Sony Electronics today
announced the establishment of an integrator and developer channel program
for its FeliCa contactless integrated circuit (IC) chip technology.
The FeliCa System Integrator Application Developer (SIAD) program
offers system integrators and application developers with resources,
training and support necessary to deploy FeliCa technology-based solutions
in a wide range of markets in North America, such as retail, hospitality,
healthcare and cinema.
Program resources include the FeliCa technology software development
kit, as well as FeliCa products such as cards, readers/writers and other
internal enabling components to deploy contactless applications.
Developed by Sony, the FeliCa microchip provides a fast, convenient and
secure all-in-one solution platform for multiple applications, including
electronic pre-paid transactions, access, interactive signage and
membership or loyalty rewards systems. The chip combines processing,
storage and communication functions, and can be implemented in a variety of
form factors including cards, key chains and mobile phones.
"Combining applications like eMoney, loyalty points, electronic coupons
and interactive signage into one form offers merchants a solution that can
lead to improved customer engagement," said Tim Lindner, director of
strategic business development at Sony Electronics.
Deployed in Asia for more than ten years, FeliCa technology has formed
the basis for transportation access and merchant communities where
customers can easily and rapidly purchase goods and services.
"Success in Asia has been achieved through the deployment of companies
that have the ability to design, integrate and install FeliCa-based systems
in accordance with their customers' vision of how best to improve daily
operations and in turn give their customers a more convenient shopping
experience," Lindner added.
Compudigital Industries Inc. of Rocklin, Calif. is the first company to
join Sony's FeliCa SIAD program. Specializing in software development,
programming and hardware design, Compudigital has already started designing
interactive applications incorporating the unique capabilities of FeliCa
technology.
"FeliCa technology is on the edge of the technology curve, has
unlimited application potential, and opens up a whole new world for
developers," said Jeff Hilliard, president of Compudigital. "We have
started creating some impressive demonstrations that can transform the way
people and businesses interact."
Sony continues to extend FeliCa technology into new markets globally,
and a number of pilot programs utilizing the technology are currently under
way in the U.S. FeliCa technology complies with the Near Field
Communication (NFC) standards.
Source: SONY
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