Trucking Technology Report - Nov. 2
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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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Motient Raises Its Profile as Wireless Service Provider
Reston, Va.-based Motient (MTNT), formerly known as American Mobile Satellite, is transforming itself from a staid, transportation-tracking business into a wireless data communications company.
Having sold off its transportation unit to Aether Systems (AETH) in September 1999, Motient is now attempting to drive more wireless data traffic onto its network, which in the United States alone covers a geographic area inhabited by 220 million people. The company recently launched a publicity campaign designed to build its brand among consumers, and through its ads, Motient also plugs its software, eLink, which runs on Research in Motion's BlackBerry wireless handheld computers. Like other wireless data devices, BlackBerry wireless handheld computers provide an electronic address book, an electronic calendar, access to email, and two-way messaging. Motient will also soon be providing a service in conjunction with Yahoo (YHOO) that enables customers to browse the Web, send instant messages, and check their email accounts. Eventually, the company will also carry wireless traffic from handheld devices like the Handspring (HAND) and Palm (PALM) organizers.
According to Walter V. Purnell Jr., the president and CEO of Motient, the eLink service accounts for only a single-digit percentage of the company's total revenue, but its subscriber base is expanding exponentially. Purnell estimates that by 2005, the money received from carrying wireless traffic will account for over half of the company's revenue. Washington Post (11/02/00) P. E5; Noguchi, Yuki
NTE to Hook Up With Yantra
NTE has revealed plans to partner with software firm Yantra. The announcement follows NTE expressing its desire to partner with more electronic commerce companies. According to the deal, NTE will integrate its software with Yantra's. Customers using Yantra's software for managing transactions will then be enable to purchase and sell transportation services. NTE, which was formerly called National Transportation Exchange, provides LTL and truckload domestic trucking services. NTE has roughly 600 shipping and carrier customers for its transportation exchange.
Yantra will use NTE's transportation exchange with its PureEcommerce software solution. PureEcommerce enables firms to handle Internet transactions with a variety of companies it conducts business with, including suppliers and customers. Some of Yantra's customers include Motorola (MOT) and Honeywell (HON). Journal of Commerce (11/02/00)
Satellite Radio on The Horizon
Satellite radio may be offered in some car models next year at a service rate of $9.95 per month. Vehicle drivers will be able to access a variety of CD quality channels that are not typically available from radio stations. Supporters of the technology envision the same kind of impact that the introduction of FM stations had on AM stations.Because it will probably be a few years before wireless Web radio is offered in vehicles, satellite companies, such as Sirius Satellite Radio, plan to introduce satellite radio before the middle of 2001. Radios that can receive Sirius channels are expected to be available in consumer stores, such as Circuit City (CC), by May. Some industry experts believe such services could attract 25 million to 50 million users by 2005.
Sirius, and competitor XM, expect to offer 100 channels each, which will be divided between talk and music. And car and truck makers such as General Motors (GM) and Ford Motor Co. (F) plan to install the FM/AM/Satellite radios in some of their vehicles during the next couple of years. Christian Science Monitor (11/02/00) P. 17; Campbell, Kim
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