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Omnitrol Networks bolsters RFID edge application software, releases industry’s smallest middleware appliance solution

Market requires flexible scaled-to-fit solutions to ease deployment, says Omnitrol

Mountain View, CA – November 5, 2008 – Omnitrol Networks announced immediate availability of a new release of its flagship software platform, Edge Application and Services Engine (EASE™) version 2.1. The company also announced the release of the OMNITROL-A (the Nano), the industry’s smallest middleware appliance for RFID and sensor networks.

The releases support Omnitrol Networks' goals of reducing the costs and complexity of RFID deployments, and offering robust but lower costs solutions for large-scale deployments.

"Companies are feeling the pressure to reduce costs, automate processes and improve quality, all in the face of reduced demand and increased competition," says David Orain Vice-President Marketing at Omnitrol Networks. "So returns on investment and total cost of ownership will see higher scrutiny, and that's sparking some real innovation."

Flexible Middleware

RFID middleware must "plug and play" with more than one RF frequency or technology, and require less customization. Omnitrol Networks has added new features to its EASE middleware that make business process implementation completely independent of the RF technologies such as HF, UHF, UWB and Wi-Fi. The new software release includes:

  • New version of the OMNITROL Service Development Kit for quicker development of customer-defined business processes
  • New enhanced Emulator to simulate sensors and RFID devices to develop, test, validate and monitor process workflow implementation more rapidly
  • Integration with new databases and ERP applications that enables easier collaboration with customer legacy environments
  • Support for OMNITROL-M and OMNITROL-A (the Nano) appliances

"All of this reduces the costs of developing, deploying and maintaining RFID and sensor-based software solutions," says David Orain. "We've seen ratios of services to license costs over 6 to 1, which brings the project total price too high and slows down the deployment of RFID solutions.

Scaled-to-fit Application Network Appliance

Similarly, Omnitrol Networks concluded that middleware appliances must be scaled to suit the deployment. Omnitrol Networks has developed the OMNITROL Nano, which packs the same powerful EASE software as the OMNITROL Appliance, but suited for smaller RFID deployments requiring a limited number of readers or sensors. The new appliance is about a third the size of 1U rack-mountable server, and consumes less than 30 Watts, which is equivalent to an energy saving light bulb.

The OMNITROL Nano is both a plug-and-play solution, and practically plug-and-forget. A manufacturing company can have a complete OMNITROL-based track and trace solution up and running in less than 60 minutes, and need only maintain it when they add more sensors. The OMNITROL Nano is suitable for all industrial automation environments, includes serial interfaces, and is fan less with absolutely no moving parts.

"RFID deployments routinely get stuck in the pilot mode," says David Orain, "because there are simply too many variables. Customers have different requirements based on their environment or business goals, but were forced to make do with 'one size fits all' software and equipment, and abandon the deployments out of frustration. We want to see them get a return on those investments, and scale it up easily when they're ready to do so."

About Omnitrol Networks, Inc.

Omnitrol Networks Inc. is a leading provider of complete EPC-based business application solutions for the emerging wireless, RFID and sensor automation market. The company's award-winning OMNITROL appliance and Edge Application and Services Engine (EASE™) software have pioneered the market for “Always On” real-time operational visibility, traceability and automation solutions. The OMNITROL’s unique edge-centric solution architecture enables the industry's most flexible and reliable means to deploy scalable Auto-ID application intelligent networks at the lowest total cost of ownership in the market. Omnitrol Networks Inc. is a privately held company with corporate headquarters in Mountain View, California, USA. Additional information about Omnitrol Networks’ products and services are available at www.omnitrol.com.

Contact:

Anand Desai
Senior Marketing Manager
Omnitrol Networks
Phone: (650)625 1400 x226
Anand.desai@omnitrol.com

Omnitrol Networks, Inc.
2025 Landings Drive
Mountain View, CA 94043

Press Contact

Public Relations
Omnitrol Networks
info@omnitrol.com

Tel: 408.919.1100