Global eXchange Services Announces Participation in Interoperability Demonstration of EPC Network and Global Data Synchronization

Business Wire, May 25, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

U Connect Conference

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004

Following on the heels of its official commitment to enable its solutions to support RFID and EPCglobal(TM) standards, Global eXchange Services today announced its participation in the first demonstration of interoperability between components of the planned EAN.UCC Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and the EPCglobal Network run by VeriSign. The demonstration will illustrate how product information can be accessed from the EPC Network to provide visibility between synchronized product information and physical product movement.

"With the use of RFID becoming a reality in the retail industry, data associated to the reference number encoded in the RFID chip will provide the real long-term benefit of this technology," said Alex Schumacher, director of retail strategy for Global eXchange Services. "Participation in this demonstration is the first step in developing the network for the integration of EPC data into product information management processes for synchronizing this data with internal systems."

The demonstration will combine data from various sources, providing the user with a detailed description of the product and its shipping history to a retailer's distribution center. Product attributes like description, size and dimension information will be accessed from Global eXchange Services by integrating its Product Information Manager solution through a web services interface, known as Electronic Product Code Information Service (EPC IS), with the root Object Name Service (ONS) of the EPC Network.

"Global eXchange Services is a recognized leader in product information management and data synchronization and we're excited to be working with them to demonstrate proof of how the GDSN and EPC Network will work together," said Brian Matthews, vice president of directory services at VeriSign. "The combined power of the GDSN and EPC Network forms the basis for the next leap forward in supply chain collaboration."

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the standard reference number behind both product identification and EPC-based inventory movement, must be shared in an accurate and timely fashion between trading partners. The vision for the GDSN is to ensure that new product introductions and changes are synchronized prior to order processing, and that synchronized data will support RFID-based tracking of shipments facilitated through the EPC Network.

"We are pleased by the commitment Global eXchange Services has made to take a leadership role in implementing solutions that leverage the EPCglobal Network," said Mike Meranda, president of EPCglobal US. "By working with our partner VeriSign, and other members of the EPCglobal community, we believe firms like Global eXchange Services will help lower the barriers to adopting RFID standards throughout the industry."

About EPCglobal

EPCglobal, Inc., a joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC), is a not-for-profit organization entrusted to drive the global, multi-industry adoption and implementation of the EPC Network(TM). EPCglobal leverages the nearly thirty year heritage of EAN International and the UCC in successfully partnering with industry. The neutral, consensus-based, standards organization aims to make organizations more effective by enabling true visibility of information about items in the supply chain by developing and managing standards for the EPC Network. For more information on EPCglobal visit www.EPCglobalinc.org or www.EPCglobalUS.org. EPCglobal US is an affiliate of EPCglobal serving subscribers in the United States to help foster the adoption of the EPC Network and related technology.

About Global eXchange Services

Global eXchange Services, Inc. operates one of the largest B2B e-commerce networks in the world, managing 1 billion transactions annually for more than 100,000 trading partners. With over 35 years experience, Global eXchange Services provides supply chain services and software to 60 percent of the FORTUNE 500. Global eXchange Services is headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD in the U.S., with sales and development offices throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information visit our Web site at www.gxs.com.

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