Onsite RFID Assessment Offer

University of Maryland Technology Extension Service (MTES) offers new, radio-frequency identification (RFID) assessment program to companies in the state at no cost. ...

... "MTES offers Maryland companies on-site RFID assessments at no cost. Assessments start with a review of a company's productivity or security-related issues. Possible RFID solutions are then studied, after which a report is provided including potential costs and return on investment. " ...

Via Maryland Technology Extension Service: University of Maryland Offers Free Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Assessments

EU RFID Risks Manageable in Near Term Riskier in Networked Future

European technology study group assesses the use of RFID technology and its challenges. The analysis sees current privacy risks as limited, but envisions future risks associated with integrated information sources that may allow mining of the aggregate information, which could increase the likelihood of potential surveillance. ...

... "Although a more comprehensive survey would need to be undertaken to draw definite conclusions, these first accounts suggest that, relative to the scale of implementation, few Identity Management issues actually occur. In general, both user and maintainer of the RFID settings perceive RFID merely as an electronic key or wallet. The reason for this can be twofold. First of all, in all the cases it is clear who maintains the data and needs to comply with the guidelines on data protection. Second, many systems currently only cover a small area of a specific setting and run parallel to legacy systems. The RFID systems therefore only disclose small fragments of their users’ identity, limiting the maintainers' possibilities for control. " ...

Via European Union Scientific Technology Options Assessment: RFID and Identity Management in Everyday Life (PDF)

NIST RFID Security Guidelines and Recommendations

NIST provides guidelines for security of RFID technology. ... A sample of their recommendations are organized by phase of RFID implementation - initiation (prior to design), acquisition and development, implementation, operations and maintenance, and, finally, disposition. In the initiation phase, NIST recommends performing risk assessment to understand threats posed by RFID to the organizations assets. A usage policy should be created that defines assets that should be tagged with RFID and who has the authority to determine what assets get tagged. A transparent privacy policy for RFID should be establised. The organization's information security policy should be updated with regard to the introduction of RFID technology. A training program should be established for the users of the RFID solution that emphasizes security and privacy. Document the RFID standards that you comply with. Disable or destroy RFID tags upon disosal. Other recommendations are in the reference report (PDF). ...

... "RFID devices send and/or receive radio signals to transmit identifying information such as product model or serial numbers. They come in a wide variety of types and sizes, from the size of a grain of rice or printed on paper to much larger devices with built in batteries. Unlike bar coding systems, RFID devices can communicate without requiring a line of sight and over longer distances for faster batch processing of inventory and can be outfitted with sensors to collect data on temperature changes, sudden shocks, humidity or other factors affecting products. As RFID devices are deployed in more sophisticated applications from matching hospital patients with laboratory test results to tracking systems for dangerous materials, concerns have been raised about protecting such systems against eavesdropping and unauthorized uses. " ...

NIST Issues Guidelines for Ensuring RFID Security

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain ...

NATO awards Savi contract to sustain operations of its RFID-based network, built to track the supply chain between Europe and Afghanistan. ...

... "The contract followed a year-long assessment of the RFID backbone Savi deployed for NATO. The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The new NATO contract calls for additional units of Savi’s readers (Savi Reader SR-650) to be placed at key transportation nodes along the ISAF Network, more Savi tags (ST-654) to be affixed to containers and air pallets, and for a network wide software upgrade to CMS 1.0, which will be hosted at NC3A’s facility in The Hague, Netherlands, where CMS will interface with the NATO LOGFAS Logistics IT system. " ...

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain: Via Savi Technology: NATO AWARDS SAVI TECHNOLOGY A NEW CONTRACT FOR RFID NETWORK UPGRADES TO TRACK DEFENSE CONSIGNMENTS: Savi’s New SmartChain® Consignment Management Solution Brings Real-Time Visibility of Joint Force, Multi-National Shipments from Europe to Afghanistan ...

