RFID Fixed Reader Solutions: WJ Communications Enters Into An OEM Partnership With Hitachi America, Ltd. For RFID Fixed Reader Solutions
WJ Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ-WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF products and solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, today announced that it has signed an OEM agreement with Hitachi America, Ltd., to supply fixed readers for use with Hitachi's RFID (radio frequency identification) m-chip. This agreement involved joint development between Hitachi and WJ of an industry leading 2.45 GHz fixed reader, available exclusively through Hitachi America. Hitachi America will market the reader as part of its overall RFID solutions offerings including item authentication such as event tickets and manufacturing process automation. The 2.45 GHz Hitachi "m-chip" was designed by Hitachi as an authentication inclusion for high value items susceptible to fraud such as counterfeiting or diversion.
Hitachi America selected WJ as its vendor for this first to market network- ready reader to support Hitachi's m-chip. Based on WJ's radio expertise and RF technological capability, this reader is an integral part of Hitachi's overall RFID solutions that address the need for high reliability disposable RFID tags and low total cost of ownership applications built upon practical, well-established technologies and standards.
In commenting on the agreement, Chuck Wilson, Senior Director of the Hitachi America, Ltd. Security Solutions Group, said, "We evaluated several RFID reader makers and WJ Communications provided the appropriate answer for Hitachi America to augment the capabilities of Hitachi's m-chip RFID offerings. We expect to continue to evolve our solutions to address critical authentication and tracking applications and will look to WJ for innovative ideas and technology."
"WJ is tremendously pleased to have been chosen as a reader provider in a multi-year agreement and to work together with Hitachi America - the market leader for 2.45 GHz passive authentication - to supply its fixed reader product under OEM label," said Haresh Patel, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for WJ Communications. "This agreement demonstrates the important relationship between the two companies, beginning with our technological capability and ongoing commitment to the RFID marketplace. We are excited about building our relationship with Hitachi America in this growing industry."
Availability
Full production of Hitachi's 2.45 GHz solution, including the exclusive
reader from WJ is expected this month.
About WJ Communications
WJ Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF)
solutions serving multiple markets targeting wireless communications, RF
identification (RFID), and broadband cable. WJ addresses the RF challenges
in these multiple markets with its highly reliable amplifiers, mixers, RF
integrated circuits (RFICs), RFID reader modules, chipsets, and multi-chip
(MCM) modules. For more information visit www.wj.com or call 408-577-6200.
About Hitachi
Hitachi America, Ltd., Security Solutions Group provides a broad portfolio
of technology solutions in selected market sectors, including integrating
new technologies such as smart cards and RFID into business processes as
customized solutions. As a systems integrator, the group provides project
management / quality assurance, system design, software development,
consulting and professional support services, including Help Desk support,
system maintenance, Web-based support and system hosting.
Hitachi America, Ltd., is a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and consumer electronics, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For information, visit www.hitachi.us.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.