BT and Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) announced today that they will be working together to provide an RFID managed service to the retail sector.

The new offering combines BT’s RFID data management and systems integration expertise with Microsoft’s proven experience in data capture and analysis to make it easier for European retailers and their suppliers to adopt item-level RFID technology for pilots or full-scale rollouts.

In February 2005, BT was selected by Marks & Spencer as the main contractor to extend the RFID trial in its clothing supply chain. From spring 2006, the number of stores participating in the trial will extend from nine to around 50.

Ross Hall, CEO of Auto-ID Services, BT said, “As prime contractor for the Marks & Spencer RFID Intelligent Label project, BT is delighted to be working with Microsoft to make the deployment of RFID more affordable and less risky. It also makes adopting a uniform RFID strategy across Europe a whole lot easier. “

Dilip Popat, Managing Director, Microsoft EMEA Retail Industry Unit, said the solution sets an industry precedent. “By offering RFID as a managed service, BT has greatly reduced the risks associated with the adoption of the technology.

Combining BT’s proven RFID track record with Microsoft’s Smarter Retailing Solutions including data infrastructure and analytics will give retailers the improved business intelligence, better inventory accuracy and the real-time visibility they need to face the growing demands of today’s consumer.”

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