Additional references on the NATO RFID supply chain network:

Focus on DLA: "In fact, asset tracking has become a NATO interest item with the recognition of the inability of traditional materiel management techniques to trace individual assets accurately. The 1998 NATO Ministerial Guidance prioritized the achievement of a common standard asset tracking system through the establishment of the Asset Tracking Interservice Working Group. "

International Asset Tracking & Materials Handling Standardization: "The aim of NATO standardization is to enhance the Alliance's operational effectiveness, achieve the closest practicable cooperation among forces, and to improve efficiency in the use of available resources. LOGSA PSCC supports NATO standardization under the NATO Standardization Agency for asset tracking and materials handling as to increase multinational force compatibility (MFC). As our defense resources diminish, we can make more efficient use of resources through MFC. Our prime goal is to establish Standardization Agreements (STANAGs), which are agreements among several or all 19 member nations to adopt like or similar military equipment, ammunition, supplies, and stores; and operational, logistic, and administrative procedures. "

Supply Chain Systems Transformation - Portfolio Management - Milestones: "IUID STANAG ratification by NATO Asset Tracking Working Group"

RFID Adoption Assessment Webcast ...

Via AMRResearch: RFID Adoption Assessment Webcast: Will the RFID Market Ever Materialize? ...

... "RFID Adoption Assessment Webcast: Will the RFID Market Ever Materialize? August 25, 2005, 11AM - 12PM, Boston, MA, US

Webcast, features Dennis Gaughan, Research Director, and Marianne D’Aquila, Research Analyst, who will review results from a comprehensive survey into RFID market adoption. The Webcast will provide details on spending plans, end-user concerns, and effective product strategies that RFID technology vendors can leverage to win in the marketplace. " ...

RFID Global Trade Standards: Interoperability ...

RFID Global Trade Standards: Interoperability: Standards in Trade Workshop Program - NIST

... "2005 Standards In Trade (SIT) Workshop: RFID Standards in the Changing Marketplace - China, Proposed Date: July 2005, Location: NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Overview: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards are becoming an increasingly significant issue in the marketplace. This workshop will address current RFID developments and standards issues in China and the U.S. Workshop Objectives Recognizing the potential of RFID technology in enabling global trade and the role of standards and conformity assessment in ensuring global interoperability. " ...

M2M RFID Market Assessment

M2M RFID Market Assessment: New Players, Partnerships, and Key Segments Will Grow Wireless M2M to $270 Billion by 2010

... "Go-To-Market solutions built around single vendors, new players providing vertical packages, and the expanding and innovative deployments in the supply chain, retail, utilities, security and health customer sectors are the primary contributors to a forecasted 49% annual growth rate. These are some of the key findings from a new research report: Machine to Machine (M2M) - Strong Growth of Wireless M2M and Impact of RFID, now available from Alexander Resources, a leading research, consulting and education firm specializing in wireless communications. " ...

Alexander Resources is a leading provider of strategic consulting, educational services, and research reports to the wireless communications industry. Founded in 1990, the company’s clients include over 200 of the world's leading manufacturers and service providers of wireless communications networks, products, and services.

RFID Enabling Systems: Collaborative Research

RFID Enabling Systems: Collaborative Research: Telcordia Collaborates with Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission for Research and Development Center Program ...

... "Telcordia researchers will work with scientists from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), which hosts the ITC's R&D Centers to develop next-generation technologies in the areas of wireless communications, multimedia content management and collaboration, security, telematics and RFID enabling systems. Developments from the research will help advance the technological growth of the burgeoning Hong Kong region and contribute to the global transformation of the information networking and communications industry. " ...

Telcordia Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of telecommunications network software and services for IP, wireline, wireless, and cable. As the industry continuously evolves, Telcordia is focused on being the undisputed transformation partner for its customers. By delivering flexible, standards-based software solutions and consulting services that optimize complex network and business support systems, Telcordia helps customers transform their business while aggressively reducing costs and growing revenues. Telcordia is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J, with offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America.

The Innovation and Technology Commission was established on 1 July 2000 with the mission to spearhead Hong Kong's drive to become a world class, knowledge-based economy. The Commission works closely with other government departments, the industrial and business sectors, tertiary institutions and industry support organizations, with an aim to build a solid foundation for innovation and technology development and facilitate international trade, through supporting applied research and development, facilitating technology ventures, providing technological infrastructure, developing human capital and promoting internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services.

RFID Demo Facility

RFID Demo Facility: Advanced RFID Demonstration Facility Opens: Unipart Logistics, Intermec, SAP join forces on RFID project ...

... "This enables the business community to simulate new, advanced logistics processes and technology in a risk-free environment, that allows the assessment of the impact and benefits of RFID deployment in terms of strategy, people and process. Underpinned by SAP's RFID platform, the system uses Intermec's RFID readers and printers. GEM simulates a real-life environment, complete with raw materials, picking systems, pallets and supermarket shelves complete with real goods, to create a physical representation of the cost benefits of RFID technology throughout the supply chain." ...

Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include, mobile computing systems, bar code printers, label media and Intellitag® RFID The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations.

SAP is the world's leading provider of business software solutions*. Today, more than 27,000 customers in over 120 countries run more than 91,500 installations of SAP® software—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize businesses to enterprise-scale suite solutions for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaverTM platform to drive innovation and enable business change, mySAPTM Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP industry solutions support the unique business processes of more than 25 industry segments, including high tech, retail, public sector and financial services. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP."

Unipart Logistics is the logistics and service management division of the Unipart Group of Companies (UGC) and is one of Europe's leading providers of logistics to the automotive, technology, aerospace, rail, leisure and retail sectors.

RFID Risk Management Program ...

RFID Risk Management Program: Corporate SOX Compliance: Reconnex Introduces North American Channel Partner Program: TSC to Provide Services that Enable Corporations to Respond and Report on Enterprise Risks by Integrating and Implementing the Reconnex inSight Platform ...

Visibility into network information is key to risk management in the application of RFID technology ...

... "Corporate risks extend far beyond those involved in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and the financial marketplace – other regulations such as HIPAA, FDA, RFID, and other legal, technical, and environmental risks must be considered a part of risk assessment and management, said Malcolm Schwartz, senior vice president, compliance consulting group at TSC. Having visibility into all information leaving the corporate network so nothing goes unanalyzed can be a key element in a comprehensive risk management program. ” ...

Reconnex enables companies to guard against information security breaches that originate within an organization. Reconnex pioneered the only enterprise security platform of its kind that has the capacity to run at gigabit speeds, is non-invasive and can be deployed in hours not weeks; businesses now have a realistic and cost-effective solution to assess their operational and compliance risks. With Reconnex, companies across various industries and government agencies now have the demonstrable proof they are in continuous compliance with real-time monitoring, detection and reporting of compliance risks.

Responsible RFID: Is Item Level Necessary?

Implementing RFID Responsibly, Calling for a Technology Assessment: Testimony submitted to the Federal Trade Commission RFID Workshop, Washington, D.C. by Beth Givens, Director Privacy Rights Clearinghouse ...

... "Can many of the benefits of RFID be accomplished without resorting to the placement of a unique identifier, called the Electronic Product Code (EPC), on each and every consumer product that is released into the marketplace? For example, one benefit of RFID that has been touted is to label toxic materials contained inside computer products, such as components containing lead or nickel-cadmium. This application of RFID could make it much easier to separate out such materials when they are headed for the landfill. Yet, such materials do not need the fully unique identifier, only a generic tag that emits the code for lead or for nickel-cadmium. There may be many other ways to benefit from the RFID technology without embedding unique identifiers on each and every product, right down to each individual can of Coke, for example." ...

RFID Warehouse Robot

NEWS

... "The robot can conduct continuous surveillance along one of several pre-established paths, steer itself to stay on the path and avoid obstacles, and inventory specified items as it moves through a storage area. The robot's built-in RF interrogator scans RFID tags affixed to items in storage and sends the information to a collection point for appropriate action. The MDARS robot reduces the need for safety and inventory control personnel and can help prevent losses of high-dollar or controlled items. Other benefits anticipated with the use of the robots include improved inventory control, reduced risk to security personnel, and quick detection of intruders, fire, and toxic spills. Future plans include linking the MDARS RF-based product assessment system to other depot systems, such as the Distribution Standard System (DSS). For more information, call Jerry Edwards, Office of the Product Manager for Physical Security Equipment, Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, at (703) 704-2412 or DSN 654-2412, or send e-mail to jedwards @belvoir.army.mil. " ...

RFID Presentation Sunnyvale California ...

Upcoming RFID Presentation at IEEE Seminar ...

... eSmart Source, RFID solutions and training provider, announced that Mr. Sam Patadia, Vice President of Engineering at eSmart Source will be giving an RFID presentation at the IEEE Communications Society in Sunnyvale. California on April 13.2005 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the National Semiconductor Building. Mr. Patadia’s presentation will be available on the eSmart Source website at www.esmartsource.com as well as eSmart’s training division RFID4U’s website www.rfid4u.com once it has been presented. ...

For over six years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

RFID Course Curriculum Expands ...

RFID Course Curriculum Expands: eSmart Source Training Division RFID4U Dramatically Expands RFID ...

