Trucking Technology Report - March 20
 |  |
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>
Vodafone, C&W Sign Voice/CPRS Deals
Vodafone Group, the world's No. 1 cell phone operator, announced yesterday that it has contracted Cable & Wireless to provide voice traffic for its trial of data roaming services.The agreement makes C&W the leading provider of voice services between Vodafone networks. According to both companies, the deal gives all European operators using Vodafone's wireless networks consistent international roaming fees throughout Europe.
As part of the trial, C&W will also assist Vodafone in testing GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) phones. Vodafone wants users of GPRS phones to have access to services throughout Europe. Reuters (03/20/01)
U.K.'s Safeway Boosts Collaboration with Suppliers
A Web-based supply chain management solution developed by IBM has enabled Safeway Stores to increase supply chain efficiencies and improve its relations with key suppliers, according to the U.K. supermarket chain's director of supplier information systems, Brian Keating.Furthermore, Safeway exceeded 100% return-on-investment in December 1998, a little over a year after IBM began work.
"I thought it could make this company more effective and efficient, and Web-based technologies meant it would be at an affordable cost," Keating said, adding that the solution has also "created a different working relationship with our suppliers," 80% of whom are now using the system.
With the IBM system, Safeway now tracks in real-time sales of individual products, allowing the company and its suppliers to predict demand far more accurately, improving supply chain efficiencies. Supermarket News (03/12/01); Alaimo, Dan
A NAME="story4">
BMW 2001 to Carry Digital Phones
Motorola and BMW are collaborating on the development of a dual-band multi-network phone based on Motorola's Timeport technology, according to the companies. The BMW CPT digital 8000 phone will be offered on all 2001 BMW vehicles.Currently, Timeport phones are available on BMW 7 Series cars. Drivers can choose from either a TDMA or CDMA version and are provided access to mobile services from national carriers, such as AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Sprint and Verizon Wireless. The CDMA version is equipped with a mini-browser and Tohoku Organic Electro-Luminescent technology, which provides a precise display in almost any lighting condition.
The new system will provide drivers with a variety of wireless applications, such as voice recognition on some models, hands-free messaging, and an audio feature that turns off the car's radio during calls. Microwave Journal (03/01)
Proposal to Ban Cell Phones While Driving
Washington, D.C., Council member and trial lawyer Harold Brazil intends to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving in the city. The legislation doles out $100 fines to drivers caught disobeying the ban.Brazil is representing the family of a man who was struck and killed by a person using a cell phone while driving.
Legislation prohibiting vehicle drivers from talking on cell phones is being discussed around the nation. The cell phone industry successfully defeated similar legislation proposed in Maryland. Brazil says some of his fellow council members have already agreed to support the legislation, which does not prohibit the use of hands-free wireless devices. Legal Times, (03/12/01), Schoenberg, Tom
Previous Trucking Technology Report
© copyright 2001 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
| ||||
