Preface

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one of the hottest emerging technologies today. Its use has the potential to affect an extremely wide spectrum of the population (from the technology adopters, to vendors, to integrators, to users). Any technology such as RFID raises a simple but important question: How will it be used? At this point, no simple explanation answers this question. Its use will be determined by a variety of factors, including people's interest in this technology and regulations/standards adopted regarding its use.

For example, regulatory bodies (governmental entities) of different countries might impose restrictions on RFID use specific to their country of authority. Likewise, standards bodies (both domestic and international) might prescribe RFID build specifications to address real-world issues. Businesses might look for ways to use RFID to improve customer service. Privacy rights groups might suggest ways to use RFID technology that do not infringe on individual privacy rights. The list goes on.

Currently, the agendas of various interested parties have yet to converge. In addition, RFID technology is changing at a rapid pace. Therefore, potential users of RFID technology face a number of uncertainties. However, potential users and others curious about this emerging technology, including the following, will find many of their concerns addressed in this book:

• Corporate decision makers who have received an RFID mandate from a customer or who want to adopt RFID for their enterprise

• IT managers who want to initiate a first RFID program

• Architects or developers who want to get practical tips and guidelines on implementing an RFID system and avoid the potential pitfalls

• Teachers who want to teach a course about RFID

• Students who want to know more about the technology to prepare for the RFID job market

• Consumers who want to be aware of how the technology is being used and its capabilities and limitations

• Anyone who is interested to know about the technology and its aspects

As you can see from the preceding list, this book provides hype-free information that addresses the concerns and needs of a wide audience. A good understanding of the various aspects of RFID can help potential users understand how the technology can be used to serve one's interests. Such an understanding can, in turn, potentially accelerate the adoption of RFID in everyday scenarios. This book provides a solid foundation for understanding RFID technology, and serves as a catalyst for wider adoption of the technology in our lives.

Although every effort has been made to ensure that this book is error free, some errors might have crept into print. Readers can e-mail the author at [e-mail] with comments regarding this book and suggestions to make it better. Businesses can contact the author at this e-mail to describe RFID deployments. Vendors that are interested in listing products and services in this book can contact the author at this same e-mail address.

Sandip Lahiri
2005