Trucking Technology Report - June 18
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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:
- Handhelds: Users Waiting for Next Big Thing
- Bell, AT&T Ads Face-Off Over Long-Distance Bill
- IBM to Offer Wireless Instant Messaging
- Wireless Delivers for UPS Overhaul
- Penske Outfits Fleet With Wireless Terminals
- Steel Gets Wired
Handhelds: Users Waiting for Next Big Thing
Makers of handhelds are struggling to make the devices more useful so that consumers will upgrade their units.Wireless capability, color screens, phone attachments and other new features have not yet proven compelling enough reasons for consumers to buy new handhelds. From the beginning of this year through April, the Palm IIIxe accounted for 25% of handheld sales, and the Palm Vx, which lacks an expansion slot or built-in wireless capability, was next.
Useful software that was easy to use is what made handheld computers popular, much the same way that the spreadsheet made the PC a must-have.
However, PC makers found the next big thing in desktop publishing, whereas handheld makers have not found a follow-up for personal information management (PIM) applications for phone numbers, appointments, and quick notes. Analysts suggest that handheld makers could evolve PIM and focus more on software to make their products better. SiliconValley.com (06/18/01); Fortt, Jon
The regional Bells have dedicated as much as $5 million to advertisements over the last three months to support the bill. AT&T and small local telcos have begun a similar effort to thwart the bill. As a result, this is the most expensive political-issue campaign of 2001, and it may get even more costly before it ends, according to experts.
Reps. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) sponsored the bill, which would allow the regional Bells to provide long-distance for broadband Internet and data traffic without having to provide open access to their local phone markets. While the bill may get House approval, it is unlikely to pass muster in the Senate, according to Capitol Hill staffers. USA Today (06/18/01) P. 2B; Davidson, Paul
The Sametime Everyplace wireless IM service will offer corporate users the capability to securely send audio, video, and text messages to each other using their cell phones or handheld computers. Although PC-based IM is fairly common in the corporate environment, many businesses have shied away from wireless IM due to security concerns.
IBM's Sametime Everyplace will place a high priority on data security, a step that analysts expect to spur growth of wireless IM among corporate users. "Companies are going to be more comfortable with [wireless IM] if they know there is a higher level of security," says Jupiter analyst Joe Laszlo. CNet (06/17/01)
UPScan relies primarily on the Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless standards and will slash the number of wireless device models used by UPS employees from 18 to three, codenamed Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald. The Sapphire models are linked to UPS' fixed network via 802.11b wireless LANs and can be placed inside vehicles or fastened on walls.
The Delivery Information Acquisition Device, referred to as Ruby, is a computer hardware tablet used by drivers to input package tracking numbers. Lastly, the Emerald device is a barcode scanner placed on an employee's finger that sends package information using to another device attached to the employee's arm or belt. Then, the data is sent to the warehouse network via a Bluetooth connection.
UPS' program manager of information services, David Salzman, expects UPScan to slash the transporter's equipment and repair costs by 30%. UPS plans to conclude tests of Emerald devices in July 2002. InformationWeek (06/11/01) No. 841, P. 109; Nelson, Matthew, G.
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The Qualcomm terminals' applications include allowing truck drivers to record shipping information such as what goods are dropped at a particular location and enabling Penske to tell drivers about delivery status, schedule changes, and road congestion. Systems development director Tom Stevens notes that the LAN terminals will allow a more cost-effective means of relaying trucking information.
The 1,050 trucks in the McLane grocery store delivery fleet will also be equipped with wireless terminals for information transfer. Gemma Paulo, a Cahners InStat Group analyst, points out that wireless LAN links are not overly expensive. Computerworld (06/11/01) Vol. 35, No. 24, P. 10; Brewin, Bob
"We're still feeling our way on all of this, but we're committed to using the Internet where it makes sense," says the company's e-commerce manager, Mike Ippoliti. "For us, the risk of experimenting with this technology is small compared to building a billion-dollar steel plant. But the payoffs down the road could be tremendous."
The 144-year-old steel producer acquired an equity stake in start-up online steel exchange MetalSite 18 months ago. Online sales of secondary and excess prime steel are up 30-fold since Bethlehem--the world's fifth largest steel producer--started using MetalSite.
The company has also implemented an e-procurement application for the procurement of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies and a human resources portal through which employees can manage their own expense accounts and health insurance plans. PC Magazine--Internet Business (06/12/01) Vol. 20, No. 11, P. 14; Roberts-Witt, Sarah L.
Bell, AT&T Ads Face-off Over Long-Distance Bill
Although a bill that would enable the regional Bells to immediately enter the long-distance market appears to be nearly lifeless, lobbying campaigns by both sides are just beginning to gather speed.IBM to Offer Wireless Instant Messaging
IBM will launch next month a wireless instant messaging (IM) service for its 80 million Lotus Notes customers.Wireless Delivers For UPS Overhaul
The United Parcel Service (UPS) is launching a $100 million initiative called UPScan to integrate and replace the company's current wireless hardware systems over a five-year period.Penske Outfits Fleet With Wireless Terminals
Penske Logistics is aiming to improve the information flow between itself, its drivers, and its customers by installing wireless LAN systems into its 4,000 trucks.Steel Gets Wired
Bethlehem Steel is leveraging the Internet in a number of ways in its operations to increase efficiencies, lower costs, boost productivity, and tap new revenue opportunities.
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