Dell, the world's second-largest computer maker, has announced plans to sell computer systems at retail outlets in Asia-Pacific, however, no Australian chain has been named.
Metro Group, the German retail chain pushing for adoption of radio frequency identification technology, opened its RFID test center on Wednesday.
A new store at Wipro Technologies' sprawling campus in Bangalore, India, is expected to demonstrate how radio tags can automate checkout, stock maintenance, and the tracing and tracking of goods in a clothing shop.
Dell is set to reveal its Australian retail partner tomorrow, with observers expecting a considerable market shake-up in wake of the announcement.
Despite a shaky start, and a shaky economy, consumers are spending increasing amounts at online retailers, signalling a Merry Christmas for the e-commerce set.
Why is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology so exciting? According to Cesare Tizi, ZDNet Australia's CIO of the year, it "opens up unbelievable business opportunities."
Despite its clear benefits in stock tracking and the success of early, isolated pilot tests in tracking high-value assets, RFID technology is still spinning its wheels as ongoing high costs and unclear return on investment continue to keep once-enthusiastic customers away in droves.
case study How the UK's third-largest grocery chain transformed its business by employing proper intelligence about customer buying patterns.
Some of the largest commercial outlets in the United States and abroad have established requirements for their suppliers to begin using radio frequency identification technology before the end of this year. Yet finding a company willing to admit where it stands with RFID is often an exercise in listening to dead air.
Radio frequency identification has the potential to revolutionise supply chains of retailers the world over. However, for a 20-year-old technology, it still has significant teething problems.
The software giant confirms plans that it will launch its own music-download store, putting it on the path to direct competition with Apple's iTunes and a growing list of rival digital song stores.
Lindows.com, maker of a Linux-based operating system originally designed to run popular Windows programs, is offering PC makers a flat-rate licensing plan for its OS, in contrast to the per-unit fees charged by Microsoft and others.
Retailers may love the concept of tiny radio tags for tracking products, but consumers should beware the potential for exploitation by corporations, criminals and the government.
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