Trucking Technology Report - Jan. 19
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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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AOL and Nokia Plan Wireless Browser
AOL Time Warner formed a multi-year licensing agreement with Nokia that calls for the America Online division of AOL Time Warner to create and market a Netscape-branded rendering of Nokia's WAP browser.
The deal makes AOL Time Warner's first effort with microbrowsers, which offer wireless Internet access. Nokia's browser allows for Internet access via several types of wireless devices. New York Times (01/19/01) P. C3New Antenna Could Triple Mobile Phone Capacity
The development of a tripole antenna could enable phones to access the Web both quickly and efficiently. The antenna could triple the capability of a frequency to handle data, according to an article in today's edition of Nature.
The technology was developed by Michael Andrew, Partha Mitra, and Robert deCarvalho of Lucent Technologies (LU)' Bell Labs in New Jersey. The antenna has passed an initial trial, having successfully delivered and received radio signals to download a painting.
Henry Bertoni, an electrical and computer engineering expert at Polytechnic University, says the new technology could help the wireless industry overcome current limitations on the amount of data delivered to customers. The inventors hope their solution could end long delays in downloading a Web page or transmitting a long email. Agence France-Presse (01/18/01)
NeoModal Nets Contract With Retailer Target
Target has entered into a transportation management agreement with NeoModal, a supply chain and transportation management software company. NeoModal estimates that it can save Target and companies like it anywhere from 8% to 12% in transportation costs, by correlating pricing to service needs.The 1,250 plus stores that Target operates typically use 150-200 variables when making decisions about transportation contracts. By putting NeoModal's NeoStrategy software into action immediately, the company expects to eliminate inefficiencies and unnecessary costs, thereby simplifying the company's cargo transportation contracting period.
NeoModal also offers tracking and tracing software, and NeoYield, a software program designed to calculate specific load profits. Journal of Commerce (01/18/01); Atkinson, Helen
Satellite Tracking System Helps Locate Stolen Rig
A stolen tractor-trailer filled with toilet paper was recovered yesterday on the Schuylkill Freeway when the truck's onboardomputer gave away its location.
After discovering the theft, company officials used their satellite software tracking system called Omnitrac, by QUALCOMM (QCOM), to contact the truck's onboard computer and, in a matter of minutes, pinpoint its location to within a few hundred feet. Officials next contacted local police who followed the truck as it rumbled down several avenues toward the freeway, where it suddenly sped up and ultimately ran into a guardrail before tipping over onto its side. Police and company officials apprehended the driver and the stolen property quickly.
Referring to trucks as "rolling warehouses", Mike Russell, spokesman for the American Trucking Associations, said that now more than 50% of the industry uses a tracking system that allows truckers to relay instant messages back to the company, which can then pinpoint a location. According to Qualcomm spokesperson Jennifer Briscoe, the new technology "gives transportation companies an innovative way of managing their fleets." Philadelphia Inquirer (01/19/01) P. A1; Downs, Jere
You Can Take It With You: Wireless Apps That Work
Today, e-mail and customer relationship management applications are the best wireless applications for business purposes. CRM applications allow business professionals to have access to contract information and sales leads through database programs.A major difficulty could be choosing the best method for accessing wireless e-mail. Users of the Palm (PALM) VIIx ($499) have to subscribe to the Palm.net cellular network, which requires the use of a third-party program to access e-mail. Users of the Palm Vx can acquire wireless functionality by connecting the device to a wireless modem, such as the OmniSky Wireless Minstrel V ($299). OmniSky charges $39.95 per month for wireless Web access.
The service also allows users to access e-mail from six ordinary online accounts. But the limitations of wireless technology has caused many service providers to not transmit large messages and attachments.
CRM applications enable up-to-date access to the latest customer information for any sales force. Businesses already employing GoldMine to handle sales information will have an easier time adopting wireless technology. Upshot.com also offers a wireless CRM application employing Nextel service with a Palm VIIx. The service allows users to receive alerts from their headquarters, and receive the latest customer information via their wireless devices. Fortune Small Business (01/01) Vol. 10, No. 9, P. 113
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