( BW)(EPCGLOBAL) EPCglobal Ratifies First Software Standard for
EPC/RFID As Build-Out of the EPCglobal Network Continues

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    BRUSSELS, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2005--

    Standard Enables Efficient Collection and Movement of EPC Data,
       Making Supply Chains Visible and Traceable in Real Time;
       Opens Door for Proliferation of Standards-Based Software

    EPCglobal Inc, a subsidiary of GS1, a not-for-profit standards
organization entrusted with driving the global adoption of Electronic
Product Code (EPC) technology and the EPCglobal Network, today
announced the ratification of a new software standard for using EPC
technology in the supply chain.
    The standard, known as the Application Level Events standard, or
ALE, is the first created by the EPCglobal community specifically for
software. ALE was developed by more than 100 leading companies within
the EPCglobal Software Action Group and establishes the approach
EPC-enabled software products will take in collecting, managing and
routing data EPC technology generates in the supply chain.
    "The community is making swift strides in the commercialization of
RFID and EPC technology," said Chris Adcock, president of EPCglobal
Inc. "This royalty-free software standard will facilitate the creation
of a standardized approach for filtering and collecting EPC
information within the EPC-enabled enterprise, allowing the
development of systems that will achieve business value more
efficiently."
    Today's announcement follows successful interoperability testing
of prototype software from several technology providers, including
Acsis, ConnecTerra, GlobeRanger, IBM (NYSE: IBM), Progress Software
(NASDAQ: PRGS), and Reva Systems. The tests ensure that the
implementations built to the standard will work with each other to
meet the requirements of suppliers, manufacturers, and end-user
companies operating across multiple industries.
    Standards developed by the EPCglobal community are foundational
elements in the continuing build-out of the EPCglobal Network, which
combines RFID technology, existing network infrastructure and the EPC
to provide accurate, cost-efficient visibility of product information
throughout supply chains.
    Royalty-free standards are a primary goal of EPCglobal, and will
aid in the rapid creation of standards-based, interoperable products
and the widespread deployment of EPC technology.
    The new standard joins other EPCglobal standards, including the
UHF Generation 2 standard, which was ratified in December 2004.
    An EPCglobal standard ensures interoperability and sets minimum
operational expectations for various components in the EPCglobal
Network, including software and hardware components.
    EPCglobal Inc is a joint venture between GS1 (formerly EAN
International) and GS1 US (formerly the Uniform Code Council). GS1 is
a leading global organization dedicated to the design and
implementation of global standards and solutions to improve efficiency
and visibility in supply and demand chains. GS1 US is a not-for-profit
member organization of GS1 and is dedicated to the development and
implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions.

    --30--LC/na*

    CONTACT: EPCglobal Inc
             Jack Grasso, 609-620-4555 
             jgrasso@epcglobalinc.org
             or
             Fleishman-Hillard
             Darren Wallis, 314-982-0278 
             wallisd@fleishman.com