Trucking Technology Alert - Nov. 1
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
- Internet Access Readied for Commercial Vehicles
- Airports Press Ahead on Wireless Access
- GM Works on Mobile Tower Power
- Tech Firms Flock to Washington With Security Pitches
- Airports Press Ahead on Wireless Access
Internet Access Readied for Commercial Vehicles
General Motors will shortly be displaying an in-vehicle tow truck telematics solution in its GMCC75000 Pro-Rollback concept vehicle at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. The etrace application, which was devised by Minneapolis-based Gearworks--a company that makes wireless fleet management applications for the field service and transportation industries--will enable tow truck operators to wirelessly manage a field service force.The application includes taking an electronic signature for payment, receipt and credit card printing, electronic filing of work orders, and GPS tracking that can send the nearest truck to a stranded vehicle. The etrace software enables a driver to press a single button to notify his company that the truck has arrived at its destination. In addition, the software uses a bar code scanner attached to a handheld device such as a Palm VII to send back in-vehicle inventory information.
Airports Press Ahead on Wireless Access
High-speed wireless data networks, which many airports once regarded as the perfect intersection of technology, travelers and revenue, have confronted a number of serious obstacles this year, including a lackluster response from travelers with laptop computers and the demise of some Internet service providers.This year started off well enough, with millions of laptop computers and other devices shipped out with cards or built-in antennas supporting the industry standard known as Wi-Fi, which provides users with short-range, but high-speed, connections. Customer demand never got off the ground, however, and the three New York-area airports, for example, now have active wireless networks only in the Admirals Club sites of American Airlines. Nevertheless, a small number of companies are continuing to expand their networks.
MobileStar, which is one of the best-known wireless service providers through its contract with Starbucks, currently provides coverage for wireless networks in 17 airports. Although the company was forced to lay off all of its employees a few weeks ago, it has remained active in the airports and some other areas as investors seek a buyer or new financing. Other companies that are continuing to provide wireless airport service include Austin, Texas-based Wayport and Ottawa-based Sky.Link. Wayport currently serves airports in San Jose, Calif., Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, and the company is hoping that its recent acquisition of nine Laptop Lanes locations across the United States will enable it to expand in even more airports. New York Times (11/01/01) P. G3; Fleishman, Glenn
GM Works on Mobile Tower Power
The first users of fuel cell technology -- which was originally created as a cleaner fuel alternative -- could be mobile phone users, rather than purchasers of motor vehicles.General Motors and its partners in the development of fuel cell technology recently introduced a demonstration stationary power unit called the HyUPS system, which is designed to provide cellular towers with backup power during power outages. The HyUPS system is approximately the size of a refrigerator and can create up to 25 kilowatts of power for up to two hours. According to Pierre Rivard, the CEO of GM partner Hydrogenics of Toronto, Hydrogenics will work with Nextel Communications to field-test the unit during the first quarter of next year. Associated Press (10/31/01); Snedeker, Lisa
Tech Firms Flock to Washington With Security Pitches
A host of technology firms have visited Washington in order to hawk their products that they say will help boost national security.Tech firms have lost considerable influence in Washington since the beginning of the downturn, seeing far less politicians visiting Silicon Valley to enlist support and cutting lobbying budgets. But some lawmakers, such as Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.), have sought the advice of tech firms in bolstering security measures. Federal Aviation Administration administrator Jane Garvey says her agency has taken 23,000 suggestions for new airline security measures since last month's terrorist hijackings, for example. Qualcomm is pursuing government contracts with super mobile phones for lawmakers in case of emergency, a national tracking system for hazardous materials trucks, and a real-time surveillance system for airplane cockpits.
Smaller companies are offering other technologies with security applications, such as Vocent's voice-identification system. Wall Street Journal (11/01/01) P. A22; VandeHei, Jim; Hitt, Greg
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