RFID4U increases the depth of its RFID curriculum, with additions to accelerate quick learning events and enable live virtual learning events ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... training division of eSmart Source) announces several new course curricula to meet the training needs in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at ...

... RFID4U (training division of eSmart Source) announces several new course curricula to meet the training needs in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at all levels. Course offerings now include: One day RFID Made Easy, two days RFID workshop and three days RFID implementation training. These courses are offered onsite as well as in company’s training facility. In addition company also announced twelve online courses which are available with live instructors via web and offers significant saving in resource travel cost. Company has plans to introduce more courses next quarter. ...

For over six years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

RFID One-Day Training Event in March ...

RFID One-Day Training: eSmart Source Announces RFID Made Easy Training in Phoenix Arizona

RFID Made Easy Training Event is coming up soon ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... eSmart Source, a leading RFID solutions and training provider announced today that the firm will conduct one of their popular RFID Made Easy training events in ...

... eSmart Source, a leading RFID solutions and training provider announced today that the firm will conduct one of their popular RFID Made Easy training events in Phoenix, Arizona. RFID Made Easy is a class room style one-day course that familiarizes participants with the hardware, middleware, software and other key elements necessary for successful RFID deployment. This day-long event will be conducted on Wednesday March 23rd at the Fiesta Inn Resort in Tempe, Arizona. ...

For over five years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

RFID Standards China Marketplace ...

Standards in Trade Workshop Program - NIST

... "2005 Standards In Trade (SIT) Workshop: RFID Standards in the Changing Marketplace - China

Proposed Date: July 2005

Location: NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Overview: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards are becoming an increasingly significant issue in the marketplace. This workshop will address current RFID developments and standards issues in China and the U.S.

Workshop Objectives

Recognizing the potential of RFID technology in enabling global trade and the role of standards and conformity assessment in ensuring global interoperability, the objectives of this workshop are:

To understand the role and authority of relevant agencies and organizations involved in RFID standards development and conformity assessment activities;
To identify potential areas for future collaboration related to the development of RFID standards and conformity assessment; and
To enable discussions on standards, standards development and conformity assessment related to RFID. " ...

RFID Human Implantation ...

RFID Implantation: Chief Information Officer of Harvard Medical School Recieves ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end ... revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than ...

... VeriChip Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Digital (NASDAQ: ADSX), a provider of Security Through Innovation(TM), announced today that John D. Halamka, MD, MS, Chief Information Officer of Harvard Medical School, was implanted with a VeriChip(TM) in December 2004 and began an assessment of the technology. Prior to making a recommendation to a patient, Dr. Halamka wished to undergo the VeriChip "experience" so that, with his extensive clinical and information technology experience, he could make an assessment from all dimensions. ...

VeriChip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Digital. The VeriChip product is a sub dermal RFID micro transponder that can be used in a variety of security, financial, emergency identification and healthcare applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip device contains a unique verification number that is captured by briefly passing a proprietary scanner over the VeriChip. In October 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared VeriChip for medical applications in the United States. VeriChip is not an FDA-regulated device with regard to its security, financial, personal identification/safety applications and is MRI compatible.

Additional resources on RFID implants:

RFID chips - ultimate human control: be required to have a microchip implanted in their ... are the only company today offering human implantable ID ... focuses of personal GPS devices and RFID chip firms ...

RFID: Getting Under Your Skin?: some 1000 people in the US and elsewhere have RFID chips implanted in their ... Drug Administration still hasn't given its approval for human injection of ...

Life Chip - RFID Report: of the transponder implants migrated from the implantation site ... Knowing that the RFID transponder fitted with Bio-Bond ... and eradication and to promote human safety ...

Track Record for Quick RFID Implementation Projects ...

Track Record for Quick RFID Implementation Projects: Shipcom Completes a Record Number of RFID Projects in 2004

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Shipcom Wireless, Inc., a leading global provider of RFID solutions completed a record number of RFID projects in 2004, ahead of the Wal ...

... Shipcom Wireless, Inc., a leading global provider of RFID solutions completed a record number of RFID projects in 2004, ahead of the Wal*Mart mandate. Shipcom's customers include a wide spectrum of companies from manufacturing, logistics, to consumer goods and transportation industries, namely, HP, Ryder Logistics, Tatung, Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, to name a few. Suppliers to Wal*Mart achieved quick, robust implementations thereby creating productivity gains. ...

