Symbol Buyout Could Hasten RFID Adoption

Oct. 11, 2006

Buyout is expected to result in expanded uses for RFID.

Motorola Inc.'s agreement to purchase RFID and wireless communications company Symbol Technologies Inc. could pump life into the struggling RFID market. High tag prices have slowed RFID adoption by most manufacturers, but Motorola's $3.9 billion acquisition of the Holtsville, N.Y.-based company is expected to result in expanded uses for RFID.

The plan is to develop an integrated platform of RFID technology and cellular networks, according to Eric Austvold, an analyst for Boston-based AMR Research Inc. This would enable companies to track assets externally, Austvold notes.

Another possibility is embedding RFID readers and scanners into handsets so consumers can scan product codes from advertisements and then connect to the Internet where they can get more purchasing information.

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About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.