Trucking Technology Report - Aug. 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:
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DRIVERNet Rolls Out Services After Fuel-Up With GE Capital
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According to John Siebert of Owners Operators Independent Drivers Association, the trucking industry has suffered since it was deregulated 20 years ago and any new facilities could help. DRIVERNet is offering services to large trucking companies as well as small ones so that they can reach the drivers. Companies may be able to keep employees by exercising the ability to maintain more frequent communications with them via these services. DRIVERNet is striving to make its mark by being the only such company that focuses on drivers. Kansas City Business Journal (07/31/00); King, Suzanne
GATX Unveils Web Railcar Management
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Wireless Data Gains High-Speed Channels
As industry demands for high-speed networks increase, telecom companies are seeking to strengthen IP's role in third-generation (3G) wireless networks. Improvements in IP can increase the speed and overall performance of networks.Lucent Technologies last week unveiled its new spin-off called Flarion Technologies, which will be focused on developing OFDM technology. OFDM provides quicker data transference speeds over a distributed IP network, according to the company. Currently, different types of OFDM modulation are used in fixed-wireless telecommunications. Flarion's CEO, Ray Dolan, says the company is designing wireless access architecture that is compatible with the Internet.
Dolan also notes that while 3G technology is designed to enhance voice capability, it is not as effective in increasing data capabilities. In recognition of this, Flarion officials hope their company's technologies can fill the data void left by competing 3G technologies.
ArrayComm is hopeful of providing services in the same market as Flarion. The company's iBurst system provides high-speed data access at speeds up to 1Mb per wireless user, according to the company's officials. The company was awarded a spectrum license last month by the FCC to begin its iBurst trials. ArrayComm is counting on increased market demand for portable wireless data services outside the capabilities of 3G technologies.
Elsewhere, Cisco, Motorola, and Xybridge took part in a IP technology trial for mobile communications conducted by NTT DoCoMo. Infoworld (07/24/00) Vol. 22, No. 30, P. 10; Moore, Cathleen
Auto Makers Taking High-Tech Road
Major automakers and their suppliers are embracing technology by outfitting vehicles with "telematic" devices that provide a range of Internet, satellite and telecommunications services.General Motors, considered a telematics pioneer, has been offering its OnStar system since 1996. OnStar automatically phones police and ambulance services when air bags are deployed, and can also serve as a concierge service that makes dinner and theater reservations, for example. This year, GM will release its OnStar Virtual Adviser, which will use voice software to read drivers their email, as well as stock, sports, or weather reports.
Meanwhile, Cadillac offers its Infotainment System, which lets passengers play CDs, CD-ROMs, and MP3s; use a computerized address book; and write emails on a Windows CE-based system. The Infotainment system also reads news aloud, records voice memos dictated by users, and offers an infrared port to let users share data with handhelds.
Meanwhile, companies such as XM Radio and Sirius are creating satellite radio systems that will allow usersto listen to hundreds of different radio stations. Los Angeles Times (07/31/00) P. C1; Jones, Terril Yue
Satellite Technology Answer To Transmission Demand
Satellite technology can offer two crucial functions in regards to Internet access. For one-way transmissions over the Internet, satellite technology offers high-speed services and advanced content delivery. Satellite transmission systems can replace two-way land-based operations for which construction is either too costly or not feasible.In the future, many content delivery firms, such as Adero, Akamai, and Digital Island, will need the capacity to move hundreds of Web sites to thousands of servers around the world. Satellite broadcast technology has the capability to fill this need because of its ability to broadcast a single copy of data for distribution to an infinite number of locations, as long as the locations are within range of a satellite's footprint beam. In addition, the system is easily deployed from the users perspective because all that is required is a satellite dish and a server willing to approve and process the data coming from the receiver.
Providing satellite broadcast for the delivery of data is outside the jurisdiction of ISPs, so legal agreements with ISPs are not required. Satcom.isp (07/00) P. 10; Mohney, Doug
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