorado, USA, September 27, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced the creation of its sales headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, responsible for covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Over the past few months, SkyeTek has announced the availability of two globally compliant reader modules – the M9 UHF SkyeModule and the M2 HF SkyeModule. As a result, the company’s sales in Europe and Asia-Pacific have more than doubled for the second consecutive year, marking the emergence of overseas markets as significant growth areas for SkyeTek.

SkyeTek’s first channel partner in Europe is Meshed Systems, a leading RFID solutions provider based in Munich, Germany. Meshed has been a SkyeTek value added reseller (VAR) for several quarters and will continue to cover Germany, Austria, and Switzerland under the purview of SkyeTek’s EMEA sales organization.

"Meshed Systems focuses exclusively on RFID and deals with sophisticated customers in both HF and UHF applications," stated Michael E. Wernle, President of Meshed Systems. "Consequently, we require a robust, ETSI compliant product line that allows us to offer our customers the best value proposition for their unique application, regardless of frequency, protocol, or tag. We chose SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) because it gives our customers a robust reader platform with an attractive ROI while allowing us to focus our sales and support efforts around one platform."

Mark Troyer, Sales Director, will head up SkyeTek’s EMEA sales operations as the company looks to expand its footprint across Europe and beyond. Troyer joins SkyeTek from Jabber where he led the expansion of European sales channels for Jabber’s enterprise instant messaging platform. He has also held several executive sales and marketing positions at Lucent, Network Associates, Novell, and Sun Microsystems. Troyer earned an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management (ie, Thunderbird) and a dual degree, BS in Computer Science and BA in French, from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

"Europe has been a significant growth region for us and projects to be a very large RFID reader market driven by embedded applications in anti-counterfeiting, smartcard payments, and item-level inventory management," said Chris R. Turner, EVP of Sales and Business Development, SkyeTek. "Mark has a long and very successful track record of growing European sales channels for technology-based companies. We are very fortunate to have a seasoned sales executive at the helm of our expansion in EMEA."

SkyeTek offers its technology to OEMs, systems integrators, and distributors as reader modules (which come with ReaderWare included) or ReaderWare software licenses. Licensing provides customers with access to ReaderDNA reference designs, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 to 70 percent cost savings versus a typical reader module.

RFID Leader SkyeTek Wins Top Award for Innovation in Communications Technology

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Westminster, Colo., August 23, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that it has been recognized as The Most Innovative Communications Company in Boulder County by the Boulder County Business Report (BCBR) in its Seventh Annual Innovation Quotient (IQ) Awards.

SkyeTek was honored on August 17, at a ceremony to recognize companies and organizations in Boulder / Broomfield counties and the Denver / Boulder corridor for their innovation in business and technology. In addition to the communications award, winners were announced in nine other categories including general business, commercial & industrial, computers, Internet, consumer, medical & health, nonprofit, software and sports & outdoor.

“SkyeTek is proud to be recognized as a leading innovator within the Boulder community – a community well-known for its great accomplishments in technology and business,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “We are excited by the virtually endless opportunities for our embedded reader technology to enable breakthrough RFID solutions across multiple industries. This award is a testament to the hard-work and dedication of our employees – an overall team effort that has delivered our company to the forefront of RFID innovation.

“SkyeTek’s innovation in advancing RFID technology into numerous applications helped our judges decide the company should receive one of our IQ Awards for innovation this year,” said Jerry W. Lewis, publisher and editor of The Boulder County Business Report, which organized the awards event. “The company already has a good list of key customers, and we expect further growth for SkyeTek.”

About The Boulder County Business Report
The Boulder County Business Report, published bi-weekly, reports on the entrepreneurial business marketplace of Boulder County, Colorado and the Denver/Boulder Corridor, increasingly recognized for its high-technology/ new economy activity. The Boulder County Business Report can be read online at http://www.bcbr.com.

SkyeTek Begins Shipment of World’s Smallest, Globally-Compliant UHF RFID Reader Module

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Targeted at OEMs Developing Embedded UHF Applications – Pricing at $199 per Module / $59 per ReaderWare License

Westminster, Colo., August 2, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced availability of the M9 UHF SkyeModule, the world’s smallest, least expensive EPC Gen 1 Class 1/2 and ISO 18000-6B/C OEM reader module that meets regulatory compliance requirements for the world’s major markets including North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, and Japan. Approximately half the size of a business card, the M9 was designed for embedded UHF applications such as item-level inventory, handheld reading / encoding, and printing.

Based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), the M9 leads the industry in UHF reader price-performance due to its ReaderWare software layer. ReaderWare provides advanced reader intelligence that not only delivers adaptive behavior, broad tag support, and industry standard security, but also performs functions traditionally performed in hardware allowing the M9 to achieve uncommon efficiencies in cost, performance, power consumption, and form factor. Priced at $199 per module and $59 per ReaderWare license, the M9 offers unparalleled value in the embedded UHF reader market.

“UHF in RFID is typically associated with dock door readers used in supply chain,” said
Drew Nathanson, RFID Practice Director at Venture Development Corporation. “We believe embedded applications, where the reader becomes designed into shelves, containers, and machinery, will drive the next wave of significant RFID adoption in both UHF and HF.”

The M9 offers support for anti-collision, dense reader mode, security, inductive UHF, and a broad array of EPC Class 1 Gen1/2 and ISO 18000-6B/C tags, including soon-to-be-released tags based on new Gen 2 silicon. As tag memory increases, customers will be able to leverage ReaderWare Security to provide privacy protection, anti-tampering, and anti-counterfeiting on generic tags without incurring additional cost. These features come standard in the M9 which is offered as a single, global SKU allowing the factory or end user to set which country mode it should operate in.

“The M9 is based on SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture, which has been developed from the ground up for embedded RFID applications,” stated Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Market feedback on AURA and the M9 has been very positive. We not only sold out of all pre-production units but also have generated a significant backlog heading into our official launch period.”

Customers can purchase SkyeTek’s M9 as a module or ReaderWare license. Licensing also provides customers with access to the M9 ReaderDNA reference design, allowing them to integrate the technology directly into their product design and realize 40 – 70% cost savings as a result.

The M9 is available immediately with regulatory pre-scan testing completed for North America, Europe (ETSI 302 208), Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Pre-scan testing for Japan will complete in August.

Above: SkyeTek's M9 UHF SkyeModule is 49% smaller than a business card

SkyeTek Introduces State-of-the-Art Security for RFID Privacy Protection

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Allows Use of Generic Tags for Secure RFID Applications

July 10, 2006 – Westminster, Colo. – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today unveiled the industry’s most advanced security technology for protecting the integrity and privacy of broad RFID implementations in both HF and UHF. The best cryptography implemented today is found in government, financial, and internet applications in the form of AES and SHA, both specified by NSA and FIPS as industry standards for encryption and hashing, respectively. SkyeTek brings that security to embedded RFID applications, such as Item-Level Inventory Management, ePedigree, and Contactless Payment, and also allows customers to use generic tags in those applications saving customers up to 70% versus proprietary, encrypted tags.

“The benefits of embedded RFID applications are immense – however, the industry must address legitimate privacy threats in a cost effective manner before widespread adoption can occur,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “With our most recent security innovations, SkyeTek has integrated best-in-class, open standard encryption and hashing into our embedded readers without impacting form, fit, or cost. RFID security is now on par with mature technology industries and has been implemented in a highly cost-efficient manner through the use of generic tags in secure applications.”

