BEA beefs up RFID with ConnecTerra buy

BEA aims to extend its infrastructure portfolio with ConnecTerra buy

BEA Systems today announced the acquisition of software firm ConnecTerra, a privately-held developer of RFID middleware technology.

The acquisition aims to extend the range of BEA's infrastructure portfolio to integrate RFID and other device data as so-called 'liquid assets' available across a company's business units, applications and processes.

ConnecTerra's RFID infrastructure software provides core communications, security, policy and device management services, which can be used to integrate devices into a range of applications.

This includes software at the 'edge' for filtering and device management at the local store, manufacturing plant or distribution centre level; enterprise level software for centralised RFID data management; and compliance software to meet the RFID needs of retail and defence organisations.

"RFID can enable a fundamental step change in supply chain visibility and many companies are connecting RFID hardware into existing IT assets," said Wai Wong, executive vice president of products at BEA Systems.

"RFID is also generating a flood of new data at the edge. To leverage this enhanced visibility, enterprises need to establish the right architecture to filter and translate RFID data into business relevant events, and then use these events to create and automate new RFID-enabled business processes."

Founded in 2001, ConnecTerra has been active in the groups shaping RFID standards, including EPCglobal where it has contributed to architecture and security committees and helped define the upcoming 'application level events' standard.

According to a recent AMR Research study, 69 per cent of companies are planning to evaluate, pilot or implement RFID in 2005.