Perspectives:
RFID Middleware to Grow 162%--Huge Opportunity for Integrators

Market Assessment
A recent article in Frontline Solutions detailed the rising interest in RFID middleware that is used to manage data and device infrastructure in POS and other RFID systems.

According tot he article, Venture Development Corp. (VDC) predicts that the RFID middleware market will grow by 162% and reach approximately $43 million by 2005. That is up from the predicted $16.4 million for 2004. By 2007 VDC predicts that RFID MIddleware will be a $135 million market, accounting for about 3% of all RFID system revenues.

VDC defines RFID middleware as software that works at the edge of the network to extract and filter data from RFID readers and then route it to enterprise software systems.

Forrester Research has also examined this market with an evaluation of 13 current RFID middleware providers. Forrester found that there is still a ways to go on the development side, and that such capabilities as reader and device management, data management, application integration, partner integration, process management and application development, packaged RFID content, and architecture scalability and administration must be incorporated into future RFID middleware applications.

"Many suppliers have found themselves in a position in which -- in the short term -- they must implement RFID to comply with high-profile mandates," says Forrester Research vice president and research director Sharyn Leaver. "In order to gain long-term benefits, these suppliers need to intelligently incorporate the data they are collecting to make improvements to their overall business processes. RFID middleware is the tool that companies will use to manage RFID data by routing it between tag readers and the multitude of systems within their businesses."

VDC surveyed end-users to determine what they are looking for in RFID middleware, and found that the most important data monitoring/management features were data aggregation and integration, data filtering, data routing. The top device monitoring features requested were device/driver control system diagnostics, alerts and notification, device health monitoring, and remote device service.

The VDC report concluded that "End users are finding differentiation among middleware vendors through data management/monitoring value-add features that extend beyond data capturing, filtering, cleaning and routing,"

Frontline's assessment is that, "As projects move forward, end users will want the ability to remotely diagnose, manage and repair readers across facilities, with tools similar to those now provided by wireless LAN vendors for remote management of wireless access points."

Quatech Connectivity Opportunity
For over two decades integrators have used Quatech connectivity products to provide reliable data ports for a wide variety of systems. Quatech appreciates the tremendous opportunity the RFID market holds for systems integrators, and we are dedicated to providing the reliable RFID reader connectivity these integrators need to design powerful RFID-based systems.

As with traditional LAN and WAN networking solutions that often bridge a myriad of platforms and devices, Quatech understands that a seamless RFID operation will require components that perform flawlessly and as advertised. We also understand that integrators working on RFID systems, and RFID middleware in particular, will likely have a number of configuration and compatibility issues that arise during projects.

Quatech's current serial connectivity products are well suited to connecting a wide variety of RFID readers to mobile, desktop and network systems running in Windows and Linux environments. Our high speed serial port adapters, and our low-latecny wired and wireless Ethernet device servers are ideal solutions for POs, inventory, warehouse and other RFID applications.

We are also in the early phases of developing and RFID reader line that incorporates our serial connectivity technology with RFID reader technology in a single unit. As we ramp up our development efforts, we encourage input from integrators. This is your chance to influence the features and functions that will be in the initial roll out of the Quatech RFID line in 2005. We know that this market holds tremendous promise, and we are committed to designing and producing the products that our partners need to succeed.

If you're currently working on an RFID project, or simply want to share your product development ideas, we encourage you to contact us today.

Read the full Frontline Solutions Article