Microsoft Launches it's own 2D Code System

On January 7,Microsoft  launched beta of it’s own 2D Bar code system called Microsoft Tag.The basic difference between more popular QR or Data matrix codes and Microsoft tag is the format.Tag uses “High Capacity Color Bar codes ” or HCCB format,making the code much smaller than QR or data matrix code.

Those  not familiar with 2D codes codes can get it here.Basically 2D codes are just an extension to highly popular Bar Codes which you can see on almost every product you buy.Usually bar codes are used for product information like serial number and are extensively deployed for shopping automation.Mobile Tagging is a relatively new system which uses 2D bar codes.Present 2D codes in use are QR code and Data Matrix code.

Microsoft Tag gives  numerous possibilities to explore.While these codes can be used by individuals on their blogs,visiting cards or anything else they can imagine to store information like any text or a hyperlink to their websites,companies can use it for more wider prospects given the feature of tracking and reporting .

Creating a Microsoft Tag

Tag creation is Free.You just need to sign in here.After logging in you get a tag management page from where you can create a tag for yourself.It can be any text or even hyperlink to your blog.

Reading a Tag

You will require a Tag Reader which you can download from  http://gettag.mobi by a mobile browser or from Tag site.

Here is a  Tag which actually points to this blog when snapped with a camera mobile with Tag reader application installed into it.

For more information you can head to http://www.microsoft.com/tag/