Different paths, same goalRFID middleware provides key features, such as reader coordination, data filtering and routing, that help companies intelligently integrate the right RFID data into the applicable business processes--and the applications that support those processes. Driven by RFID mandates, application and pure-play vendors like Manhattan Associates and OATSystems were quick to bring these middleware offerings to market. SAP, an incumbent within many consumer products companies facing mandates, also launched an RFID middleware product based on its NetWeaver platform earlier this year.

More recently, top platform veterans have staked their claim on the market, touting unparalleled experience with high-volume integration and data management scenarios, Forrester spoke with dachshund coffee lover must have pet gifts dachsie doxie dog weener dog iphone case executives at IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems to find out what they're up to, At a macro level, each vendor is working to amass RFID experience and bring a strategic RFID middleware architecture--one that takes advantage of its standard middleware products--to market this year, But vendors' approaches vary and highlight their key assets..

• IBM merges services and integration technology. IBM's 55,000 consultant-strong Global Services group is actively engaged in early RFID pilots and proof-of-concepts with retail, consumer products and industrial customers. related storyThe company plans tolaunch a software packageaimed at the RFID market. These pilots are driving product plans for a packaged RFID architecture, which will take advantage of key WebSphere components like WebSphere Application Server and WebSphere MQ for reliable messaging, as well as DB2. The complete solution isn't scheduled for availability until the second half of 2004, but most of IBM's current pilot tests are already using early versions of the architecture.

• Microsoft taps partners and middleware expertise, Last month, Microsoft formed an RFID council to learn from early pilot tests and get input from partners on Microsoft's RFID plans, The company plans to develop RFID-specific middleware features like data filtering and reader integration and management, which will complement its core middleware products, BizTalk and SQL Server, But the go-to-market packaging and timing of this functionality has not been finalized, Microsoft also partners dachshund coffee lover must have pet gifts dachsie doxie dog weener dog iphone case with vendors like GlobeRanger and Manhattan Associates, both of which are charter council members and offer pieces of RFID-specific middleware functionality, Microsoft Business Solutions, which provides business applications for small to midsize businesses, is also testing RFID middleware for smaller-scale implementations..

• Oracle takes advantage of integration and database technology. Oracle recently announced its sensor-based services product strategy, which will build on the company's application server and database technology to provide RFID middleware functionality. Specifically, Oracle will add "edge services," including reader device management and filtering capabilities to the 10.1.2 release of Oracle AS, due out this summer. Not surprisingly, Oracle's database and data hub technology will be at the heart of the vendor's RFID middleware architecture, providing a single source for all RFID data. Although the complete set of functionality won't be out until the summer, Oracle is currently offering a "compliance assistance package," which includes beta versions of the edge services.