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Art Meets Science as Gallery Installs RFID Shopper System



April 25, 2005 -- Shopping for fine art has become a little less intimidating and a lot more high-tech as Sapago Inc. announced today that it has launched its first Art-FID Personal Shopper System at an art gallery in New England.



Visitors to Granite State MetalWorks borrow a handheld computer and a wireless, pen-shaped device to use within the gallery. When the visitor wants to learn more about a piece, he points the device towards a tag near the artwork to scan it. The Sapago Art-FID system then displays detailed information on the artwork and the artist who created it as well as links to similar pieces.



The Art-FID system utilizes radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to identify the artwork. RFID technology has received a lot of attention as organizations like Wal-Mart, the U.S. Department of Defense, Target, Albertson's and Tesco have all launched initiatives aimed at using RFID to improve supply chain management.



"This takes RFID out of the warehouse and puts its power in the hands of the consumer," says Michael Zammuto, President of Sapago. The system has a sleek, modern design and an Internet-enabled version of the Art-FID system integrates with the gallery's web site and allows shoppers to instantly send pictures and a summary of the artwork to an email address.



Granite State MetalWorks owner, Lorene Albert says she expects the system to increase gallery sales. "I am always trying to find ways to make people feel comfortable. Most people find art too intimidating to ask questions," says Albert. "One extra sale could pay for the system many times over and the system sets us apart as an innovator." The gallery, which includes works by Albert and others, is located in the arts district of Littleton, New Hampshire, a popular ski and tourist destination.



Sapago expects to complete a round of venture funding this year and plans to roll out several versions of the system targeted to a broad range of retail segments.






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