Rugged RD5000 Mobile RFID Reader Provides Visibility on Variety of Material Handling Equipment

HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., September 19, 2006 – Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(tm), today announced that it has launched the RD5000, a compact, mobile Gen 2 RFID reader that can be integrated with forklifts, pallet jacks, stretch wrappers, and other material handling equipment, and utilized in various space-constrained environments. By extending the range of RFID beyond the dock door, the RD5000 mobile RFID reader provides customers with improved asset visibility in motion throughout the supply chain.

The RD5000 mobile RFID reader can also be mounted on a forklift with the Symbol VC5090 vehicle/fixed mount computer as part of an integrated forklift solution that reduces the need for drivers to spend time recording the receipt and movement of goods. By combining the power of the RD5000 mobile RFID reader with the VC5090 vehicle/fixed mount computer, customers can speed product movement through the supply chain and track products, pallets and assets in a variety of locations.

“Previous RFID deployment strategies have depended heavily on the predictable movement of goods, with RFID readers installed at ‘choke points’ such as dock doors,” said Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol’s Wireless Infrastructure and RFID Divisions. “By RFID-enabling material handling equipment with Symbol’s new RD5000 mobile RFID reader, organizations gain increased visibility to items in the supply chain all the way to the shelf or staging area.”

The RD5000 mobile RFID reader features cable-free operation, an integrated antenna, Bluetooth communication capabilities and wireless connectivity. These features, combined with the reader’s small dimensions and Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 platform, help ease the installation, maintenance and integration of the reader with existing processes and networks. The RD5000 mobile RFID reader will also support Symbol’s upcoming Wireless-Next Generation (Wi-NG) RF-switching system which will allow organizations to easily deploy and manage evolving RF networks from one central location.

“Symbol’s mobile RFID readers are changing the face of RFID with innovative features and solutions that redefine the notion of real-time inventory tracking and increased supply chain visibility,” said Jane Gilson, director, Windows Mobile and Embedded Devices Group, Microsoft Corp. “Our close collaboration with Symbol ensures that its line of portable RFID readers and other rugged devices incorporate the best, most advanced features that Windows CE has to offer.”

The rugged design of the RD5000 RFID reader has been tested to withstand the shocks and blows that take place in extreme environments, and has been sealed to IP66 specifications for protection against dust and water. To maximize battery life during work shifts, the RD5000 mobile RFID reader is equipped with sensors that detect the device’s proximity to tagged items, shutting down when motionless or out of tag range.

A number of Symbol partners have already developed solutions with the RD5000 mobile RFID reader including Creative Concepts Software, Inc.; Xterprise Incorporated; Rush Tracking Systems; and epcSolutions, Inc.

About Symbol Technologies

Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(tm), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world’s leading companies. More information is available at www.symbol.com.