SkyeTek’s multi-frequency Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) implements the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for state-of-the-art privacy protection. DES and Triple-DES are supported for legacy applications already employing forms of the Digital Encryption Standard (DES). AURA also encompasses the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) and MD5 to provide industrial strength hashing to protect against tag tampering and counterfeiting. These security features are accessible through ReaderWare, AURA’s software layer, which allows customers to develop their secure, embedded RFID application independent of tag, protocol, or frequency.

"As RFID adoption continues to grow across nearly every vertical market, data security solutions are becoming more critical." said Drew Nathanson, RFID Practice Director at Venture Development Corporation. "The ability to use open, standards-based security solutions with any commercially available tag will facilitate wide-scale RFID adoption for both the enterprise and consumer, particularly in applications related to patient safety, contactless payment, personal identification, and customer loyalty. With RFID security issues becoming more prevalent in increasingly 'public' forums, companies that choose to integrate enhanced security solutions into their product innovation and design processes are expected to gain a significant competitive advantage."

These security features come standard in SkyeTek’s new reader modules, the M2 HF SkyeModule and M9 UHF SkyeModule. Both readers allow customers to utilize industry standard HF and UHF tags for security-intensive applications, including tags that have already been deployed by customers. The M2 and M9 also provide support for proprietary encryption algorithms and their associated tags. The M2 is currently available through SkyeTek OEMs, systems integrators, and channel partners. The M9 will begin shipments later this month.

Low-Cost, Frequency-Agnostic Reader Solution Available for Item-Level RFID

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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AURA Allows Customers to Develop a Single Item-Level Application Deployable in HF and UHF

Westminster, Colo., June 14, 2006 – SkyeTek, the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology, today announced that customers can develop smart-shelf and mobile inventory management applications using its Item-Level Developer Kit, which is based on SkyeTek’s Common Blade Family of reader modules. SkyeTek’s Common Blade modules share a common hardware / software interface and Compact Flash Type 2 Extended form factor allowing customers to develop a single, frequency-agnostic application and leave the HF / UHF choice as an application deployment decision.

Traditional readers are finished products that have been optimized for UHF supply chain applications but are typically too large and expensive for embedded RFID applications, which require HF and/or UHF. SkyeTek developed the Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA) from the ground up to specifically serve as a multi-frequency reader platform for embedded RFID applications. Of these applications, item-level, in particular, requires high performance in a low-cost, small form factor. AURA satisfies these requirements by leveraging ReaderWare software to deliver robust read reliability and broad tag support allowing ReaderDNA hardware reference designs to focus on delivering the optimum blend of read range / performance and cost-, space-, and power-efficiency.

“Item-level inventory RFID applications represent a significant ROI opportunity for retailers and consumer products companies,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “Our modular architecture eliminates frequency as a concern in application development. Customers can make the decision to go with HF, UHF, or both at deployment without impact to the development work that has already occurred.”

SkyeTek’s Common Blade Family of readers is comprised of the M2 HF SkyeModule and M9 UHF SkyeModule. These modules share a common software, mechanical, and electrical interface that allows customers to develop a single item-level application that is frequency-agnostic. The HF / UHF decision can be made during deployment or post-deployment as one module can be replaced by the other in the field due to their identical form factors and software / hardware interfaces. These modules also share a code base that provides common application services such as encryption, GPIO, and antenna multiplexer control.

In addition to offering reader modules, SkyeTek also provides customers with the option to integrate the reader hardware, using a ReaderDNA reference design, directly into their system and license ReaderWare software to provide the reader intelligence and application interface. SkyeTek offers its technology on a licensed basis to provide the seamless integration, low cost, and high ROI required in embedded RFID applications such as item-level inventory.

The M2, M9, and Item-Level Developer Kit are orderable today with initial shipments starting in July. To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, ReaderDNA, or any of its SkyeModules, visit www.skyetek.com, send an email to sales@skyetek.com, call 720-565-0441.

SkyeTek Bolsters Financial and Organizational Resources

Wed, 31 May 2006 06:00:00 GMT

Market and Company Momentum Fueling Expansion of Sales, Marketing, and Capital Resources

May 31, 2006 – Westminster, Colo. – SkyeTek, the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and developer of ReaderWareTM, today announced the availability of a $2.5M credit facility from Square 1 Bank and key additions to its marketing and sales organizations.

The growth in customers embedding SkyeTek’s reader technology as a feature in their products continues to accelerate. Over the last 4 quarters, SkyeTek’s hardware and software sales have grown nearly 100% led by a strong Q1 in which sales grew nearly 50% over Q4. Demand has been brisk for SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA), which is increasingly found in applications such as anti-counterfeiting, consumables authentication, item-level inventory, patient safety, patron management, and point-of-sale payment.

"Success in venture lending is highly dependent on developing client relationships with emerging leaders in large market spaces," said Richard Casey, Founder and CEO of Square 1 Bank. "SkyeTek fits our criteria to a tee. The company is backed by a syndicate of top-tier venture capital firms, directed by a seasoned executive management team, and successfully executing on its strategy to capture the large, rapidly growing embedded RFID market."

Charged with advancing SkyeTek’s strategy is Martin Payne, who recently joined SkyeTek as VP of Marketing and Strategy. In addition to corporate strategy, he is also responsible for market awareness, lead generation, and technology alliances. Payne comes to SkyeTek from Sun Microsystems, StorageTek, and Dell Computer where he held senior positions in marketing, product line management, strategy, and business development. He has led the successful development and launch of product lines into direct and multi-tier sales channels, such as Dell’s Axim handheld computers and StorageTek’s StreamLine portfolio of enterprise storage. In addition to 12 years of experience in technology markets, Payne also holds an undergraduate degree from the US Air Force Academy and graduate degrees from the University of California-Berkeley and Harvard Business School.

“Since 2003, we have offered a horizontal reader technology platform, comprised of software and hardware, that allows RFID to become a feature in products used in numerous vertical markets,” noted Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “The market has been very accepting of our technology and value proposition. We have recently added experienced new-hires to sales and marketing that will help us build the leveraged go-to-market model needed to continue our growth trajectory, but on a much larger scale. The credit facility from Square 1, moreover, gives us the financial wherewithal to immediately capitalize on incremental market opportunities should we decide to address them.”

In March, SkyeTek announced the hiring of Chris R. Turner as EVP of Sales and Business Development. Since then, Turner has put in place a worldwide sales organization focused on building channel partnerships with leading semiconductor manufacturers, ISVs, OEMs, and distributors. Joining an already successful sales team are seasoned professionals that will occupy geographic leadership positions underneath Turner. These new-hires bring enterprise IT experience from companies such as Akamai, AOL, Intelliden, Micromuse, and Network Associates.

To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, ReaderDNA, or any of its SkyeModules, visit www.skyetek.com, send an email to sales@skyetek.com, call 720-565-0441.

Photos available upon request.

Patient Safety Increasingly Reliant on RFID

Wed, 17 May 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Patient Safety One of Many Applications RFID-enabled by SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA™)

May 17, 2006 – Westminster, Colo. – SkyeTek, the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and developer of ReaderWareTM, today announced that more than 30 customers are using its technology in vital patient safety applications. By embedding SkyeTek’s reader technology as a feature in their products, these companies are improving diagnosis reliability and point of care in areas such as laboratory analysis, mammograms, blood transfusions, medication delivery, prostate treatment, and LASIK eye surgery.

