Trucking Technology Report - March 23
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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:
- Wireless Vehicles
- Auto Manufactures Focus on E-Commerce
- Sharp to Launch Multimedia PDAs in U.S.
- Aether Joins Alliance on Wireless
Wireless Vehicles
Many new in-vehicle computer systems are set to debut over the next 24 months.Currently, navigation systems are the most popular among advanced in-vehicle technologies. Automakers are waiting eagerly for the Global Positioning System to join navigation capabilities with wireless Web access.
Nearly all vehicle manufacturers have already begun programs to install vehicles with wireless Web capabilities.
For instance, General Motor's OnStar unit provides vehicles with Internet access, while Ford has teamed with QUALCOMM to launch its Wingcast venture. Ford says all of its vehicles will be equipped with Wingcast wireless Web technology by 2004.
During the next year, technology advances will also change dashboard design. Future dashboards will look similar to computer screens, with flat-panel screens replacing gauges. To insure safe use of in-vehicle wireless Web systems, the auto industry is focusing on voice activation technology.
However, the technology continues to experience difficulties when following more complex voice commands, such as those involved in accessing the Web, due to engine and highway noise. Smart Business for the New Economy (04/01) P. 104; Marty, Jerome
Auto Manufactures Focus on E-Commerce
Fueled by the exponential growth of the e-commerce market, automobile manufacturers are scrambling to catch up with other industries' e-commerce initiatives.Such initiatives require automakers to obtain e-business skills and rethink their business processes, to contend with dealers angry at being kept out of the distribution channel, and to ease suppliers' fears about online ventures eating away at their profit margins.
Technological challenges to be overcome include a lack of front-end/back-end system integration and uncertainty about the security of Internet transactions.
Also, an automaker consortium is working to set up the Automotive Network eXchange to solve the first problem while digital exchanges such as Covisint will address the second by providing areas for secure transactions.
The advantages of e-commerce for automakers include faster transactions and lower costs through online auctions, significantly reduced development and construction costs and a faster rate of response to customer service inquiries. Supply Chain Management Review (04/01) Vol. 5, No. 2, P. 30; Ambrose, Brian M.
Sharp to Launch Multimedia PDAs in U.S.
Sharp, Japan's No. 1 maker of handheld computers, announced plans to introduce wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs) in Europe and multimedia PDAs in the United States.In addition, the company said it is negotiating with European wireless carriers to offer services for its Zaurus model, which provides voice and data capabilities.
But the Zaurus model planned for launch in the United States will not offer wireless Web access.
Zaurus holds the biggest share of Japan's PDA market. To prepare for its launch into foreign markets, Sharp said it will equip its Zaurus models with Sun Microsystems' Java technology. Reuters (03/23/01)
Aether Joins Alliance on Wireless
Wireless communications provider Aether Systems has become a member of an alliance headed by leading software firm Computer Associates (CA).The alliance, which names Motorola and Nokia among its members, focuses on bringing together wireless devices with CA's business software.
Aether has teamed with CA for nearly a year to create software that allows businesses to better handle wireless devices, according to Andrea Kidd, a strategic business development manager at Aether. Kidd adds that the alliance has not set a deadline for introducing the new software.
Aether forecasts that it will sell software and services to roughly 5,000 CA clients via the alliance.
Aether is conducting trials of the software, which enables businesses to access CA's management software via wireless handsets. Washington Post (03/23/01) P. E5; Webb, Cynthia L.
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