AMR’s John Fontanella recently published his note on the release of BizTalk Server 2006 R2 entitled “Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2: RFID for Everyman” - which is now available on www.microsoft.com/rfid for download.

Highlighting the benefits of BizTalk Server 2006 R2, John opines that BizTalk RFID will be a key driver in enabling mainstream adoption of RFID solutions. In this report, John notes that with the introduction of BizTalk to the RFID market, it will help eliminate RFID middleware technologies, which were the industry standard to date and were a hindrance in driving mainstream adoption, as they were separate from existing enterprise applications. In addition, John notes Microsoft’s market presence as a key driver in adoption.  Key benefits that John includes in his piece are:

  • Expertise
  • Cost
  • Technology partnerships
  • Market presence

Key takeaways include:

  • “A long time in the coming, Microsoft has finally launched its RFID BizTalk Server. The ramifications of its introduction will reverberate throughout the world of RFID, making this a watershed moment in the ongoing effort to create mass adoption of the technology.”
  • “With the entry of Microsoft into the RFID market, companies now have an RFID platform developed and supported by one of the world’s largest technology companies that fits neatly into their enterprise, supply chain, and manufacturing SOA strategies. From the reader to enterprise applications, the introduction of BizTalk Server 2006 R2 allows for a consistent technology approach that can’t be replicated by independent middleware vendors.”
  • “Looking at the long-term picture, Microsoft’s entry is the most significant RFID event we will see in 2007, and we expect our pre-BizTalk RFID  forecast of 20% growth in spending in 2008 to be blown away.”

For those of you wondering what has changed in recent time wrt extracting value out of RFID data and making it work for your organization to drive real time agility, this is a *must* read. In addition to painting a comprehensive picture of 'then vs. now' John's articulation of the changing market landscape, and the capabilities that are being delivered by innovative software solutions atop horizontal enterprise platforms emphasize the shift in factors causing both the maturation and mainstream adoption of the technology from a value to business perspective.

 

Cheers!

 

/a