TioMed has integrated both SkyeTek RFID reader technology and 802.11 (WiFi) network connectivity into their BASICHemo handset in order to automate type matching prior to a blood transfusion. Once the handset matches the blood type on the patient’s RFID-tagged wristband with the type on the blood unit’s RFID tag, it allows the transfusion to proceed. Throughout the procedure, the handset sends data via its 802.11 wireless network connection to a central database that keeps a record of events and results for each patient. BASICHemo was designed to automate blood transfusions which number over 50 million per year worldwide.

“We launched our BASICHemo system in April and since then, have experienced very strong demand – hospitals see that they can save patient lives and increase medical staff productivity by using this automated solution,” says Marco Rossi, Director of Engineering for TioMed. “The use of RFID as the enabling technology would not have been possible if not for SkyeTek’s unique architecture that provides fully functional RFID reader technology at a price point and form factor required for embedded applications.”

Unlike today’s monolithic supply chain-oriented reader architectures, SkyeTek has designed AURA to serve as the universal reader architecture for embedded RFID applications such as patient safety. Available to customers as complete reader modules or ReaderWare licenses, AURA provides highly intelligent reader software and small, low-cost, power-efficient reader modules. When licensing ReaderWare, customers also gain access to ReaderDNA reference designs which allow them to manufacture their own modules at a savings of 40 – 75% versus typical reader modules.

Another patient safety customer, Medica uses SkyeTek’s RFID technology to improve the reliability of test results coming from its EasyLyte analyzers, which test for electrolytes in blood, serum, plasma, and urine samples. Using the proper reagent system with the electrolyte analyzer is critical to obtaining accurate test results. By checking calibration values, expiration dates, usage dates and other parameters encoded in the reagent’s RFID tag, the SkyeTek reader module, embedded in Medica’s analyzer, ensures that the correct reagent is being used.

“Within six months of contacting SkyeTek, our EasyLyte Analyzers were on the market with the capability of ensuring the integrity of Medica’s reagents,” says Robert Hagopian, CEO of Medica. “Market acceptance has been so encouraging, we are moving towards retrofitting existing electrolyte analyzers in the field to incorporate SkyeTek’s reference design and ReaderWare software. SkyeTek’s architecture and business model are an ideal fit for in vitro diagnostic device manufacturers such as Medica.”

To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, ReaderDNA, or any of its SkyeModules, visit www.skyetek.com, send an email to sales@skyetek.com, call 720-565-0441.

Photos available upon request.

SkyeTek Raises the Bar in Embedded RFID with Next Generation Reader Technology

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Five New Offerings based on Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA™)

Westminster, Colo. and Las Vegas, Nev. – SkyeTek’s Advanced Universal Reader Architecture (AURA™), the reader architecture designed specifically for the embedded RFID market, and five new offerings based on this platform will be on display at the upcoming RFID Journal Live! tradeshow in Las Vegas. AURA represents the next generation of SkyeTek’s modular, open-architected reader technology that has captured nearly 100 customer design wins since its introduction in late 2003.

The market for embedded RFID is a continually expanding list of hundreds of applications spanning many vertical industries. Consequently, it requires a reader architecture that not only provides broad functionality for a wide array of requirements but also optimizes for the cost, space, and power consumption typical of embedded applications. Although well suited for several supply chain applications, today’s expensive, monolithic RFID readers do not meet the requirements for the embedded market. Recognizing this gap in the marketplace, SkyeTek specifically designed AURA to serve as the universal reader architecture for embedded RFID applications. OEMs can easily capture new market opportunities by integrating RFID as a feature into their products with minimal impact to form, fit, and cost.

"While much of the recent reader development has centered on supply chain management compliance applications, the long-term opportunity for RFID readers in the embedded market is potentially greater because of the number of possible applications that can be supported (within the supply chain and beyond). The SkyeTek architecture allows companies to embed readers in product lines, en masse, to create new, RFID-enabled applications. When paired with a cost-efficient business model, this top line benefit results in high returns on investment and lower total cost of ownership for customers," said Michael J. Liard, RFID Practice Director at Venture Development Corporation. "SkyeTek's position in the embedded RFID market is truly unique."

Each of the following new AURA-based products can be purchased as a SkyeModule or ReaderWare license:

M0 is the world’s smallest HF reader module. With support for ISO 15693, it possesses a footprint smaller than a postage stamp. Designed for embedded applications such as consumables authentication, electronics configuration, and equipment configuration, SkyeTek is pricing these modules for broad adoption at $15 per SkyeModule and $5 per ReaderWare license.
M2 is the industry’s most secure, embeddable HF module with protocol support for ISO 14443 A/B and 15693 and encryption support for Mifare, DES, 3DES, and AES. Based on the AURA HF/UHF Common Blade Family (Compact Flash Type II compliant), the M2 generates high returns on investment (ROI) for applications requiring encrypted reader authentication such as contactless payment, ePedigree, and kiosk / vending management.
M9 is the world’s smallest Gen 2 / ETSI compliant UHF reader module and designed for generating high ROI in applications such as handheld readers, label encoders, smart shelves, and smart carts / containers. As a member of the HF/ UHF Common Blade Family, the M9 is architecturally capable of near-field, inductive UHF for item level inventory applications.
MXH and MXU are antenna multiplexers for HF and UHF, respectively, that both come in 4- and 8-port models. Like its reader technology, SkyeTek designs its multiplexers specifically to achieve the cost and space efficiency required in embedded RFID applications. The ROI of smart-shelf and smart-container applications, for example, benefits dramatically from the 8X reduction in the total number of readers required as a result of using SkyeTek’s multiplexers.

AURA’s cost-efficiency allows SkyeTek to aggressively price its technology, a prerequisite to accelerating adoption in embedded markets. SkyeModules occupy the lowest pricing strata in the marketplace, and ReaderWare licensing, which includes use of ReaderDNA, provides additional cost benefit by allowing customers to not only buy hardware at cost but also realize synergies in design and manufacturing that come as a result of the industry standard components used in SkyeTek’s reference designs. Licensing typically saves customers 40 – 75% over the price of a typical reader module found in today’s market.

“Embedded RFID represents an enormous opportunity for manufacturers and solution providers in mainstream markets to improve the end user experience, increase sales productivity, and generate new revenue streams. By embedding fully functional, cost-efficient RFID readers as a feature in their product lines, customers can create new value propositions for their existing offerings,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek, Inc. “With our new line of solutions based on AURA, we continue to strengthen our market position as the lone provider of reader technology, business model, and cost structure that combines to enable the widespread adoption of RFID as an embedded product feature.”

Companies adopting SkyeTek’s technology represent numerous vertical markets and range from mid-market companies to Fortune 500 corporations. By incorporating SkyeTek’s reader technology, they are creating new applications for their existing products in patient safety, patron management, kiosk / vending, asset tracking, consumables authentication, and configuration management. SkyeTek’s customers are a diverse set of companies but share a common thread of fast time-to-market, increased customer satisfaction and growing revenue streams as a result of embedding RFID as a feature in their products.

SkyeTek’s architecture and business model are resonating with the demands of the embedded RFID market. Customers integrating SkyeTek’s RFID reader technology as a feature in their products represent the vast majority of SkyeTek’s combined hardware and software sales. SkyeTek offers its technology solely through OEMs and distributors.

To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, ReaderDNA, or any of its SkyeModules, visit www.skyetek.com, send an email to sales@skyetek.com, call 720-565-0441, or visit them in booth 334 at RFID Journal Live! at the MGM Grand Conference & Exhibition Center in Las Vegas, Nev., May 1 – 3.

