It's a technology provider's dream: Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of companies all scrambling to implement RFID technology in their distribution, manufacturing and logistics operations under a tight deadline. So is it really any surprise that six companies have joined forces to provide turnkey RFID integration services for the retail supply chain?

The group, called epcSTARS, intends to offer end-to-end RFID solutions to help companies comply with a 2005 implementation goal set by Wal-Mart, says George Reynolds, vice president of RFID for Tyco Fire & Security, which heads up the group. The other members include ADT Security Systems, Sensormatic, Rafsec Oy, ThingMagic LLC and GlobeRanger Corp.

Each company brings a different type of expertise to epcSTARS, according to Tyco. Sensormatic, a Tyco company, designs, manufactures and installs readers, antennae and tags. ADT Security Services, another Tyco business, has experience in deploying large-scale electronic systems. Rafsec, a Finish company, produces RFID tags. ThingMagic will provide reader technology, while Globe Ranger will provide software.

The group says it may add members down the road.