Shipcom Wireless is a leading provider of enterprise RFID solutions for Supply Chain Automation and Asset Tracking initiatives. Its CATAMARAN(R) rapid deployment framework extends and enhances the productivity of SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Provia, Siebel, "legacy" and other back-end systems for WMS, Lean Manufacturing, and CRM applications. With the market's lowest total cost of integration and ownership, CATAMARAN(R) reduces risk and is the most flexible solution. Founded in 1997, the Houston based company's systems are being used in Fortune 1000 companies such as, British America Tobacco, Beckman Coulter, General Electric, Hasbro, Hewlett-Packard, Menlo Logistics, Medtronic, NVIDIA, Philips, Ryder Logistics, Sempra Energy, Samsung, Siemens, Shell Oil, and Tatung.

Additional resources on companies with suucessful track record for quick RFID implementation projects ...

RFID Implementation – RFID Technology: labeled and tracked via RFID for quick and accurate ... Intermec Intellitag® 2450 MHz Metal-Mount RFID tag is ... pallets, but which has a proven track record in a ...

RFID Technology and EPC in Retail: in varied and extreme environments like fast paced outdoor ... are well known for their long track record of managing ... and reusable containers to track the movement ...

New Risk Assessment Profile From AMR Research Evaluates RFID: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Companies evaluating RFID partners will have to weigh their priorities -- a quick compliance fix ... spend $500M in 2004 on implementation projects, and this ...

RFID for Supply Chain - Benefits - Supply Chain - Wireless Mobile: to assist you in mapping out an RFID implementation that can ... The InfoLogix RFID Process. Our proven quick start methodology with existing RFID projects helps ...

RFID Service Management for Mobile Assets ...

RFID Management of Mobile Assets: TrenStar Delivering Mobile Asset Management Solution to Martek

From Market Wire (press release) ... has signed an agreement to acquire Martek's container fleet and provide a management solution featuring radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking, systems ...

... TrenStar Inc. announced today at the ProMat trade show that it will be delivering an outsourced mobile asset management solution to Martek Biosciences Corp., a company that develops and sells products derived from microalgae. TrenStar has signed an agreement to acquire Martek's container fleet and provide a management solution featuring radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking, systems integration, logistics, fleet assessment and procurement, and maintenance services including sterilization. TrenStar will provide reverse logistics for some domestic and European Martek customers. ...

Martek Biosciences Corporation develops and sells products from microalgae. The Nutritional Products Group manufactures and sells two nutritional fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). Martek has patented its DHA (DHASCO®) and ARA (ARASCO®) oil blend (Formulaid®) and sells it to infant formula manufacturers worldwide. Martek also sells its DHA oil, under the Neuromins® brand name, to the nutritional supplement industry, either directly or through a number of supplement manufacturers. The Fluorescent Products Group develops and sells a series of proprietary and non-proprietary fluorescent markers. These markers have been designed for use in a wide range of drug discovery and research applications. TrenStar is the first company to offer mobile asset management. From the start in 2001, TrenStar's singular mission has been to buy, track and manage high-value containers for customers throughout asset-intensive industries. TrenStar offers one complete outsourced solution that combines asset acquisition, tracking technology and management services all for a per-use fee, so customers, and eventually entire industries, reduce operating expenses, improve customer service and manage assets and their contents effectively. TrenStar's clients include Carlsberg UK, Coors Brewers Limited, Kraft and Goodyear. Ranked as the top software developer in the Denver area and named a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Rising Star in North America, TrenStar has offices in Denver, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. TrenStar is privately held, and the primary shareholders are Trencor Limited, The Carlyle Group and the Leede Companies.

Additional resources on RFID Management of Mobile Assets ...

Inventory Software: RFID Technology, logistics, Inventory: and simplify management and control of valuable mobile assets and helps speed shipments through homeland security procedures. Based on active RFID technology ...

Mobile Asset Management Solutions for Healthcare: tracking and identification of mobile assets including medical ... is the first to offer RFID-enabled resource and workflow management solutions designed ...

RFID: ready for its close-up?: In addition, the RFID's mobile asset management solution provider will package the cost of assets, services and solutions into a per-use fee, enabling you to ...

RFID technology to power real-time asset: The ID-tags transmit continuous active-RFID information to Radianse ... us a further competitive edge in real-time management of mobile assets across healthcare ...