UpCode UK CEO Mark Hendriksen on CTIA Mobile Barcode Scan Action White Paper
Dear Bena,
I too also personally believe in the importance of the CTIA Code Scan Action Teampublishing a white paper aiming to find a cohesive system for mobile barcode scanning in the U.S. However, most importantly, whilst it’s a US piece, the use of 2D scanning stretches around the globe and this in itself is an immediate indicator that a proprietary code is not the solution and why universal codes, patent free and open source, that are able to be read by mobiles and classic technologies, and are already widely used, ought to be chosen, like DM. Why reinvent the wheel and make it oval too?
However, whilst I do fully understand the thinking behind an interoperable solution that can process revenue generating transactions and perform other mobile access and interaction - the need for a secure system would make ‘one reader redirecting for all’ lose that security.
Also, established phone readers can read DM, QR, 1D, Aztec and other proprietary codes where necessary already - but why limit it again by choosing a code that’s been designed to be read by mobiles at the exclusion of being read by anything else? Again, DM seems the most appropriate answer at this time - of course other codes can hold masses of info but they can’t be read by mobiles - hence you see the need for some joined up thinking here.
The intention of the White Paper, as Iain McCready at NeoMedia points out in his response is “to help define, develop and promote a multi-player, interoperable ecosystem” when coupled with the objective to “Accelerate widespread publication and usage of 2D code scanning in the US” sound premises which he fully supports. His points about EZcode’s and their being restrictive are well founded but, there are certain other codes that have similar limitations if they can ‘only be read by mobiles’ as I hope to have simply illustrated above.
Universal codes = code readers or other technologies capable of reading those codes, wherever you may be in the world inside the USA or from outside the USA - it’s not too complicated. Competition? It’s healthy and necessary for all concerned - but, it’s what you do (or can do) with this technology and the right codes that will make it valuable and engaging enough for both consumers and business/enterprise - and when all’s said and done, monetizing the applications is the goal so surely there’s a need for this to work on classic technologies and mobile to maximise the opportunities.
It’s excellent that this paper has been written, as indicated by the reaction it’s stirred and I’m sure it will lead to a well communicated, informed and adapted ‘next edition.’ May I also urge their collaboration with GS1 to perhaps also help reflect on the wisdom of choosing a proprietary solution.
Interesting times!
Mark Hendriksen
CEO - UpCode Mobile Solutions UK
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One Response to “UpCode UK CEO Mark Hendriksen on CTIA Mobile Barcode Scan Action White Paper”
As Mark points out, it’s good news that this paper has been written, to help the actors involved to find a common and interoperable solution.
This should help the open-standardization processes that already started within OMA. This is the rigth path, IMHO.
Iñaki.
Comment made on October 1st, 2008 at 4:49 pmLeave a Comment