VSR has predicted time and time again that convergence will offer VARs increasing options for bundled services. One of the most storied markets for convergence -- telecommunications -- has focused on the marriage of data and voice over the same pipe, or airwave in the case of Wi-Fi.

While bundled communication over standard Wi-Fi networks has recently captured the spotlight of convergence, there is an emerging application making its way onto the 802.11 network: active RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

To date, the discussion about RFID has centered on the item-level passive RFID tagging often seen in the retail industry (e.g. Wal-Mart). However, major companies across a number of industries are currently realizing ROI by using Active RFID to track high-value assets across existing Wi-Fi networks -- eliminating the need for added infrastructure and driving efficiencies like never before.

Active vs. Passive RFID
Passive RFID is a short-range identification system that uses small, low-cost tags without a power source.

Active RFID tags, on the other hand, have their own power source, enabling them to broadcast an identifying signal to a specialized reader, extending the range of the tags and the capability for communicating advanced location status. In addition, active RFID tags enable more advanced functionalities such as call buttons, sensors and visual indications.

Wi-Fi-based active RFID takes the concept one step further, by using standard Wi-Fi networking hardware instead of expensive specialized readers.

Industry Use Cases
Primary uses of Wi-Fi-based active RFID asset tracking remain most popular within the healthcare, manufacturing and logistics sectors -- three industries that rely heavily on the efficient transfer of assets throughout their facilities. Sample uses include:

• Hospitals. Nurses, materials managers and biomedical engineers use Wi-Fi-based active RFID to track infusion pumps, wheelchairs and even patients throughout a facility in order for staff to locate them in a timely and efficient manner.
• Manufacturing. Aerospace, automotive and semiconductor manufacturers track extremely high-value machinery, tools and work in process (WIP) inventory (parts, vehicles, etc.) to improve productivity and eliminate loss.
• Logistics. Transportation and delivery providers track trailers, containers and other materials and handle goods, both inside a warehouse, around the depot and on the road to increase operational efficiency and improve supply chain visibility.

Benefits for the Channel
Wi-Fi-based active RFID tracking offers added functionality for new or pre-existing Wi-Fi networks. There are many benefits of reselling converged Wi-Fi-based active RFID tracking solutions. Some include:

• Offering a lower cost of ownership. Zero infrastructure changes means shorter sales cycles, decreased cost and lower recurring maintenance expenses.
• Less complicated, less disruptive implementation. Existing infrastructures decrease time of deployment. Solutions can be set up quickly and easily.
• Strong vendor buy-in. Vendors often partner with established Wi-Fi providers -- such as Cisco Systems and Aruba Networks -- offering VARs a portfolio of trusted providers.
• Growth of Wi-Fi-enabled devices. As more devices become Wi-Fi enabled, assets can be tracked without the use of tags. Laptops and PDAs are currently being tracked with the potential for more applications as embedded Wi-Fi becomes ubiquitous.

As Wi-Fi adoption continues to grow, asset tracking will become important in bundled solution selling, adding yet another application to the channel portfolio.

Gabi Daniely serves as vice president of product strategy and marketing for AeroScout, Inc., a provider of Wi-Fi-based active RFID solutions. Prior to joining AeroScout, Mr. Daniely worked at Intel and led the product management of Emblaze Systems, which supplies multimedia solutions to the cellular industry. He can be reached at gabi.daniely@aeroscout.com