HP launch RFID Service for Servers

HP today introduced a new service that enables customers to reduce property loss, increase security and improve audit controls in the data center with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The HP Factory Express RFID Service tracks critical data center assets, such as HP factory-built servers, storage devices and rack enclosures, so customers can continuously monitor the equipment as soon as it is received at their facilities.

When deployed as part of a full RFID solution from HP and its partners, the service automates and tracks device movement, providing an accurate inventory of all assets throughout their lifecycle. Over the next year, HP plans to extend the service to customers worldwide via HP Factory Express locations in Singapore, Brazil and the United Kingdom. HP's RFID tagging process allows technology devices to be scanned from the factory to the customer without requiring workers to manually inventory each asset. Customers can then quickly locate and maintain devices with minimal employee intervention, saving time and reducing loss or theft of valuable technology assets.

"Escalating customer demand for automated tracking led to HP's development of this service," said Tim Wilkinson, Regional Manager, RFID & Supply Chain COE. "As an early adopter of RFID in our own supply chain and a world leader in RFID, HP is uniquely qualified to help customers lower their total cost of ownership and mitigate security risks through RFID services and solutions."

The service costs between $5 and $10 for each individual tag, which can be affixed to the outside of HP ProLiant and HP Integrity server systems, HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array products, HP StorageWorks Modular Smart Arrays, HP server enclosures and HP rack infrastructure