Got this information in a consumer goods vendor publication today. Gives a little info on this issue. - Bill N3LLR NEW TECHNOLOGIES Manhattan Associates and Zebra Technologies launch software applications that print RFID-tagged labels from office computer printers for use in retail supply chains. The systems are designed to print radio frequency identification (RFID) labels compliant with the Electronic Product Code (EPC) data standards that will eventually support an EPC network for sharing product data among retailers and suppliers. Zebra and Manhattan Associates announced their RFID printing applications at the EPC Symposium held in conjunction with the Frontline Supply Chain Week trade show in Chicago. Checkpoint Systems and Texas Instruments also made RFID-related announcements and demonstrations at the symposium. Checkpoint Systems demonstrated an EPC/RFID application that retailers and suppliers can install to track RFID-tagged shipments. Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification Systems is developing ultra-high frequency RFID tags that will meet EPC standards. Provia Software, a provider of supply chain execution software solutions, announces the availability of RFIDware, a new product solution for Wal-Mart suppliers and others needing to comply with the retail giant's January 2005 deadline for RFID compliance. The product announcement was made at a press conference at Frontline Supply Chain Week in Chicago. RFIDware is a stand-alone RFID kit, which enables product suppliers and 3PLs with an existing WMS, ERP or host system to become RFID compliant. Available for general release later this year, Provia's RFIDware is an EPC standards compliant solution for companies that need to ship RFID compliant product to vendors requiring RFID tracking of inbound pallets and cases. Tyco Fire & Security, a major business segment of Tyco International, releases SensorID Works, a radio frequency identification (RFID) software program that gives manufacturers, distributors and retailers the opportunity to evaluate RFID technology using small-scale pilot programs. The software package, which is compatible with existing RFID products from Tyco and other technology providers, is designed to support off-line RFID tests, so customers can better visualize the power of RFID before moving forward with full-scale pilot programs. Users can choose from four demonstrations for their trial run: inventory counting, portal monitoring, perpetual inventory and shipping/receiving. SensorID Works can be run on a standard PC or laptop, further reducing RFID start-up costs.