January 11, 2001 4:38 PM, EST

Trucking Technology Report - Jan. 11

The Trucking Technology Report and Alert are compiled by Information Inc., a supplier of news summaries for vertical markets. Information Inc., subscribes to nearly 7,000 news sources, including: major newspapers and magazines; regional, national, international, and business wire services; weekly and monthly trade journals; business periodicals; legislative sources and non-industry sources.

Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.

Today's Technology Headlines:

ul>

Wireless Telephones Shed Keypads to Make Way for Bigger Screens

Western Multiplex Calls Off Adaptive Broadband Buy

Shippers Find That Reverse Logistics Add Up

The Promise of Broadband Wireless

Wireless Telephones Shed Keypads to Make Way for Bigger Screens

As designers focus on efforts to make cell phones and wireless handhelds into one device, more cell phones are being made with liquid crystal displays. And some even come without keypads.

Samsung plans to launch an all-screen mobile phone, which will be based on Palm's (PALM) platform for handheld computers, by the middle part of this year. The phone is also designed without a keypad. Other manufactures of wireless devices, such as Motorola (MOT) and Handspring (HAND), have introduced handhelds without keypads.

Phones without keypads are primarily targeted at business professionals. But the need for bigger screens on Web phones may increase the appeal of the devices to the average wireless user. The first phones without keypads are expected to cost roughly $400.

The phones use a virtual menu on the display for accessing functions. With a single tap, a user can bring up or exit various features, including a virtual keypad. The new design is a result of technology advancements, such as increased processing power and the telecom industry's interest in providing a large display for wireless users. Wall Street Journal (01/11/01) P. B1; Tam, Pui-Wing

Western Multiplex Calls Off Adaptive Broadband Buy

Western Multiplex Corp. (WMUX), which offers wireless broadband systems, has decided not to purchase Adaptive Broadband (ADAP), a provider of cellular and satellite systems supporting Web access. According to Western Multiplex, both companies decided to not pursue a merger after having additional discussions.

In November, Western Multiplex originally agreed to purchase the company in a $645 million stock deal. However, during the last several months, Western Wireless' shares have fallen from $9 to $3.95.

Under the initial arrangement, Adaptive Broadband would receive 1.345 of Western Multiplex shares for each one of its own shares involved in the deal. Wall Street Journal (01/11/01) P. C19

Shippers Find That Reverse Logistics Add Up

The U.S. Postal Service and a number of shipping companies are teaming up with retailers to make it easier for customers to return items.

Last year, United Parcel Service (UPS) launched Electronic Returns, whereby customers can visit either UPS's or the retailer's Web site to print out bar-coded labels and then drop off the returns at any UPS drop point or facility.

A similar service is provided by FedEx Corp. (FDX) through FedEx NetReturn. This service, which is used by approximately 150 companies, enables customers to print out return labels at home and then drop off packages at any FedEx location.

The U.S. Postal Service provides a similar service through Returns Online Inc. Customers can return goods by printing out a bar-coded label from Returns Online's Web site and then dropping off the package at any post office or mail box. Information Week (01/08/01) No. 819, P. 24; Rosen, Cheryl

The Promise of Broadband Wireless

Demand for high-speed wireless data and video services is expected to overtake voice services as the wireless industry grows. In light of this belief, even FCC Chairman William Kennard said the agency has shifted its focus to providing more spectrum for carriers interested in offering broadband services.

Until recently, carriers were not able provide real-time voice, data, and video services because of their high costs. But now, Multiservice Access Devices allow carriers to offer an integrated services platform.

While many firms are employing wireline technology to support integrated platforms, there are many broadband wireless technologies capable of supporting integrated platforms. Some do not even require operators to own a wireless license. Wireless Local Area Networks are becoming more popular, but the systems are best employed for point-to-multipoint applications within a range of a few hundred feet.

Meanwhile, IEEE 802.11b technologies can provide speeds up to 2 Mbps, but offer lower speeds if the signal between the access point and client device is weak. Leading telecom equipment manufacturers, including Cisco Systems (CSCO), Lucent Technologies (LU), Nokia, and Symbol Technologies (SBL) offer IEEE 802.11b equipment. Users of the system can use the Wired Equivalent Privacy encryption protocol to safeguard transmissions.

Other technologies for providing integrated services are OpenAir, Bluetooth, Home RF, HiperLAN, and MMDS. IT Professional (12/00) P. 31; Biesecker, Keith

For more technology news, subscribe to our daily e-mail newsletter!
Full Name: E-mail Address: