Sensormatic and Intermec announced a strategic alliance to develop integrated RFID and EAS systems called smartEAS. The smartEAS tags will contain both an RFID chip and EAS component, allowing them to be used for security and inventory management. The companies aim to launch smartEAS commercially in late 2000 after pilot tests in 1999-2000. The integrated smartEAS systems have the potential to provide multiple benefits to retailers including recycling tags, improved return on investment, and additional applications utilizing a single tag.