Socket Communications and SkyeTek Execute RFID Technology Agreement

  Exclusive License Paves Way for Development of a Broad Range of RFID Products For Mobile Computing and Handheld Devices

Newark, CA– 1/26/2004 — Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK), the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced an agreement for Socket to license worldwide SkyeTek’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on an exclusive basis for the development of a broad range of products for mobile computing and handheld devices. The arrangement allows for multiple RFID frequency implementations and multi-function capabilities. This includes SkyeTek’s recently announced multi-protocol RFID reader/writer, SkyeRead™ M1-mini, measuring just 1 inch square – the world’s smallest device of its kind. Early technology demonstration and developer products from Socket are expected to be available in the middle of 2004.

“RFID products will be an extension to Socket’s existing bar code scanning business for the AutoID markets,” said Mike Gifford, Socket’s founder and executive vice president. “The new products will broaden our customer base as RFID technology is implemented and gains momentum. We selected SkyeTek’s technology because of its small form-factor, low power consumption, and firmware adaptability.”

“SkyeTek is extremely pleased to partner with Socket for solutions in the mobile and handheld device markets,” said Jonathan Bein, Ph.D., SkyeTek’s president. “Socket is a leading provider of products and solutions for the AutoID markets with worldwide distribution supported by VARs and system integrators. This partnership is positioned to meet a growing demand for RFID and mobile computing.”

About RFID
Radio frequency identification (RFID) first appeared in tracking and access applications during the 1980s. RFID wireless AIDC systems allow for non-contact reading and are effective in manufacturing and other hostile environments where bar code labels can not survive. RFID systems have tags and readers. Tags are microchip based radios with built-in antennas, which already have shrunk to the size of postage stamps. They listen for a radio query from a reader and respond by transmitting their unique ID code. RFID is established in a wide range of markets including retail, healthcare, livestock identification and automated vehicle identification (AVI) systems because of its ability to register and record moving objects.

About SkyeTek
SkyeTek develops and manufactures the most flexible, easily embedded and low-cost advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) read/write modules for OEMs, VARs and Systems Integrators to meet the demands of emerging RFID markets worldwide. The SkyeRead™ family of RFID reader modules includes one-inch square models, mini models and encrypted-data models complete with development kits and a wide range of software interfaces to enable fast starts for developers. SkyeTek supports a full range of ISO, EPC and industry standard RFID tags and smart labels. SkyeTek markets high-volume licensing and private-label options directly to OEM customers in a variety of verticals, as well as through a network of distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators. SkyeTek is based in Boulder, Colorado and can be reached at 702-565-0441 or www.skyetek.com.

About Socket Communications
Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides the broadest range of connectivity products for Windows Powered computers, focusing on handhelds including Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices, Palm PDAs and mobile phones. Socket’s Mobility Friendly™ products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly® power consumption in their class. Socket's Embedded Systems Group provides solutions using mobilityIC™ interface chips, KwikBlue™ modules with embedded Bluetooth wireless technology and a family of bar code scanning products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

For more information on RFID and upcoming Socket RFID products, click here.




Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, KwikBlue and mobilityIC are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein are those of their respective owners. © 2004, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the author:

Press Release

More Articles 

Bluetooth Technology Is Likely To Be The Answer You Are Looking For! - Lavinia Snider
Several large and well-known companies developed Bluetooth as an industry standard. The standard was introduced in order to specify how hand held devices, computers and other peripherals would communicate with one another without the need for...

Upgrades Fuel VoIP Enterprise Market As Companies Replace Aging Technology - Chris Hill
San Francisco, California July 26, 2006: Largely due to the integration of computer-telephony networks and communication tools, enterprise hardware spending has rebounded from the slow economic growth that plagued much of the...

technology team - Job
Optical Disc with a Control Chip Low cost, contactless solution for content protection . 3 patents. About the Author ...

Coolest Technology for Your Car: A Geek Guide - Alex Smith
Car manufacturers are incorporating an inordinate amount of technology into their vehicles nowadays. Despite their best efforts, however, there are a number of things you can do to geek your ride. From one little gadget to a full-fledged...

The Future Of Wireless Technology - K Snow
Wireless technology is gaining ground because of its low cost and ease-of-use. We all are familiar with radio and phone that use wireless technology. There are many more possible practical applications for wireless and the breakthrough developments...

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PHOTOGRAPHY - Jinky C Mesias
Digital Technology is making its presence felt not only in the printing industry but more imminent in the field of photography. Digital photography has taken photographing into a realm of infinite possibilities. Digital technology has also offered...

RenewableEnergyStocks.com Announces New Featured Renewable Energy Company: XSUNX, Inc, An Innovative Solar Technology Developer - dawn van zant
RenewableEnergyStocks.com Announces New Featured Renewable Energy Company: XSUNX, Inc, An Innovative Solar Technology Developer POINT ROBERTS, Wash., April 12, 2005 – www.InvestorIdeas.com is pleased to announce that XsunX, Inc, (OTCBB:...

Make Your Business Travel Easier With Better Technology - Eric Abbott
At one point not long ago travel time was considered dead time to the businessperson. Dead time while waiting on flights, on the plane and, worse, dead time in the hotel was, in general, considered to be wasted time. That’s not so today. With the...

Broadband Phone Technology - Top 5 Reasons You Should Take Notice - Sabrina Hinds
For the uninitiated, the term broadband phone is loosely used to describe the technology currently available where one can make telephone calls from a telephone system that sends the voice signal over your internet connection. The call may...

The Short Run Technology - Viojieley Gurrobat
Say you own a training or consultation company. You probably use training manuals and instructional materials often. These can include instruction booklets, user guides, training manuals and others. From time to time you need to add or change...

New Technology in Diamond Properties Analysis - Laura Ciocan
Isee2 company has developed a technology that works as a retail selling aid allowing buyers to measure the beauty of a diamond beyond its classically graded properties. A diamond's beauty is its selling quality and can differentiate between...

Accenture’s Global Technology Growth Continues in India - Rene V Richards
The global expansion of the Big4 into countries such as India, Brazil, and China are a testament to the tremendous growth potential to be found in the world markets; the latest from Accenture is to open a technology delivery...