Integration of wireless sensor networking products within existing systems is a theme this month. Let me show you what I mean.

While I was sleeping over the past few years, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology emerged, grew, and prospered.

The technology can turn your PC into a highly deterministic distributed control platform.

What is the difference between the licensed and unlicensed bands and why should I care?

Municipalities typically generate a large amount of compostable material as a byproduct of their wastewater treatment operations. The "green" cities turn this unappealing substance into something of benefit to everyone, but the transformation doesn't happen all on its own.

MoteWorks from Crossbow Technology Inc., San Jose, CA, is an open, standards-based integrated software platform that allows device manufacturers to integrate wireless sensor network capabilities into their products.

This month's biggest M&A news: Texas Instruments will sell its Sensors & Controls business (but not its RFID systems operations) to affiliates of Bain Capital, LLC, an investment firm, for $3.0 billion in cash. The Massachusetts-based Sensors & Controlswhich supplies the appliance, climate control, industrial, automotive, lighting, and aircraft marketsderives 50% of its revenue from outside North America.

New software must also make it possible to quickly acquire data and store it locally, passing back only parametric data.

According to Forecast International analyst Larry Dickerson, the market for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance systems, including air vehicles and payloads, is expected to be worth $13.6 billion through 2014. "Thanks to their battlefield successes in Iraq and Afghanistan, money is being lavished on UAV programs as never before," said Dickerson.

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