Sony Rolls Out FeliCa Technology Channel Program for System Integrators and Application Developers

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.

   Contact:  Elizabeth Boukis
             Sony Electronics Inc.
             (408) 352-4593
             elizabeth.boukis@am.sony.com

Editor's Note: For press information and digital images, visit Sony Electronics' news and information web site at http://www.sony.com/news. More information about FeliCa technology is available at http://www.sony.net/Products/felica and http://www.gofelica.com/. System integrators and application developers can obtain more information about the FeliCa channel program by calling (845) 405-6872.

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SOURCE: Sony Electronics Inc.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Boukis of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-408-352-4593,
elizabeth.boukis@am.sony.com

Web site: http://www.sony.com/news