For release: 05 Aug 2009
NFC Forum Introduces New "Implementer" Membership Level
Move Aimed at Expanding Membership to Organizations Developing NFC-Based Solutions
Wakefield, Mass., USA - August 5, 2009 - The NFC Forum (http://www.nfc-forum.org), a non-profit industry association that advances the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, today announced a new membership level called "Implementer" designed to further the NFC ecosystem and broaden the organization's global reach.
Implementer membership is targeted at companies directly implementing NFC solutions in the field worldwide. It complements existing NFC Forum membership levels that are primarily targeted at technical specification development. As more commercial NFC applications are developed and deployed, Implementer membership provides a platform for companies that work with NFC on a daily basis.
Available at an annual cost of US$5000, the Implementer level entitles members to an array of benefits, including participation in NFC Forum marketing events and Plugfests, access to member resources, discounts, and input to Forum marketing efforts. Implementer membership is the most affordable level of NFC Forum membership available to for-profit companies.
"No one knows more about customer needs and best practices than the companies that deliver NFC solutions around the world every day," said Koichi Tagawa, chairman of the NFC Forum. "The Implementer level brings NFC Forum membership within reach of these organizations, and as we work together to build the future of NFC, their knowledge and expertise should prove to be very valuable."
Implementer members are entitled to:
- Access to the NFC Forum members-only website (excluding Technical and Compliance Committee areas);
- Attend Plenary meetings;
- Attend and participate in Marketing Committee Working Group and Task Force meetings;
- Review pre-release drafts of specifications during the Committee review period;
- Participate at member rates in NFC Forum marketing-related events;
- Participate in NFC Forum members-only Plugfests; and
- Receive member discounts on product certification.
In addition to the Implementer level, the NFC Forum offers for-profit companies the following membership levels at the annual fees indicated: Associate (US$10,000), Principal (US$25,000), and Sponsor (US$50,000). Non-Profit membership is available to not-for-profit institutions for an annual fee of US$1000. The NFC Forum recently enhanced benefits for all existing membership levels. For more information about membership levels and their respective benefits, visit the NFC Forum website: http://www.nfc-forum.org/join/membership_benefits.
About Near Field Communication Technology
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a standards-based, short-range wireless connectivity technology that enables simple and safe two-way interactions between electronic devices. NFC technology allows consumers to perform contactless transactions, access digital content and connect devices with the simplicity of a single touch.
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology provides global interoperability of contactless identification and interconnection technologies. NFC operates in the 13.56 MHz frequency range, over a typical distance of a few centimeters. The underlying layers of NFC technology are based on ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards. NFC technology is supported by the world's leading communication device manufacturers, semiconductor producers, network operators, IT and services companies, and financial services organizations. NFC is compatible with hundreds of millions of contactless cards and readers already deployed worldwide.
About the NFC Forum
The NFC Forum, http://www.nfc-forum.org, was launched as a non-profit industry association in 2004 by leading mobile communications, semiconductor and consumer electronics companies. The Forum's mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability among devices and services and educating the market about NFC technology. The Forum's 140 global member companies currently are developing specifications for a modular NFC device architecture, and protocols for interoperable data exchange and device-independent service delivery, device discovery and device capability.
The NFC Forum's Sponsor members, who hold seats on the Board of Directors, include leading players in key industries around the world. The Sponsor members are: Innovision Research & Technology plc, INSIDE Contactless, MasterCard Worldwide, Microsoft Corp., NEC, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, Renesas Technology, Samsung, Sony Corporation, STMicroelectronics, and Visa Inc.
