The shine is off RFID. While functional in particular applications, it has failed to live up to its billing: the tags are still too expensive, the adoption is still too low, and rates for successful reading still languish below 80%. RuBee is emerging as a potential competitor with the blessing of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which has rechristened it 1902.1. However, don't expect RuBee any time soon – it will be 18 months before tags and readers ship.
A Star Is Born
RuBee began as a project by Visible Assets who developed the technology to provide real-time inventory tracking and alerting. It has gained increased exposure as a standard (IEEE 1902.1), and in the process it has gained support from both technology providers such as HP, Intel, IBM, Sony, Panasonic, Motorola, and NCR, and retailers such as Best Buy, Tesco, Metro Group, and Carrefour.
