Trucking Technology Report - Dec. 11
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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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Mobile Web Remains Promising
As wireless Web service providers struggle to expand their subscriber bases, industry observers are optimistic that the market will eventually duplicate the success of the Internet. But for now, services are faced with slow downloading times and other technological shortcomings.
The slow speeds of wireless networks may make the system more suitable as a limited data service rather than an entirely new medium. But many wireless carriers are setting up their own portals for mobile users and are making partnerships with content companies as they seek to upgrade the data capabilities of their networks. New York Times (12/11/00) P. C6; Romero, Simon
E-Commerce Speeds Business at U.S. Ports
U.S. ports are dealing with the increasing amount of domestic and import/export cargo by using logistics software and the Web. CSX Lines director of terminal operations Steve Hennessey says that shipping companies want to be able to track and trace cargo, book freight, and check on cargo and equipment availability - all through one Web site, in a real-time manner.The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center says that advanced freight technologies can help ports meet their customers' needs. South Carolina's Port of Charleston will soon start its computerized Yard Management System, and South Carolina State Ports Authority IT director Pam Everitt explains that the new system is designed to move cargo swiftly in and out of terminals by improving container organization.
According to Everitt, the system will be able to track containers and instantly report their status electronically, more accurately than a paper system. Workers in the container yards will be able to direct truck drivers to exact locations.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey director of port commerce Rick Larrabee says that the authority is creating a Web site to offer one-stop shopping for data on cargo pickup and delivery, intended for freight forwarders, transportation providers, terminal operators, exporters, importers, and others.
Port of Houston Authority director of Administration Jim Eldridge explains that the authority is implementing new computer systems to help manage container terminals.
Port of Seattle executive director Mic Dinsmore says that truckers can use the port's container-tracking Web site, which is run by eModal.com, to reduce wasted trips. According to Dinsmore, the port is launching a five-year e-business strategy to move all its business processes to the Web. Computerworld (12/04/00) Vol. 34, No. 49, P. 44; Rosencrance, Linda
British Government Announces Safety Precautions for Cell-Phone Use
The British government unveiled several safety warnings for cell phones on Friday, including brochures suggesting that children be prevented from using handsets. The effort includes $10 million toward research, the notification of radiation levels put out by each phone model, and an inspection of base stations' radio-wave emissions.While handsets offered in the United States are beginning to have radiation notices attached, Britain is the first country to take such broad precautionary measures, according to Michael Dolan, a wireless handset expert for the Federation of the Electronics Industry.
Brochures providing up-to-date safety research data will be provided through retailers, doctors' offices, libraries, post offices, and grocery stores, according to the Health Department. The brochures will reveal that although cell-phone use has not been linked to any health problems, health risks are possible, especially with children. Philadelphia Inquirer (12/09/00) P. A3; Ross, Emma
Handhelds Get Down to Business
A small number of enterprise applications, such as sales force automation (SFA), customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), inventory tracking, and asset management have become available for corporate users of cell phones and PDAs. But with only a few such applications available, software and telecom companies are working on developing many more.Some industry observers believe the technology will make a more significant contribution to corporate computing than the laptop has. The market for wireless CRM applications is attracting a wide variety of competitors. One company, i3Mobile, has developed many mobile systems, including one that provides news updates to wireless devices. CRM vendor Blue Martini offers WAP support in its Customer Information System.
In addition, E.piphany offers analytical software for sorting information types and evaluating marketing information. The company, with the help of pilot customers, is developing wireless access to its system.
However, E.piphany has struggled to find customers. Brad Wilson, the firm's vice president of product marketing, says E.piphany only has two customers so far. And the SFA market has also struggled to find customers.
Siebel, the largest provider of SFA systems, supports a diverse group of wireless platforms, according to Brain Stone, the firm's director of product marketing for mobile products. Siebel Handheld offers companies field sales and service applications. Also, many Internet procurement systems are being modified for wireless access. Orsus Solutions offers a procurement system called iGlue Wireless.
Access to corporate databases are also essential to enterprise users. Sybase and ThinkingBytes Technology are among the companies offering such technologies. ThinkingBytes' $39.99 thinkDB solution can translate a Microsoft Access database to a Palm PDA.
Just as important as the wireless enterprise technologies, is the need for simple messaging. JP Systems has developed a messaging system for the New York Stock Exchange that allows brokers to be sent wireless alerts concerning stock trading. Meanwhile, Wireless Knowledge, which is operated by Microsoft (MSFT) and QUALCOMM (QCOM), has finalized an agreement with Sprint PCS to provide access to Microsoft Exchange via Sprint PCS' Wireless Web for Businesses. Internet World (12/01/00) Vol. 6, No. 23, P. 57; Cohn, Michael
Location-Specific Services Raise Ire of Privacy Groups
Privacy advocates and providers of wireless solutions are becoming increasingly concerned about the possible legal and ethical ramifications of location-specific technologies that can trace the whereabouts of users.The issue is likely to come to the forefront as networks begin providing location services in accordance with the requirements of federal regulators. In the future, carriers will be required by law to trace the location of a cell phone's signal a call is made to 911 for emergency purposes. Some carriers, such as Sprint (FON), Alltel, and Nextel (NXTL), will use E911 handhelds equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) chips. Other operators, such as Verizon Wireless and Qwest (Q), will use a triangulation technology-based solution.
But privacy advocates are worried that some solutions compromise a person's rights. For instance, tracking information could be employed by police to track down suspects or investigate certain citizens. In addition, information attained from location-specific services could potentially be used in civil trials. Larry Ponemon, senior partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers' privacy practice, warns that a user subscribing to an always-on network-based solution will have the whereabouts of his or her phone monitored every minute and will not be able to turn it off.
And wireless advertisements present a different dilemma. While the FCC has laws protecting citizens from unwanted content and advertisements, the laws are not designed to apply to wireless technologies. The Wireless Advertising Association (WAA), an organization consisting of carriers, device makers, and advertising agencies, supports letting wireless users give their approval before being sent location-based content.
WAA Chairman Tim DePriest downplays the possibility of the technology being used to send wireless advertisements when in a certain location. DePriest cites two reasons for this viewpoint: the technology has not developed to the point to send such advertisements and since location services are costly, carriers will not be interested in tracking users. CRN (12/04/00) No. 923, P. 32; Savage, Marcia; Stirpe, Amanda
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