SkyeTek’s AURA Enables Widespread Embedded RFID Adoption

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Advanced Universal Reader Architecture Unveiled

Westminster, Colo., April 5, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and developer of ReaderWare™, today introduced AURA™, the Advanced Universal Reader Architecture. This new architecture represents the next generation of SkyeTek’s open-architected, modular RFID reader technology that was originally introduced nearly one year ago. AURA is comprised of two components:

ReaderWare, a layer of software that provides platform- and protocol-independent reader functionality and intelligent application support, and
ReaderDNA™, reference designs that leverage a common hardware architecture across SkyeTek’s HF and UHF reader modules

Traditional RFID readers are monolithic finished products with high cost structures that to date have limited RFID to supply chain applications. AURA represents a significant advancement of SkyeTek’s reader architecture that extends RFID adoption into mainstream applications by disaggregating the reader into a software layer optimized for intelligence and hardware layer optimized for price-performance. With AURA, SkyeTek enables customers to license ReaderWare and run it on their own reader module based on all or part of ReaderDNA reference designs. This business model provides the seamless integration, low cost structure, and high ROI needed by customers to embed RFID as a feature in their existing product lines. SkyeTek has built significant momentum in the marketplace with this business model as customers embedding RFID into their products represent the majority of its overall hardware and software sales.

“What we are seeing with RFID readers is no different than what we saw with computers, internet subscriptions, and Wi-Fi. These markets started off with vertically-integrated solutions encumbered by high cost structures. Widespread adoption did not occur until new entrants horizontally disaggregated these value chains resulting in lower costs and increased performance,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek, Inc. “The RFID reader market is no different – black-box readers will give way to disaggregated, embeddable readers comprised of software optimized for RFID-enabled applications and hardware designed to exploit Moore’s Law. With AURA, SkyeTek leads the RFID market’s transition to intelligent, low-cost reader modules and software that can be embedded into mainstream products.”

Customers adopting AURA gain a single architecture for reader hardware and software that makes the task of designing, building, and maintaining an RFID application simple, manageable, and cost efficient over the lifetime of the application. ReaderWare decouples reader software from hardware providing a platform-independent, Tagnostic™ interface that is common among SkyeTek reader modules and allowing code re-use as the underlying protocols, cryptography, and components evolve. ReaderDNA shares common tag interoperability, protocol support, processor, form factor, and power supply across RFID reader modules enabling faster development cycles and greater scale economies. SkyeTek customers that have incorporated AURA into their product lines are benefiting from short development cycles, fast time-to-market, and high ROI.

SkyeTek will announce the introduction of new HF and UHF reader modules and reference designs based on AURA in Q2. To learn more about SkyeTek, AURA, ReaderWare, or ReaderDNA, visit www.skyetek.com. For sales information, call 720-565-0441.

SkyeTek, Inc. Reports Strong Demand Justifies Larger Sales Operation

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Hires VP of Sales and Business Development to Match Large Well-Directed Engineering Team and Favorable Market Timing

Westminster, Colo., March 29, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and developer of ReaderWare™, today introduced Chris Turner as the company’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development and gave an update on the progress the company has made since raising $8 million in venture financing several months ago.

“Over the last 4 quarters, we’ve nearly doubled hardware and software sales with the most dramatic growth coming from software licenses — a strategic indicator for us,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek, Inc. “With strong sales momentum and confident backing from the venture community, SkyeTek has built one of the largest and most experienced engineering teams in the industry totaling nearly 25 engineers. SkyeTek has hired Chris Turner as VP of Sales and Business Development because of his proven ability to develop large-scale sales partnerships with OEMs and distributors that will allow SkyeTek to grow revenue rapidly.”

Turner comes to SkyeTek from network management provider Intelliden Corporation, where he was VP of Worldwide Sales and Support. At Intelliden, he opened new sales channels in Government and Enterprise that scaled revenue nearly ten times over 3 years to a multi-million dollar run rate. As the VP of Global Sales at Akamai Technologies, Turner managed a global team of 250 with responsibility for all revenue streams. He led the company through a successful transition to enterprise-oriented customers and built an indirect sales model comprised of OEMs, resellers, and systems integrators. Prior to Akamai, he led a highly successful career in IBM’s sales organization covering a span of 10 years. A Harvard MBA, Turner has more than 15 years of experience in developing global technology direct and indirect sales relationships.

Since the introduction of ReaderWare in July of last year, numerous customers have incorporated SkyeTek’s RFID technology as a feature in their products creating new applications for their customers in areas such as patient safety, consumables authentication, point-of-sale efficiency, and mobile workforce productivity. By leading the industry in reader module commoditization and software layer intelligence through ReaderWare, SkyeTek has successfully expanded its footprint in key verticals not traditionally associated with RFID such as medical devices, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retail, printing, and hospitality.

“SkyeTek’s roadmap, patent portfolio, and engineering capability position the company to lead in what projects to be a very large space as mainstream customer segments realize the opportunity to differentiate by embedding RFID reader technology their products,” noted Turner. “SkyeTek’s distribution strategy is very similar to the software-oriented, indirect sales models at my previous companies. I am excited to accelerate the ongoing success of the company by building a sales organization that can articulate the new applications that are possible today with SkyeTek’s technology.”

To learn more about SkyeTek, ReaderWare, or the company’s management team, visit www.skyetek.com.

Boundless Technologies RFID-Enables Web Video Terminals with SkyeTek

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT

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Kiosk-Embedded RFID Readers Used for Financial Transactions, Identification and Security, Product Tracking and Inventory Management

Broomfield, Colo., March 14, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the leading provider of embedded RFID reader technology and developer of ReaderWare™, today announced that Boundless Technologies is incorporating SkyeTek’s M1 reader into the Boundless ADDS 5700 Dual Video Web Terminal. By adding RFID as a feature, Boundless expands the addressable market of the ADDS 5700 to new kiosk applications such as point-of-sale credit card transactions for retail, user identification and authentication for financial services, and inventory tracking and management in pharmaceuticals.

“We selected SkyeTek because they were uniquely able to meet our customers’ requirements for size, functionality, security, and cost while providing a robust software development platform in ReaderWare that accelerates time-to-market,” said Jack Ryan, COO of Boundless Technologies. “RFID-enabled ADDS 5700’s allow Boundless to increase its value proposition to customers and extend its reputation as an innovative and responsive global supplier of data entry and video display technologies.”

In addition to being embedded within the ADDS 5700, Boundless is also offering SkyeTek’s M1 reader module as a standard PCI card that can be easily integrated within existing Boundless devices. Both companies anticipate RFID-enabled kiosks to rapidly take on increasing functionality and new applications as they are introduced to the market later this year.

“Kiosks are a prime example of the rapidly broadening reach of RFID outside the role of traditional supply-chain and into the role of a feature leveraged within consumer-facing applications,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “In partnership with Boundless and other manufacturers, we are excited to help speed the deployments of RFID-enabled kiosks that will help our customers both interact with their customers and better manage their inventory and access control systems.”

For more information about SkyeTek, ReaderWare, the M1, M1-mini, or any other SkyeTek products including UHF and HF reader modules, visit www.skyetek.com or phone (720) 565-0441.

About Boundless. Boundless Corporation, formally Applied Digital Data Systems (ADDS) is one of the world’s largest suppliers of text terminals. We are dedicated to video technologies that deliver low-cost, highly reliable information to and from a computer network. Boundless Corporations markets products through a diversified channel approach that includes OEMs, Distribution, Resellers and Integrators on a worldwide scale. With an installed base in excess of six million units, we have established a leadership position in a market that is integral to our future as a global supplier of Data Entry and Video Display Technologies.

