SPC Announces DASH7 Alliance Membership

GPS Leader to Bring Integrated Active RFID Capability to Customers

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- System Planning Corp, the world's leading provider of multi-communications path GPS asset tracking and monitoring services, announced today its membership in the DASH7 Alliance , a non-profit industry consortium that promotes the use of the ISO 18000-7 standard for wireless sensor networking.  As a member of the DASH7 Alliance, SPC will work with more than 50 organizations around the world to advance development of the ISO 18000-7 (DASH7) standard.

"Adding DASH7 to multi-function RF devices like the SPC GlobalTrak system is an important expansion of the DASH7 platform," said Patrick Burns, President of the DASH7 Alliance.  "By adding a DASH7 module to wide-area cellular or satcom platforms like those developed by SPC, end users are offered an important option across a range of industries since it provides a flexible, mobile backhaul capability for data acquired through a DASH7 tag or reader."

The GlobalTrak system with its sophisticated back office network center transforms data about cargo location and condition into actionable information for inventory management and supply chain visibility. The integration of a reader for DASH7 cargo tags into GlobalTrak asset monitoring units will provide another level of usable inventory detail for shippers and their supply chain partners.

"We see the addition of DASH7 to the GlobalTrak system as a play for both military and commercial applications.   As the global standard for wireless sensor networking in the military, adding DASH7 readers to SPC's global wireless platform opens a new set of tactical uses for mobile readers without the reliance on traditional fixed RFID infrastructures.  At the same time the standard has created a new price point making this technology cost-feasible for use in the commercial market. " says Richard C. Meyers, CEO of GlobalTrak.  "For the first time, DASH7 bridges the gap between the high functionality of GPS-based systems and the attractive low cost of passive RFID technology," Meyers added.

Products with DASH7 wireless sensor networking capability simplify the way we connect with the people, places and things around us.  Operating in the license-free 433 MHz spectrum, DASH7 offers multi-kilometer range, multi-year battery life, sensor and security support, and tag-to-tag communications.  DASH7 devices operate on a single global frequency and are interoperable "out of the box" regardless of application and by design do not require cumbersome application profiles.  DASH7 is the brand given to the ISO 18000-7 standard for active RFID similar to the use of the WiFi brand for IEEE 802.11 communications.

About System Planning Corporation

System Planning Corporation was founded in 1970 to provide the government with solutions to complex security problems through the application of systems engineering concepts. For 40 years, SPC has been a research/studies organization focusing on arms control, nuclear weapons, and advanced technologies such as the specialty "low-observables" radars that SPC designs and builds. SPC initiated development of the GlobalTrak® system in response to the post-9/11 threat environment and extensively adapted the system for supply chain visibility commercial applications. Visit SPC and GlobalTrak at www.sysplan.com.

About the DASH7 Alliance

Formed in 2009, the DASH7 Alliance is a non-profit industry consortium with more than 50 participants that promotes the use of the ISO 18000-7 standard for wireless sensor networking.  Device integrators, semiconductor vendors, systems integrators, academia, and end-users work together to bring DASH7 technology to many industries and applications.  Participating organizations include Analog Devices, Arira Design, Cambridge University, Chung Nam Electronics, Confidex, Damco, DH Technology, Dow, Evigia Systems, Guard RFID, Identec Solutions, KPC, Lockheed Martin, Lyngsoe Systems, Melexis, MET Laboratories, Michelin, OnAsset Intelligence, Revere Security, RFind, Semtech, Savi Technology, SPC, ST Microelectronics, Syrma, Texas Instruments, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, University of Nebraska, University of Wisconsin, and VI Service Network. Membership is open to end users, technology providers and research organizations. For more information, please visit www.dash7.org.

SOURCE System Planning Corporation