Trucking Technology Report - Aug. 22
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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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Dutch Express Carrier TNT Sees Web as Entry to U.S. Market
The Dutch express carrier TNT is hoping to land more U.S. customers by working with AnythingOvernight.com, an online startup that has already attracted other express and less-than-truckload carriers because it does not take a cut of the carrier's rates.
One of the main shippers using AnythingOvernight is the auto-parts maker Dana Corp., which provided the initial seed money for AnythingOvernight last year and now uses the dot-com to handle much of its LTL and express cargo as well as that originating from Iron-Rhino.com, Dana's online industrial marketplace. Traffic World (08/21/00) Vol. 263, No. 8, P. 38; Krause, Kristin S.
Sharp, Mitsubishi Electric to Develop Handheld Computer
Sharp and Mitsubishi may combine resources for the development of a new handheld computer with cell phone capabilities, according to a report today from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun financial daily and company officials.
The report said that if the mobile device is developed, the companies plan to market the device separately using their own brand names. The device could be commercially launched as soon as next spring, enabling the companies to take advantage of the growing wireless industry in Europe, the report added.
Sharp is the leading manufacturer of handheld computing devices in Japan, and Mitsubishi specializes in European data communications technology. Reuters (08/22/00)
Mobile Web Holds Early Promise, But Stumbling Blocks Remain
Consumer complaints arose with the introduction of WAP phones in Sweden and Finland in the first part of this year. Criticisms were directed at the WAP phones' high cost, ergonomic shortcomings, and the simplistic nature of its applications. In response, Nokia decided to modify its 7110 WAP phone to allay concerns that the phone was too complicated to use. The company decided to employ a roller, which performs much like a computer mouse and shortens the number of keystrokes required for moving on the screen.Yet, Petri Mahonen, the leading researcher at VTT Wireless Internet Laboratory, points out that Internet access speeds provided by WAP phones are far below those offered by PCs. The most common uses of wireless Internet services are entertainment and information oriented. But that may change as businesses in the United States and Europe begin conducting evaluations of WAP phones to consider their potential value to corporate operations.
While many European WAP services have been launched, security considerations continue to plague WAP users. Some businesses, such as MeritaNordBanken, are implementing their own gateways to alleviate concerns that WAP transmissions may be compromised. Philadelphia Inquirer (08/20/00) P. E3; Gamel, Kim
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