Consumable Authentication Enabled by SkyeTek’s RFID Reader Technology

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 07:00:00 GMT

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RFID Helps Ensure Quality and Safety for Manufacturers and their Customers

Dallas, Tex., February 27, 2006 – SkyeTek, Inc., the developer of ReaderWare, is seeing continued market adoption of its consumables authentication solution to help companies in healthcare and other industries prevent counterfeiting of branded consumables, ensuring the products their customers buy and use meet the original manufacturer’s standards for quality and safety.

“Behind SkyeTek’s market traction is a growing need for consumable revenue assurance, safety, brand integrity, and quality,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek, Inc. “Unfortunately, counterfeiting is a serious problem that can increase costs to the consumer and adversely affect performance and quality of products such as those used within the healthcare industry and in broader market segments. SkyeTek ‘s solution has helped companies and their consumers significantly curb the dangers associated with counterfeiting.”

SkyeTek’s consumable authentication solution provides manufacturers with the components needed to easily integrate SkyeTek’s reader technology into their existing consumable-dependent products. Consumables that interface with the product are tagged by their manufacturer with a passive RFID tag which is read and authenticated by a reader embedded in the product. Counterfeits are not accepted by the reader because they lack an authenticated tag, and reused consumables are recognized by the reader as having been previously used, helping to promote safety, brand integrity, and quality. By tagging their consumables, SkyeTek customers have also benefited via in-store theft protection and improved supply chain tracking capabilities.

To learn more about SkyeTek’s consumables authentication system or other solutions for RFID-enabling existing processes, visit them in booth 313 at the RFID World tradeshow, or on the Web at www.skyetek.com.

SkyeTek Enables Wearable RFID Tag Encoder

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 07:00:00 GMT

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SkyeTek partners with ADASA to Speed Availability of World’s First Wearable Gen2 Tag Encoder

Dallas, Tex., February 27, 2006 – The world’s first battery powered wearable Gen2 RFID tag encoder, the ADASA PAD3500 a RFID mandate compliance solution from ADASA Inc., will use encoding modules, software, and hardware reference designs from SkyeTek, Inc. The announcement made jointly today by ADASA in booth #432 and SkyeTek in booth #313 on the floor of the RFID World tradeshow in Dallas, will help CPG end user customers meet RFID mandates and seamlessly integrates with existing workflows and legacy barcode systems.

“The ADASA PAD3500 utilizes our patent pending ADASA SmartCartridge™ system combined with the SkyeTek module to provide CPG customers with a wearable RFID tag encoder that transparently integrates RFID tagging into their existing businesses practices,” said Clarke McAllister, President of ADASA Inc. “We selected SkyeTek’s encoding modules, software, and reference designs after much research because they were uniquely suited to meet our requirements for form factor, ease of integration, time-to-market as well as multi-protocol capability.”

ADASA will begin Beta testing the PAD3500 on March 1, 2006 with CPG customers and will begin volume shipments later in the year. The ADASA PAD3500 integrates the SkyeTek M8 module into a belt worn device that offers battery powered wireless connectivity into the enterprise IT system. The wearable device draws information from centralized data stores and uses it to program Gen2 tags with EPC compliant information. The Gen2 tags are then manually affixed to cases and their shipment information is noted in the company’s database for sending advance shipping notices to retailers.

“The challenge for ADASA was to rapidly design-in a compact and low power RFID tag encoder module that worked across a variety of protocols and different form factors and then wrapping it into a single wearable solution that suits the needs of their CPG customers,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “ADASA’s design challenges are truly where we excel and we are pleased to be working on a product that is so well aligned with our capabilities while at the same time delivering an overwhelming value proposition to their customers.”

To learn more about SkyeTek, its modules, hardware reference designs, and protocol-agnostic (Tagnostic™) RFID readers visit with them in booth #313 at RFID World or on the Web at www.skyetek.com. To learn more about ADASA Inc. and their patent pending SmartCartridge tag encoding system visit them in booth #432 at RFID World or on the Web at www.adasainc.com.

About ADASA Inc. - ADASA Inc. is a leading edge technology company specializing in advanced mobile RFID systems and RFID recycling. Based in Eugene, Oregon, ADASA is leading the development of patented and cost effective mobile RFID and tag recycling methods and technologies for Fortune 500 companies.

ReaderWare™ RFID Technology Helps Ensure Patient Safety

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Tiomed S.r.l. Licensing SkyeTek RFID reader software and hardware in BASICHEMO Blood Transfusion Safety System

Boulder, Colo. and Trento, Italy, February 21, 2006 – Tiomed S.r.l., manufacturer of the Bedside Automatic System for Identification and Communication (BASIC), is using RFID reader technology from SkyeTek’s ReaderWare suite as part of the Italian company’s efforts to improve patient care, from within the BASICHEMO blood transfusion safety system.

In the BASICHEMO model, Tiomed’s handheld Palmed scanner is used to identify patients using RFID reader hardware and software components from SkyeTek. Once identified, Palmed – which closely resembles a cell phone – looks up patient information over a hospital’s computer network and a request for a blood transfusion can be made. The transfusion request carries with it information such as blood type and patient location. When the blood arrives, Palmed uses RFID again to ensure the blood delivered is the right type and the transfusion complete Palmed updates the patient’s record to indicate when the procedure was performed.

“We selected SkyeTek’s ReaderWare suite because with our existing Palmed hardware design, front-and backend software systems, and planned new BASIC applications the RFID reader solution we chose had to be highly embeddable, configurable, and extensible,” Marco Rossi, IT Manager of Tiomed. “SkyeTek’s truly horizontal approach to reader technology, the depth of their development experience and the richness of their development platform allowed us to rapidly move from concept, through pilot, to deployment.” Tiomed reports that its BASICHEMO system, with embedded RFID technology from SkyeTek’s ReaderWare will be used in some of the most sophisticated and demanding hospitals across Italy and Spain.

"Our growing list of healthcare related customers now includes Tiomed, PDC, Medica, and others who are using ReaderWare components to improve the quality and accuracy of patient care through applications such as RFID-enabled medicine cabinets, internal scopes, and blood gas analyzers," said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. "SkyeTek's horizontal approach to readers is changing the dynamics of the RFID industry by enabling customer to treat RFID as a feature as opposed to an application within itself." ReaderWare 1.0 is available immediately as a licensed development platform for new and existing OEM reader designs or for use with SkyeTek’s HF and UHF small footprint, low power, Tagnostic™ reader modules and reference designs. For more information on SkyeTek or ReaderWare, visit www.skyetek.com.

Medica Embeds SkyeTek Reader Modules and ReaderWare™ Into Electrolyte Analyzers

Tue, 25 Oct 2005 06:00:00 GMT

Flexibility of ReaderWare Allows Medica to RFID-enable Existing Equipment

BOULDER, COLO., - October 25, 2005 – Medica, a Bedford, Mass.-based medical equipment manufacturer specializing in easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain, and low-cost blood testing analyzers, today confirmed that it has embedded SkyeTek’s M1 HF reader, which includes SkyeTek’s ReaderWare 1.0 suite, to RFID-enable its existing line of electrolyte analyzers.

“Prior to contacting SkyeTek, we recognized the potential in RFID but did not understand fully how we could leverage it for very specific issues,” said Medica CEO Robert Hagopian. “SkyeTek’s reader modules and ReaderWare suite are an ideal fit for Medica, as we were able to embed an RFID reader into our existing designs at a reasonable cost, producing better accuracy in consumable usage that has resulted in a significant reduction in potential user error rates.”

