touchatag Enhances the Event Experience

Next Generation Communications Blog

touchatag Enhances the Event Experience

Just this week, Alcatel-Lucent announced a series of new business applications to its touchatag Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution that enables developers and Web-savvy consumers to create innovative one-touch applications, which connect everyday objects with online applications.
 
One interesting application of this technology lies in the event organization space.
 
This technology gives event attendees the ability to extend their real-life surroundings to incorporate online resources and applications.
 
First a word on some of the technology that makes this go.
 
What is RFID?
According to RFID Journal, radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it.
 
What is NFC?
According to the NFC Forum, Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connectivity technology standard designed for intuitive, simple and safe communication between electronic devices. NFC communication is enabled by bringing two NFC compatible devices within a few centimeters of one another. Applications of NFC technology include contactless transactions such as payment and transit ticketing, simple and fast data transfers including calendar synchronization or electronic business cards and access to online digital content.
 
So now, imagine you are organizing an exhibit at the local museum.
 
When a visitor registers for the event, an RFID tag is created that can be used as a visitor badge or applied to another badge. During the event, the visitor can use his RFID tag for various applications such as to receive information from the organizer (welcome message, reminder to silence mobile phones, etc...); to mark and collect points of interest (for later retrieval, perhaps via a single URL for collected information); update their online presence to share their experience with their social community; to connect with other visitors, and more.
 
All with the simple touch of a tag.
 
The ability to connect the real world with online applications makes the event experience a much richer and more fulfilling one for the visitor.
 
For more on this opportunity for event organizers, check out the article, Enhancing the Event Experience with touchatag RFID Service.

For more information on touchatag, visit the touchatag Web site.
 
 


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