CTIA Announces Camera-Phone Barcode Scanning White Paper

CTIA-The Wireless Association announced today the release of the Camera-Phone Based Barcode Scanning White Paper (pdf), on behalf of its Carrier Code Scanning Action Team (CCSAT). Utilizing industry-wide input from the nation’s leading carriers, the White Paper’s purpose is to help define, develop, and promote a multi-layer, open ecosystem for camera-phone 2D barcode scanning in the U.S. market.

“When it comes to engaging consumers, camera-phone barcode scanning technology is an exciting new wave of the future,” said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. “The White Paper equips companies with a roadmap to help navigate this emerging ecosystem and provides clarity on which technologies will be supported in the code scanning development and implementation process.”

The White Paper includes use case examples, recommendations for ecosystem architecture, growth and technical support, as well as a timetable for deployment. It also outlines plans to establish a Best Practices guide and a service mark to provide consumers with the assurance of a consistent and understood experience when scanning barcodes.

“The White Paper is another vivid illustration of how the wireless industry values its consumers and their needs,” continued Largent. “It is the result of an enormous amount of collaboration within the industry to identify how best to serve its customers, and to provide standards for all of those involved in camera-phone barcode scanning to ultimately give consumers a predictable and quality experience.”

Following the White Paper release, the team will begin development of Marketing Best Practices Guidelines, as well as issue RFPs for a Central Registry, Central Clearing House and Data Matrix Campaign Manager.

The CCSAT was formed in October 2007 under the direction of CTIA’ Wireless Internet Caucus (WIC) to identify the means to stimulate early adoption of 2D barcodes in the U.S. The goal of the CCSAT group is to establish an early ecosystem that allows the market to grow as future code scanning symbologies, solutions and players emerge. Primary areas of focus for the team include symbology support, ecosystem definition, device application specifications and market implementation plans. As technology and market needs continue to evolve, the CCSAT will keep working closely with interested parties to make necessary adjustments, conduct ongoing analysis and monitor market conditions in the barcode scanning space.

Copies of the newly released White Paper are now available. Also, be sure to listen to a brief podcast interview with CTIA’s Vice President, Wireless Internet Development, Mark Desautels, and watch informative video segments as Mark discusses how this cutting-edge technology works, the purpose of the White Paper, the initiative’s roll-out strategy, as well as predictions on mass adoption.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. http://www.ctia.org