EPE 4.0 Features Improved Accuracy and Scalability, Ease of Deployment and
Integrated Tag Management Capabilities
SARATOGA, Calif., Nov. 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Ekahau Inc., a leading
provider of Wi-Fi-based Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), today introduced
the Ekahau Positioning Engine (EPE) 4.0, a major upgrade of Ekahau’s server
software that features faster and more accurate location tracking
capabilities than its predecessor. As the key component of Ekahau’s turn-key
RTLS solution, the EPE 4.0 significantly eases the deployment and management
of a real-time location solution, while providing the ability to track more
than 10,000 objects.
"Since our first positioning engine was introduced in 2002, we have been
working with our customers on ways to improve the functionality of RTLS and
simplify its use," said Lare Lekman, chief technology officer at
Ekahau. "Ekahau’s extensive research and development efforts, coupled with
customer feedback, have resulted in a product set that is unrivaled in its
capabilities. The launch of this next-generation server software seals
Ekahau’s position as an innovator with the best-in-class solutions for the
RTLS industry."
The EPE 4.0 includes a number of new features that improve the
performance of Ekahau’s turn-key RTLS solution. These features include:
* Improved Accuracy and Scalability: New, patent-pending
probabilistic algorithms in the EPE 4.0 deliver a higher
percentage of accuracy in locating tracked items or people
to within up to one to two meters. The software is capable
of tracking more than a total of 10,000 objects and can
complete 600 location transactions per second.
* Simplified Set-Up and Monitoring: The EPE 4.0 includes a
new web-based administrator interface and a new deployment
tool, the Ekahau Location Survey, for pre-survey and site
calibration that cuts deployment time of Wi-Fi-based RTLS
in half compared to the previous version. The new EPE also
supports the site survey data collected with Ekahau Site
Survey (ESS) 2.2, enabling end-to-end process from Wi-Fi
planning and surveys to RTLS deployment.
* Rapid Application Development and Integration: The EPE 4.0
features a new HTTP-XML application programming interface
(API) that speeds application development and integration
with third-party systems. The 4.0 version also enables
tighter integration of EPE to support different Wi-Fi
vendors’ network architecture, and enhanced support to
Wi-Fi based client devices.
* Remote Tag Management: The EPE 4.0 includes integrated tag
management tools that enable users to monitor battery level,
control LED and buzzers, and reconfigure and update firmware
over the air.
The EPE 4.0 has undergone extensive beta testing with a number of Fortune
1000 companies. It also is being integrated with the middleware applications
available from Ekahau partners, including Sybase iAnywhere.
"Our strong partner relationship has resulted in tight integration with
the EPE 4.0 right from the start," said Martyn Mallick, director of RFID and
Mobile Solutions at Sybase iAnywhere. "By combining the EPE 4.0 with Sybase’
s RFID Anywhere solution, our customers are able to easily extend Ekahau’s
RTLS capabilities, along with other sensory data, into their applications."
The EPE 4.0 powers the Ekahau RTLS solution. Ekahau has deployed its RTLS
system worldwide in hospitals, manufacturing facilities, mines, museums and
on military bases. The applications of Ekahau RTLS allow these industries to
track people and assets in real time, as well as improve efficiency, safety
and security.
The EPE 4.0 will be generally available in November 30th, 2006. Free
evaluation software is now available. For more information, please visit
http://www.ekahau.com/eval .
About Ekahau Inc.
Ekahau Inc. is the industry leader in providing Wi-Fi based RTLS
solutions. Ekahau’s customers, including several Fortune 500 companies
worldwide, are realizing the benefits of Wi-Fi based location services and
innovative Wi-Fi network planning and optimization tools. Ekahau partners
include wireless software developers, leading system integrators, and
international OEM partners, who develop and market wireless enterprise
applications. Ekahau is a U.S. based corporation, with offices in Saratoga,
CA; Reston, VA; Helsinki, Finland; and Hong Kong, China. For more information
about Ekahau, please visit at http://www.ekahau.com .
