Trucking Technology Report - April 3
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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:
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Competitors Discuss Merger
Metrocall revealed intentions yesterday to merge with competitor WebLink Wireless following a bankruptcy filing by both firms.
The new company, which will be based in Alexandria, Va. will have 8 million customers. Metrocall's current president and CEO, William L. Collins III, will become the CEO of the new company.
The proposed merger follows a recent industry trend for financially troubled paging companies to combine their operations with rivals' operations. Through the merger, Metrocall and WebLink will reduce their combined debt from roughly $1.2 billion to $320 million, according to Scanlon. He adds that combining the two companies would result in yearly revenue over $700 million and cut millions of dollars in business expenses. Washington Post (04/03/01); Noguchi, Yuki
Itochu to Manage Ocean Shipping with Software
GT Nexus, the new name for both Tradiant and Global Transportation Network, reports that Itochu Corp., one of Japan's largest trading firms, will use the software company's Shipper Private Network to manage its ocean transportation needs.GT Nexus connects shippers with multiple ocean carriers through a single system. The company also offers tracking, tracing, booking, and documentation services to shippers, in conjunction with participating carriers.
i>Journal of Commerce Online (04/02/01)
UPS Unveils New Internet Tools
United Parcel Service recently unveiled two new Internet tools -- UPS Signature Tracking and UPS Shipping. The two applications are part of the company's OnLine Tools kit.UPS Signature Tracking enables customers to trace and confirm the delivery of packages. The application provides delivery confirmation via a digitized signature, delivery address, C.O.D. amount collected, and reference number. UPS Shipping is offered to companies that ship at least 50 packages daily through the company.
The application also allows customers to make and print shipping labels via their desktops. Traffic World (04/02/01); Hickey, Kathleen
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Software Vendors Launch Interactive Maps
Many software vendors, like MapInfo, are launching new products for wireless users. MapInfo introduced its MapinHand application in September of 2000.The program gives wireless handheld users access to interactive maps, location-based content, and MapXtreme Web software. MapInfo's software enables clients, such as Crown Castle International, to manage operations and make wireless service more efficient.
Meanwhile, software vendor Intergraph has also targeted the wireless market. The company created its IntelliWhere division to develop wireless and location-based software. The unit developed Genie software for geographical database access through wireless or fixed-line connections. The system is then able to retrieve information about a particular location.
Autodesk is also preparing for the wireless market by creating a location-based services unit and forming alliances to develop new products. The company has already recruited Geodan Mobile Solutions to use its Location Services development platform. According to Andrew Horton, senior product manager of Autodesk Location Services, his company plans to make its entire line of applications compatible with mobile technologies.
Meanwhile, ESRI launched its ArcPad software last year for wireless mapping and GIS Solutions. The system can use a wireless LAN, cell phone, or wireless modem to download data. Cadence (04/01); Roe, Andrew
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