“Medica’s success speaks volumes about the need for embedded readers and enabled RFID solutions,” said Rob Balgley CEO of SkyeTek, Inc. “More importantly it speaks to the flexibility and extensibility of the ReaderWare suite, where a company such as Medica can work with SkyeTek to quickly embed modules into their existing designs to create a finished product that was unattainable last year.”

As of this announcement, Medica has shipped their first production release of RFID-enabled, electrolyte analyzers. According to Medica, SkyeTek’s M1 reader hardware in conjunction with the flexible architecture of ReaderWare software allowed Medica to achieve specific functional requirements without making any changes to it’s existing product design.

ReaderWare 1.0 is available immediately as a licensed development platform with SkyeTek’s HF and UHF small footprint, low power, Tagnostic™ readers or reference designs.

SkyeTek, Inc. Closes $8 Million Series B Round

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 06:00:00 GMT

SkyeTek, Inc. Closes $8 Million Series B Round

SkyeTek ReaderWare™ Software Disrupts Traditional RFID Hardware Models

Tue, 19 Jul 2005 06:00:00 GMT

Data-Defined Reader™ Technology Radicalizes Price Points, Simplifies RFID Development

BOULDER, COLO., July 19, 2005 - SkyeTek, Inc. today introduced ReaderWare™, an open-architected software suite that unlocks the traditionally black-box nature of RFID reader hardware. ReaderWare is available for both HF and UHF reader designs, including the SkyeTek M8 UHF reader module which has sold out of its initial inventory of developer kits.

“Most reader technology is based on legacy systems and derived from purpose-built vertical and proprietary technology,” said Rob Balgley, CEO of SkyeTek. “ReaderWare makes pervasive RFID possible by making reader hardware easily programmable and accessible to literally thousands of applications and developers who can now embed RFID reader hardware into non-RFID-specific technology.”

“Socket used the ReaderWare software suite and SkyeTek’s reader reference designs to develop the Socket Compact Flash Reader Card,” said Kevin Mills, CEO of Socket Communications. “SkyeTek and the ReaderWare software suite accelerated our development efforts and eased our integration issues, allowing a very quick time to market.”

“ReaderWare redefines and simplifies the RFID reader through a comprehensive approach to tag protocols, baseband processing, host-communication, security options, and reader configuration parameters,” said Sean Loving, CTO and founder of SkyeTek. “As a data defined reader technology, ReaderWare disaggregates the hardware and software components of the reader, allowing OEMs to treat hardware as a commodity and focus on what they want the application to actually do.”

The architecture of the ReaderWare software suite allows:

• Value-added applications to reside partially or fully ‘on-reader’
• Simplified integration for both developers and OEMs
• An ‘a la carte’ menu of reader technology building blocks
• Code portability across different hardware platforms
• Applications to control low-level hardware functions
• Better network edge performance

ReaderWare 1.0 is available immediately as a licensed development platform for new and existing OEM reader designs or for use with SkyeTek’s small footprint, low power, Tagnostic™ reader reference designs.

Along with the release of version 1.0, SkyeTek also delivered an open invitation to developers and OEMs to engage in a discussion of ReaderWare’s evolving architecture and API specifications – details at blog.skyetek.com on July 20, 2005.

SkyeTek inc. Appoints Rob Balgley Chairman and CEO

Mon, 07 Mar 2005 07:00:00 GMT

Seasoned Executive to Lead Veteran RFID Team

BOULDER, COLO., – March 7, 2005 –SkyeTek Inc., the market leader in open architected RFID reader technology today announced the appointment of Rob Balgley to the positions of Chairman and CEO.

“Rob Balgley's 25 years of technology, sales and business management experience are a perfect fit for Skyetek," said Phillip Dignan, managing director of Appian Venture Partners, an investor in SkyeTek. "SkyeTek has always had exceptional technological vision and engineering talent, to which Rob is adding proven professional leadership and entrepreneurial drive. Rob has continually shown the ability to build a very successful organization."

Over the course of his career, Balgley has raised more than $65 million from institutional and strategic investors and has overseen every stage of successful venture backed startups, from founding through fundraising, acquisitions and independent maturity. Most recently, Balgley was CEO and president of Jabber, Inc. where he guided the company’s evolution from open source startup to global category leader, tripling revenues in each of his final two years with the company.

“SkyeTek’s innate talent and vision for RFID ubiquity make the company a truly disruptive force in RFID,” said Balgley. “It is a unique opportunity to be able to lead a nascent company that has already accomplished so much – yet whose long term potential remains so high.”

Intelleto Releases Pioneering Bar-Code-to-RFID Solution for Retail Point-of-Sale and Supply Chain Management

Mon, 11 Oct 2004 06:00:00 GMT

Product Extends SkyeTek's OEM Line of Tagnostic™, Inexpensive, Low Power, Tiny RFID Reader Modules

Ontario October 11, 2004 – Intelletto Technologies Inc., a designer and manufacturer of RFID based appliances, and SkyeTek, developer and manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) read/write modules, announce a partnership to develop and sell new RFID products for retail point-of-sale and supply chain management applications. Intelletto has already brought to the market a pioneering product, the RFID Multiport Companion, which allows barcode and RFID to co-exist in the same environment and allows a gradual migration path from barcode to RFID. Designed around SkyeTek’s M1 Reader, RFID Multiport Companion makes full use of the four unique qualities of the M1 that SkyeTek calls TILT: it is Tagnostic ™ (capable of reading any manufacturer’s RFID tags), Inexpensive, Low Power and Tiny. The Multiport Companion is the flagship product in a new partnership between the two companies. This partnership will also allow Intelletto and SkyeTek to cooperate on joint projects that address additional market needs in the future..

“SkyeTek’s RFID reader has a robust design from a hardware and software interface perspective and certainly has the advantage over the competition. Intelletto looks forward to developing more appliances based on SkyeTek readers.” said Reza Soudmand, Intelletto’s Chairman of the board and Vice President of Engineering.

"“Skyetek is extremely pleased to partner with Intelletto Technologies,” said Bob Overstreet, SkyeTek’s COO. “The Intelletto RFID Multiport Companion answers the need for a product that will permit businesses to easily migrate from barcode to RFID, and there is a growing market demand for such a transition solution. ”

About Intelletto Technologies Inc.. Intelletto Technologies designs, develops and manufactures RFID based appliances that minimize the need for software integration and modifications. Intelletto’s product strategy is based on recognizing the challenges of RFID implementation and minimizing them. Its product line allows companies to increase their productivity and return on investment and empowers them to proceed with their RFID implementation using a gradual approach. Intelletto sums up its mission as follows: “to change the way people view RFID and to help them to draw the big picture piece by piece.” Located in Markham, Ontario, Intelletto can be reached at (905) 943-4260 or www.intelletto.com

Socket Releases Industry’s First RFID Development Kits with CompactFlash RFID Readers for Pocket PCs

Mon, 09 Aug 2004 06:00:00 GMT

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 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.

RSI ID Technologies and SkyeTek Execute Partnership

Mon, 07 Jun 2004 06:00:00 GMT

Technology Provides Crucial Components in Healthcare Solutions

Chula Vista, CA, – June 7, 2004– RSI ID Technologies, a global leader in total RFID solutions, today announced an agreement to incorporate SkyeTek’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into its RFID solutions. This partnership involves current SkyeTek products as well as the joint development of new RFID products targeted for Smart Shelf applications.

“The SkyeTek M1 and M1-Mini are superb OEM products, they fit well into a broad range of our solutions including the SmartShelf. Additionally, the tools provided by SkyeTek made integration a snap", said Wolf Bielas, RSI ID CEO and President.

