Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) has announced a number of enhancements to its touchatag solution, previously known as tikitag.
touchatag is an online Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) service that enables developers and Web-savvy consumers to create innovative one-touch applications which connect everyday objects with online applications.
Effective today, the solution will carry the name touchatag. Regarding the new brand, Anthony Belpaire, General Manager of the touchatag venture for Alcatel-Lucent said, “The new name reflects our expanded portfolio and strongly supports the value of our service while differentiating our brand from others in the marketplace.”
According to Alcatel-Lucent, the name change will not affect current customers, who will still be able to use existing tags, readers, and drivers. The name change involves branding only and will not have any impact on the service or associated infrastructure.
The company also unveiled a series of enhanced capabilities including two-dimensional (2D) barcode support, enhanced business solutions, and new APIs geared towards progressing the evolution of the “Internet of Things,” enabling everyday objects to interact in an online world via the Internet, PC, Mac or mobile phone.
Belpaire added that the new features support the company’s “open innovation” strategy by providing a standards-based open applications platform and enablement toolkit that easily allows developers to create innovative contactless applications.
“These APIs blend the security of the network with the creativity of the Web to deliver new unique user experiences and services,” Belpaire said. “Our users are our inspiration, and our new capabilities and features are based on their feedback.”
At the core of the service, is the touchatag Application Correlation Server (ACS) which manages the link between an RFID tag (News - Alert) and a corresponding action to be initiated. When an RFID enabled device touches the RFID tag, it automatically connects with the touchatag ACS. The ACS then directs the Internet-enabled device to access the appropriate online content and applications.
Business Solutions
As part of today’s announcement, Alcatel-Lucent unveiled a suite of five new touchatag business solutions to help businesses improve efficiencies while offering unique user experiences and services comprised of the following:
· Electronic Value Transaction Services (News - Alert): Provide automatic event,travel ticketing and payments along with couponing for loyalty programs.
· Event Experience Solutions: Streamline event registration, link attendees to key information interests and facilitate the sharing of contact information. Interactive Advertising Solutions: Create targeted interactive advertising at the point of sale.
· Smart Toys and Media Solutions: Enhance play and educational experiences that can be shared over social networks
· Mobile Workforce Solutions: Access service registration and up-to-date corporate information with one touch.
2D Barcode Tag Creation
Another exciting new feature announced today is the ability to create 2D barcode tags.
This capability enables an RFID tag to be read by a mobile phone camera with a 2D barcode reader. The existing touchatag interface to configure tags remains the same, but now, users have the choice of linking an application to an RFID/NFC tag or create a 2D barcode.
With this capability, the touchatag online service then selects the right application to initiate, given the tag reader ID and the context. For example, a user can be seamlessly linked to a person’s social network by reading a 2D barcode tag on a photo on a business card.
Developer Tools
Another key enhancement is the creation of a new developer Web site that provides the turnkey developer resources and tools to enable developers to accelerate their development cycles and time to revenue while creating innovative contactless applications.
· Full API Suite to deliver new, unique user experiences and services
· Applications store to extend applications and basic functionalities
· Support model for presenting applications
· Starter packages with USB reader for MAC/PC and 10 RFID tags.
Case in Point
The City of Manor, Texas has been using touchatag to streamline their internal communications.
According to Manor’s Dustin Haisler, the city’s Chief Information Officer, “It’s much easier to scan a tag that links to information stored on our intranet than it would be to print out binders full of documents that would then have to be distributed. touchatag has been so well-received that we plan to expand its use in order to help residents manage their city accounts, for example, utility bills. We feel touchatag provides users with improved access to their information and will help us offer them faster, more accurate customer service.”
Greg Galitzine is editorial director for TMC’s (News - Alert) IP Communications suite of products, including TMCnet.com. To read more of Greg’s articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.Edited by
Greg Galitzine
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