Trucking Technology Report - Oct. 11
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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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Metricom's Ricochet Wireless Service Off to Slow Start
Metricom (MCOM) is introducing its new Ricochet wireless modem, which offers speeds of up to 128 kilobits per second. The unit provides transmission speeds that are twice as fast as those offered by conventional phone modems. But a recent field tester, Mike Langberg, found that the technology did not live up to the hype.
But while the coverage is still in the process of being upgraded, Metricom is charging premium rates for its service. The new modem costs $300 and a user must also pay the monthly service fee of $75 to $80 a month. In comparison, the company's previous 28K service only charged $30 each month.
One of the main problems with the service is its reliability. According to Langberg, who extensively tested the modem, Ricochet rarely offered speeds above 100K, and even ran as slow as 50K during one instance.
Lucent Unveils Software to Improve Wireless Networks
Lucent Technologies (LU) announced today it has created the Ocelot software system for expanding the capacity and coverage of wireless networks. The system is designed to substantially decrease the number of dropped and blocked calls. Ocelot will be installed in networks manufactured by Lucent. Lucent says the system will enable service providers to decrease time required to install a network and almost nullify time mandated for performance testing, because networks can be deployed in their optimized state. The time saved can then be used for preparing to deploy the next generation of cellular networks, the company adds. Dow Jones News (10/11/00)
Sun Prepares to Enter Logistics Sector
Sun Microsystems (SUNW) has incorporated logistics into its strategic planning process, says Pete Pazmany, senior director, enterprise services. A project that redefines the supply chain using the Internet while lowering costs and improving customer service led to the use of logistics. The project is helping establish collaborations with suppliers, and has created a virtual logistics network for moving service parts.Sun's strategy is instituting customer service that places greater emphasis on customers being active in equipment repair, ordering parts themselves. The Council of Logistics Management conference in New Orleans described the project, which has simplified the parts delivery process, reducing the process time from 36 days to about two days. Sun now focuses on board of directors who oversee the equipment repair cycle.
Bob Auray Jr., president of USCO Logistics, said they became a board member, which was a large step for the company. USCO now links 60 supply-chain partners in the network, while creating an end-of-life portal to dispose used equipment. The virtual network has drastically cut back the time for parts, bringing accurate scheduling. There are fewer waiting areas, so the 36-day route is now less than a week, saving
illions of dollars.
Pazmany said Sun hopes to cover Latin America and provide self-enabled repair. TrafficWorld (10/09/00) Vol. 264, No. 2, P. 18; Cottrill, Ken
Boeing, Honeywell Develop In-Plane Wireless Access Systems
Both Boeing (BA) and Honeywell (HON) have developed wireless systems for in-flight access to the Internet.Boeing has created a network, called Connexion System, which provides broadband connectivity at speeds of 5 Mbps. Connexion offers high speed, 2-way Web access during flights, in addition to enabling passengers to receive live television broadcasts. The system employs a 1500 element-phased array antenna to maintain constant transmission contact with satellites.
The service, which is now only offered on business jets, is scheduled to make its commercial debut next year. The company also plans to make the service available on cruise ships in the future.
Meanwhile, Honeywell, in collaboration with Matsushita Electric Industrial Company (MC), will offer Web access onboard flights of three leading airlines Singapore Airlines, Swissair, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Before being deployed, however, the technology must first go through trials conducted onboard the three airliners. The system utilizes satellites with existent cabin phones. CNS News (10/10/00); Wilbur, David
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