“RSI ID is one of a few companies of any size who can really provide a total solution in the RFID space,” said Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., SkyeTek’s CEO and President. “We are pleased that our readers are part of their solution.”

About RFID

About RSI ID

RSI ID Technologies is a business process automation integrator and specializing in providing and supporting process optimization and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems to clients that range from mid-sized to Fortune 500. As a leading ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturers of labels and ribbons, and integrators of RFID, bar-coding and product marking systems, RSI will assist you in selecting a solution that fits your specific application.

RSI has implemented, or is currently working on, RFID projects for: Asset Tracking, Pallet Tracking with Real-Time Location System (RTLS), OEM Medical Device Integration, Garment Services Tracking, Uniform Tracking, Tire Detection & Recognition, Tote Tracking & Location System, RFID Enabled Warehouse Management System (WMS), Smart Wine Cabinet, Smart Medicine Cabinet, Vehicle Tracking System, Wal*Mart Compliance Packages, and Gaming Systems.

With a focus on system evaluation, configuration, integration, & support, RSI implements RFID solutions that work. www.rsiidtech.com

Precision Dynamics Showcases Multi-Function RFID and Barcode Reader at Smart Healthcare Conference

Fri, 14 May 2004 06:00:00 GMT

San Fernando, CA May 14, 2004 -- Precision Dynamics Corporation (PDC), a global leader in automatic wristband identification, and SkyeTek, developer and manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) read/write modules, announce a joint partnership to develop and sell new RFID products for healthcare point-of-care to be released later this year. The partnership also allows PDC and SkyeTek to market and sell current products, including SkyeTek's SkyeRead RFID reader technology and PDC Smart Band® RFID Wristband solutions.

“SkyeTek’s RFID products are valuable additions to PDC’s wristband identification solutions,” said Robin Barber, PDC Vice President of Advanced Marketing and Technology. “The new products will offer our customers a more comprehensive RFID turn-key solution. We selected SkyeTek’s technology because of its small form-factor, low power consumption, and firmware adaptability.”“Our RFID reader technology is a natural add on to PDC’s existing solutions,” said Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., SkyeTek CEO and President. “With 70% of the healthcare wristband identification market, PDC is uniquely positioned to provide a total RFID solution.”Information and details regarding new products will be released this summer.

About Precision Dynamics

With nearly 50 years of experience, PDC is the global leader and pacesetter in the development of automatic identification wristband systems. PDC introduced the first patient bar code ID wristband in 1984, radio frequency identification (RFID) wristbands in 2000, and the AgeBand™ Electronic Age/ID Verification System in 2004. PDC is committed to 100% quality in service, design, and manufacturing. This is substantiated by our ISO-9001: 2000 and ISO-13485 certification at our main facility in San Fernando, CA. Plans to establish certification at our new facility in Tijuana, Mexico are underway. For more information, visit www.pdc-rfid.com.

Two Technologies, Inc. Selects SkyeTek, Inc. for RFID Vendor Partnership

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 06:00:00 GMT

Boulder, Colorado, USA, March 23, 2004—SkyeTek, Inc. announced today that Two Technologies, an ISO9001:2000 registered company and leading manufacturer of customizable hand held computer and terminal products, has selected SkyeTek’s M1, a 13.56MHz RFID Reader/Writer, for it’s JETT•RFID® hand held computer.

The JETT•RFID is a first in customizable hand held computers featuring RFID functionality. The JETT•RFID also comes with a powerful Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET 4.2 operating system and Intel® XScale™ Technology processor making the JETT•RFID a viable, cost-effective solution in a variety of applications that employ RFID technology. The JETT•RFID can read and write to most industry standard 13.56 MHz RFID tags and smart labels including ISO and EPC. The JETT•RFID comes standard with the ability to select various antenna positions, which maximizes the ease of use in multiple orientations. JETT•RFID customization options include case color, protective bumpers, keypad, logo tag, serial tag, and cables making the JETT•RFID a unique and seamless fit for a multitude of complex and varied applications. This level of complete product customization is unprecedented in the hand held computer market.

"It was very important for us to consider the variety of ways that the JETT•RFID may be used. With that in mind, we have design in elements that provide our customers with the highest level of flexibility and options.” said Russell Maynard, Vice President of Applications Development, “The SkyeTek M1 is a critical component to create those options."

"We are pleased to see the integration of SkyeTek's RFID technology in hand held devices," said Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., President of SkyeTek. "Two Technologies is well positioned with rich functionality, including RFID."

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 cannot 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 Two Technologies, Inc.
Two Technologies serves as a strategic partner to all its customers, providing customizable hand held computer products for global applications. Since 1987, Two Technologies has delivered over a quarter of a million customized terminal and computer products worldwide, leading its market segment with the most cost-effective solutions available. In addition to its European office, Two Technologies maintains an international network of partners throughout Europe, South America, Australia and the Middle East. All standard products from Two Technologies are FCC and CE certified. For more information, visit our website at www.2T.com.

SkyeTek and Cognitive Launch RFID Solution Series

Mon, 02 Feb 2004 07:00:00 GMT
SkyeTek and Cognitive Launch RFID Solution Series

SkyeTek and Socket Communications Execute RFID Technology Agreement

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 07:00:00 GMT
Exclusive License Paves Way for Development of a Broad Range of RFID Products For Mobile Computing and Handheld Devices
NEWARK, CA, – January 26, 2004 – Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK), the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced an agreement for Socket to license worldwide SkyeTek’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on an exclusive basis for the development of a broad range of products for mobile computing and handheld devices. The arrangement allows for multiple RFID frequency implementations and multi-function capabilities. This includes SkyeTek’s recently announced multi-protocol RFID reader/writer, SkyeRead™ M1-mini, measuring just 1 inch in diameter – the world’s smallest device of its kind. Early technology demonstration and developer products from Socket are expected to be available in the middle of 2004.

“RFID products will be an extension to Socket’s existing bar code scanning business for the AutoID markets,” said Mike Gifford, Socket’s founder and executive vice president. “The new products will broaden our customer base as RFID technology is implemented and gains momentum. We selected SkyeTek’s technology because of its small form-factor, low power consumption, and firmware adaptability.”

“SkyeTek is extremely pleased to partner with Socket for solutions in the mobile and handheld device markets,” said Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., SkyeTek’s president. “Socket is a leading provider of products and solutions for the AutoID markets with worldwide distribution supported by VARs and system integrators. This partnership is positioned to meet a growing demand for RFID and mobile computing.”
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 Socket
Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides the broadest range of connectivity products for Windows Powered computers, focusing on handhelds including Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices, Palm PDAs and mobile phones. 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 solutions using mobilityIC™ interface chips, KwikBlue™ modules with embedded Bluetooth wireless technology and a family of bar code scanning products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, KwikBlue and mobilityIC are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein are those of their respective owners. © 2004, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

SkyeTek Announces World's Smallest RFID Reader

Wed, 14 Jan 2004 07:00:00 GMT
Boulder, CO, January 14, 2004 - SkyeTek leading provider of advanced low-cost RFID reader technology, today announced it has developed the world’s smallest RFID reader. Measuring just 1 inch in diameter by 0.1 inch thin, the SkyeRead™ M1-mini (shown below) provides all the advanced features and performance of SkyeTek’s original SkyeRead M1, already the smallest, most powerful and cost-effective 13.56MHz multi-protocol RFID read/write module in the industry.
With ultra-low power consumption optimized for 1-cell battery operation, the SkyeRead™ M1-mini is ideal for rapid integration into handhelds, portable equipment and mobile computing solutions, in addition to space-limited designs of all types. Complete with on-board antenna and several host-interface options, this low-profile device reads/writes industry standard 13.56MHz RFID tags and smart labels including ISO15693, ISO14443, ISO18000, and EPC™. These include tags from Texas Instruments (Tag-It™), Philips (I-Code™ and Mifare™), Infineon (My-d™), ST Micro, Inside Contactless (PicoTag™), TagSys (GemWave™) and several others. Read distance is 6cm (~2.5 inch) with internal antenna, up to 13cm (~5 inch) with a simple external antenna.

