Touchatag (previously TikiTag[1]) is an RFID service for consumers, application developers and operators/enterprises created by Alcatel-Lucent. Consumers can use RFID tags to trigger what touchatag calls Applications, which can include opening a webpage, sending a text message, shutting down the computer, or running a custom application created through the software's API, via the application developer network. Touchatag applications are also compatible with NFC enabled phones like the Nokia 6212.[2][3] TikiTag was launched as an Open Beta on October 1, 2008.[4][5] And it was rebranded to touchatag on February 15, 2009.[6] Touchatag also sells RFID hardware, like a starter package with 1 USB RFID reader and 10 RFID tags (stickers), for which the client software is currently compatible with Windows XP and Vista, along with Mac OS X 10.4 and up.[7] Touchatag is currently carried by Amazon.com, ThinkGeek, Firebox.com and getDigital.de along with Touchatag's own Online Store.[8] Touchatag also markets their products' underlying technology for enterprise and operator solutions. Touchatag announced an agreement with Belgacom PingPing on jointly developing the contactless market and announced a commercial pilot with Accor Services.[9]
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Touchatag's core offering is the touchatag service, based on the "application correlation service" and allows tag, reader and application management. For consumers, the web interface allows to link RFID tags (and 2D barcode tags, more precisely QR Code) to applications. Application developers can use the correlation API to use the ACS functionalities to create contactless applications.[10] For businesses, this ACS is extended with an RFID/NFC tag and reader catalogue, and applications like loyalty, interactive advertising and couponing.[11]
The reader provided is an ACS 122U Tag Reader, from Advanced Card Systems.[12] The tags shipped with the reader are MiFare Ultralight tags.[12]
Touchatag hardware is supported by its makers on Microsoft Windows and MacOS X platforms, and requires registration on the website to work. An unsupported application is also available for Linux platforms.[13] Like the MacOS X application, the Linux application uses PCSC-Lite for hardware access.