Symbol last week unveiled the first radio-frequency identification reader that runs Windows CE 4.2 and code related to a draft Microsoft RFID specification. As a WinCE device, the XR400 reader can directly host custom and third-party applications written for that operating system. The RFID code conforms to Microsoft’s draft Device Service Provider Interface, which is part of the company’s emerging .Net Framework-based RFID infrastructure. The reader incorporates an Intel Xscale IXP processor, with 64M bytes of flash memory and 64M bytes of dynamic RAM, for the operating system and applications. It has a 10/100 interface, RS-232 port, USB port and general purpose programmable I/O port. The XR400 costs $2,500 to $3,000.
Netgear last week said it will introduce its first wireless LAN switch, aimed at small and midsize businesses. The switch is designed to centralize wireless network management for security and configuration, and offer administrators a graphical interface for such tasks. The switch, like Netgear’s line of ProSafe access points, will incorporate radio frequency configuration and management software from Autocell Laboratories (formerly Propagate Networks). The software can adjust radio power settings, make or change channel assignments and balance wireless traffic among nearby access points. Netgear didn’t say when the switch would ship or how much it would cost.
Secure Computing has announced Sidewinder G2 Security Reporter to centralize logs and provide real-time reporting for multiple Sidewinder firewalls. The Sidewinder G2 Security Reporter, which runs on a Windows-based server, is an alternative to Secure Computing’s individual firewall reporting. The Sidewinder G2 Security Reporter, which costs between $695 and $1,295 per firewall depending on volume, is expected to ship June 20.
