Digi Provides Interchangeable Wireless Networking Solution for RFID Application
Genesta easily designs in wired and wireless connectivity with industry's first interchangeable embedded modules
by Digi International -- EDN, April 14, 2004
MINNETONKA, Minn. (March 25, 2004) - Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII), the leader in Connectware, today announced its Digi Connect Wi-EM™ wireless embedded module will be used by Genesta to add wireless networking functionality to the company's Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Genesta is quickly and easily adding wireless networking functionality to its RFID controller systems by exchanging the Digi Connect EM™, an embedded module for wired device networking, with the pin compatible and interchangeable Digi Connect Wi-EM™. RFID technology, often referred to as the next generation of bar coding, uses radio waves to automatically identify tagged items. It is expected to create significant inventory and labor cost savings for end users. Genesta's RFID controller system will be on display on Digi's booth 2237 at ESC San Francisco.
The Digi Connect EM™ product allowed Genesta to develop a firmware-based RFID appliance to satisfy the requirements for EPC Global's Savant architecture for both supply chain and open system standards common in manufacturing. According to Bill Anderson, director of research and engineering at Genesta, "The Digi embedded module gave us the flexibility to connect to multiple vendors' RFID readers and host systems simultaneously."
"We chose the Digi Connect product family because it is easy to use, flexible and protects our technology investment by offering a straight forward and secure solution for both wired and wireless Ethernet network connectivity," said Kelson Elam, Managing Partner, Genesta. "The Digi Connect product line eliminated the need for separate wireless and wired development efforts which will speed time to market. It made the transition from wired to wireless very easy for us by simply exchanging the Digi Connect EM™ with the Digi Connect Wi-EM™. Digi's offering also provides a technology migration path to an entirely chip-based solution as our production volumes grow."
The Digi Connect Wi-EM™ was recently launched with the Digi Connect Wi-ME™ and adds wireless connectivity to the industry-leading Digi Connect™ family of products. The products are the industry's first fully customizable and secure 32-bit 802.11b wireless embedded modules and are based on 32-bit NET+ARM processor technology. The Digi Connect Wi-EM and Digi Connect Wi-ME are pin compatible and interchangeable with the Digi Connect wired embedded modules and provide manufacturers instant wireless functionality.
"The modules are an ideal solution for RFID technology manufacturers who demand secure wireless functionality," said Joel Young, vice president of engineering, Digi International. "Built-in support for standards-based and interoperable WPA security provides state-of-the-art over-the-air data protection and addresses the known weaknesses of basic WEP encryption. Other industries such as access control systems, point-of-sale systems, medical devices and industrial automation systems will also benefit greatly from this technology. Never before has it been easier for OEMs to add both wired and wireless networking capabilities to their devices."
The modules are also software compatible with existing Digi Connect products and NET+ARM processors. The entire Digi Connect family of products offers a straightforward migration to a chip-based solution as production volumes grow. This further reduces design cost by allowing customers to leverage previous software investment across multiple products.
About Digi International
Digi International, based in Minneapolis, is the leader in Connectware and makes device networking easy by developing products and technologies that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
About Genesta
Genesta is a leading provider of data collection solutions for industrial, transportation, and logistics applications. Genesta's hardware controller systems coupled with RFlex and SyVox software products enable processes using radio frequency identification (RFID), speech recognition, bar coding, and wireless based technologies. Genesta offers a complete set of integration, installation, and support services through a highly trained staff and partnerships with leading technology manufacturers in the data collection industry. Genesta is a privately held partnership based in Rockwall, Texas. www.genesta.com
Press Contacts:
Jan McBride
Digi International
952-912-3473
Matt Serra
Mulberry Marketing Communications
312-836-3716
For more information, visit Digi's Web site at www.digi.com, or call 877-912-3444 (U.S.) or 952-912-3444 (International).
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