New Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 Lets Enterprises Take RFID to the Physical Edge More Easily and Quickly

Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) today announced the general availability of Sun Java(TM) System RFID Software 3.0, the newest version of Sun's powerful RFID software solution that simplifies and speeds the deployment and administration of RFID networks, supports high-volume data management and integrates easily with enterprise business systems.

Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 offers customers several important enhancements, including certified integration with the SAP (R) Auto-ID Infrastructure component of the SAP NetWeaver (R) platform. This integration will allow RFID data network communication between Sun and SAP RFID technology, allowing for seamless data flow from any RFID-enabled device to the mySAP (TM) Business Suite solutions. The solution allows RFID data to continue to transmit to SAP applications even in demanding production environments by using Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities.

Additionally, Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 offers a dramatically reduced footprint that allows it to easily be embedded in smart devices such as controllers, readers, handhelds and appliances that can process RFID data at "the edge" of the enterprise, speeding data delivery and giving customers access to real-time RFID data. Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 has been optimized for the Sun Solaris (TM) 10 Operating System and also runs on other leading operating systems such as Linux and Microsoft Windows.

"Samsung is a recognized leader in RFID deployment because it supports our corporate philosophy of using innovation to improve our operational efficiency and lower our manufacturing costs," said Jinyong Kim, head of the RFID Center of Excellence at Samsung SDS. "We are excited about Sun's latest software because the integration with SAP solutions and the reduced footprint will allow us to broaden our RFID deployment to include edge and back-end systems. That, in turn, will give us even more visibility into our supply chain and allow us to make faster and better decisions managing it."

"Busan Port deals with millions of pounds of cargo every day, so it is critical that it has an RFID network in place that is quick and accurate, and that can scale effectively without suffering from information overload," said Professor Bonghee Hong, director of the Research Center for Future Logistics IT. "Support for smart edge devices that can process tremendous amounts of data and integration with the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure are critical features that will help keep Busan Port moving quickly and efficiently in an environment where time is money."

Companies today are looking to move away from isolated RFID deployments in warehouses and storefronts toward a holistic RFID solution that encompasses every distribution point along the supply chain and integrates with their existing enterprise software. Moreover, companies are recognizing that RFID data can be processed by "smart" devices directly at the warehouse or dock, speeding the entire process and reducing data processing inefficiencies. Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 enables companies to do just that.

"The advent of RFID deployments is driving a new set of data -- data that needs to be processed, managed and integrated between the edge and the enterprise. When developing the next generation of our RFID software, we saw that RFID middleware can play a key role in helping companies manage all this data and extract the key, pertinent information they need to help them make business decisions," said Sam Liu, director, RFID Products, Sun Microsystems. "Now with Sun's recent acquisition of SeeBeyond, we've strengthened our position as a leader in the RFID industry and can now deliver RFID data to any application or system in the enterprise that needs it."

Comtrol to Offer EdgeWare Integrated with Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0

Sun also today announced that Comtrol Corporation will begin offering RFID smart controllers that integrate Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0, giving customers a scalable RFID solution that combines Sun's leading RFID software features with Comtrol's high-performance device edge controller. Comtrol's EdgeWare features device-level communications, power-over-Ethernet, and industrial Ethernet communications including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus/TCP.

"We chose to integrate Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 into our product offering because of its unique RFID middleware and embedded devices componentry," said Bradford Beale, vice president of Global Sales, Comtrol Corporation. "EdgeWare solves our customers' needs to extract raw data and deliver that information to plant engineering's existing PLC infrastructure while routing real-time data to IT applications such as SAP solutions. This gives customers a real competitive advantage in operational efficiency."

Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 processes and filters data from smart devices such as readers, handhelds and appliances, and delivers only the useful identity and event information. This shields both the network and enterprise applications from information overload, often an issue in large-scale deployments. Java System RFID Software 3.0 also supports EPCglobal Application Level Events (ALE) specifications for intelligent data processing and filtering. In addition, the solution provides centralized monitoring and management of distributed devices and delivers reliable technology-based dynamic networking capabilities.

The Sun Java System RFID Software can be integrated with virtually any enterprise application, including out-of-the-box connectivity with the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure. Sun has eased RFID data integration by providing a robust set of APIs, Java technology libraries, Java (TM) Composite Application Platform Suite support, Information Server API extensions, toolkits and example source code. Java (TM) Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) support enables integration with corporate IT and applications.

The Sun Java System RFID Software is designed on a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), and provides network services to applications through a number of standard protocols and interfaces. Support for multiple data protocols -- HTTP, XML, Sockets, JMS, SOAP -- also facilitates integration. Java System RFID Software is designed with Java and Jini(TM) technology for high availability and built-in automatic failover, providing a reliable platform for critical data and information.

Unique from prior releases, the Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 features:

-- Integration with SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure

-- Integration with Java Composite Application Platform Suite

-- Support for Java ME Devices

-- Improved Management Console -- support for groups

-- Extended Developer Kit -- additional application and customization APIs

The Sun Java System RFID Software 3.0 has proven deployments and is available now. For more information, please go to http://www.sun.com/software/products/rfid/index.xml. For additional information about the Comtrol EdgeWare controller, please visit http://www.comtrol.com.

About Sun Microsystems

A singular vision -- "The Network is the Computer(TM)" -- guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world's most important markets. Sun's philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, StarOffice, Solaris, Jini and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

SAP, SAP NetWeaver, mySAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Contact: Jeremy Story

Phone: 303.526.0995

email: jeremy.story@sun.com

Bite Communications

Contact: Dana O'Neill

Phone: 415-365-0378

email: dana.oneill@bitepr.com

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