"Not only does this new mini-reader fit anywhere, but we've provided a wireless host-interface option to enable next-generation RFID applications like wearable computing, wireless sensing, and wireless 'smart' appliances and peripherals," explained Sean Loving, SkyeTek founder. "The SkyeRead M1-mini was designed for connection to Crossbow's Mica2Dot. Now there's a bridge between RFID and Smart Dust technology."

Designed to mate directly with Crossbow Technology’s Mica2Dot, the SkyeRead™ M1-mini extends local RFID read/write capability to Crossbow’s wireless sensor network (smart dust) technology. “These first few whitepapers from Intel are good examples of how the combination of these two enabling technologies is literally paving the way toward a 21st century technology revolution of distributed, remote and ubiquitous computing capacities of scale,” concluded Mr. Loving.

The SkyeRead™ M1-mini is now available in prototype quantities with full production scheduled for March 1, 2004. For further details about application of this technology please go to:

http://seattleweb.intel-research.net/projects/guide/projects/iglove/RFIDglove.htm

http://www.intel-research.net/Publications/Seattle/103020031241_173.pdf

About RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology similar to barcode. RFID tags or “smart labels” contain an embedded microchip plus antenna. “Smart labels” can be attached to nearly anything that needs to be tracked or identified. Advantages over barcode are that data can be written or updated into the memory of the RFID chip. Larger amounts of data can be stored and scanned. Reading and writing is done wirelessly at a distance using an RFID scanner. Multiple RFID tags can be scanned simultaneously. Security and encryption are also available.

Intel uses SkyeTek RFID readers for Medical Tracking System

Mon, 10 Nov 2003 07:00:00 GMT
November 10, 2003 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC announces that Intel Corporation has developed an RFID based Medical Tracking System using SkyeTek RFID readers. Intel used SkyeRead M1 devices in conjunction with scales, sensors, and 900MHz transmitters to interact with a back end medical monitoring system. To read the Intel report click here.

Sun Microsystems Links SkyeTek to Auto-ID Center Savant™ Software

Mon, 11 Aug 2003 06:00:00 GMT
August 11, 2003 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC announces that Sun Microsystems has produced a Reader Adapter to connect SkyeTek RFID readers to the Auto-ID Center's Savant Software. The Savant makes real-world RFID information accessible by the larger data infrastructures of the world.

Sun gave SkyeTek the basic Reader Adapter which SkyeTek has now more fully developed and fortified. The SkyeTek Reader Adapter now supports the complete set of functions and features available from SkyeTek's powerful RFID readers. SkyeTek also derived a Java Library from Sun's work so that software developers can quickly and easily add RFID to new and existing systems.

SkyeTek M1 Showcased in RFID Journal

Wed, 29 Jan 2003 07:00:00 GMT
See the article here: http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/286/1/1/

SkyeTek Joins Team Tag-It

Wed, 15 Jan 2003 07:00:00 GMT
January 15, 2003 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC announces it has joined Texas Instriuments' RFID partner program Team Tag-It. As the newest member and partner, SkyeTek is announcing its commitment to leverage and enhance TIRIS technology by adding value and providing complementary products and services to meet fast growing demand for RFID technology coming from customers in almost all market sectors.

SkyeTek M1 Featured in TI Newsletter

Fri, 10 Jan 2003 07:00:00 GMT
See the article here: http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/eNews/enewsvol15.htm

SkyeTek Joins AIM

Wed, 28 Aug 2002 06:00:00 GMT
August 28, 2002 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC has joined AIM the Auto-ID industry consortium. "SkyeTek is preparing to expand its presence in the RFID space." says SkyeTek founder Sean Loving. "Our first year has been a successful one as we have been well positioned as an RFID engineering services provider. Now SkyeTek is preparing to expand and we want to keep a close beat with the heart of this exciting industry. SkyeTek wants to participate in RFID standards development, technology discussions and take a leadership role as a a world-class RFID technology and solutions provider. Joining AIM is the next and obvious step in this direction.

SkyeTek announces the SkyeRead™ M1

Thu, 15 Aug 2002 06:00:00 GMT
August 15, 2002 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC today announces it has started shipping samples of the SkyeRead M1 - the worlds most powerful 13.56MHz RFID reader in its class. The M1 is a true multi-protocol RFID read/write module compatible with most all HF and 13.56MHz RFID tags and smart labels like ISO15693 and ISO14443.

With a built-in antenna, several host interface types and single cell battery operation, this plug and play device is available at a price that will enable new RFID markets and applications.

SkyeTek plans also to license the technology so that OEMs and high volume can control their own manufacturing and costs by integrating the reader circuit directly onto new or existing hardware platforms.

The M1 is the core technology and the first in a series of RFID scanner products scheduled to be released over the next year. The SkyeRead family of RFID readers will include the M1 and other modules, handhelds, and fixed position readers for HF and 13.56MHz RFID applications.

SkyeTek Delivers ScripTalk

Mon, 15 Jan 2001 07:00:00 GMT

January 15, 2001 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC announced it has delivered the final design files for the ScripTalk talking prescription system. SkyeTek developed the ScripTalk system under contract to Phase IV Engineering. ScripTalk is owned, marketed and promoted by EnVision America of Normal, Illinois. Several companies and organizations were involved in the ScripTalk development:

Envision America - promotion, marketing and distribution
Phase IV Engineering - manufacturing, production and project management
Inside Technologies - RFID technology provider (tag and reader)
Zebra Technologies - RFID smart label printer
Veterans Administration Hospital - pharmacy integration
SkyeTek - RFID product developer and RFID system integrator

SkyeTek helped Zebra put the M220 coupler from Inside Technologies into their Zebra R140 printer to enable PicoTag smart labels to be programmed under control of the pharmacy software. SkyeTek wrote the code that the United States Veterans Administration Hospital integrated into their national pharmacy management software for sending RFID encoded prescription info to the modified Zebra printer. And SkyeTek provided the hardware and firmware design for the ScripTalk reader itself.

Read more about the ScripTalk system at www.envisionamerica.com

Also read the two articles about ScripTalk in Popular Science

New Company Announcement

Sat, 30 Sep 2000 06:00:00 GMT
September 13, 2000 Boulder, Colorado, USA - SkyeTek LLC has formed to provide the world with innovative RFID design solutions, products and applications. Focused exclusively on RFID technology, SkyeTek will initially provide electroinc design, custom software, systems integration and RFID consulting services to emerging RFID markets worldwide. SkyeTek founder and RFID pioneer Sean Loving says "RFID is gaining lots of momentum now that several enabling technologies are in high volume production, as well as the ISO standards that are now in place. And Boulder is a longtime hot-bed for RFID development. This is the right place at the right time for this kind of RFID company". Mr. Loving began his RFID career in1994 at Boulder startup ID Technologies and continued his work at Motorola Indala. Now Mr. Loving has formed a team of designers, product developers, and RFID industry experts to provide what SkyeTek calls RFID Engineering.