For those that weren't paying attention back in February, Alcatel-Lucent renamed its former tikitag service to touchatag as a means of differentiating the brand in the market while drawing attention to its expanded application portfolio of contactless services.

 

touchatag, of course, is the online RFID service that allows developers to create one-touch contactless applications with the ability to connect everyday objects to applications on the Web, PCs, and mobile devices. Using touchatag, online applications can be launched simply by activating an RFID-enabled device, providing quick, real-time access to information.

 

Though it was developed largely with the developer community in mind -- it launched an online community that includes an API suite to simplify the development process -- consumers with above average knowledge of Web-based technology and development tools can easily benefit as well.

 

"These APIs blend the security of the network with the creativity of the Web to deliver new unique user experiences and services," Anthony Belpaire, General Manager of the touchatag venture said at the time of the rebranding. "Our users are our inspiration, and our new capabilities and features are based on their feedback."

 

Now, five months later, a renewed focus on the product has earned touchatag a 2009 Best Products and Services Award from Network Products Guide. The award is a testament to Alcatel-Lucent's success in being able to adapt its solutions to meet evolving market needs in a next generation communications environment.

 

"Increased end-user awareness and ongoing advances in technology are helping shape better products and services." says Rake Narang, editor-in-chief, Network Products Guide. "touchatag brings innovation into the hands of the user with Alcatel-Lucent Ventures' unique service."

 

Innovation, collaboration, and speed to market are precisely what Belpaire says is the driving force behind the touchatag project, including the business solutions it unveiled in February:

 

For the Web-savvy consumer, touchatag added a 2D barcode reader that enables easy access to information. For instance, users can be automatically linked to social networking sites by reading a 2D barcode tag in a business card.

 

For more on the touchatag service and the many applications that have already been developed and submitted by members of the touchatag Developer Network, visit the venture's Web site.