Trucking Technology Report - Sept. 20
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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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Supply Chain Application Vendors Now Providing E-training for Customers
Supply chain application vendors are venturing into a brave, new world by producing e-learning solutions for their customers. International Data's Cushing Anderson says companies benefit from these solutions because solid training promotes brand loyalty. E-training's benefits include reduced travel costs for instructors and students alike, shorter class sessions, and the ability to repeatedly access the simulated classrooms' charts, questions, and other elements.
IBM employees can take advantage of four different offerings on Value Chain Analysis, IBM's supply chain management application. "Before, you had to attend a class or fumble through a manual," says IBM's Jeff Krider. "Now, a person who wants to get some education at 2 a.m. can."
CF.com 'Keeps Technology Relevant'
Consolidated Freightways has launched CF.com, a Website that was constructed and designed for its 155,000 primary customers, mainly long-haul shippers. CF marketing and e-commerce services head Marty Larson says that the site positioning signifies a change in focus toward improving the usability and total "web experience" of the consumer. CF figures that each day, 5,000 of its top customers visit its site. Therefore, it has stressed enhancements for clients. The site's e-business tools include the ability to create and print a single bill of lading over the Internet; download and print shipping forms and freight labels; schedule pickups; obtain regular guide and terminal data; download a coverage map for North America; submit credit applications; and acquire invoicing information.
CF's move goes against numerous other transportation firms that it claims moved too quickly with too much unnecessary data for trucking shippers.
CF vice president of sales and marketing Patrick Brady says that his firm decided to invest and create Web capabilities that impact its main consumers directly, so that the Internet experience essentially heightens the worth of booking LTL through CF. Traffic World (09/18/00) Vol. 263, No. 4869, P. 44; Schulz, John D.
Handspring Plans to Launch Product Joining Handheld Devices, Cell Phones
Handspring yesterday announced that it has created technology that will enable its Visor handheld computer to function like a cell phone and short-text messaging device. In addition, the technology will allow for Web access.The VisorPhone module, priced at $299, is the first product created by a U.S.-based manufacturer that gives mobile phone functionality to handheld computers. The efforts of Nokia and QUALCOMM to offer a similar product were unsuccessful.
Handspring will take orders for VisorPhone starting next week and is likely to be the sole market participant for the immediate future. Industry rivals Palm and Handspring have both indicated they have other product development priorities than developing similar technologies.
Option International collaborated with Handspring for the creation of VisorPhone. Buyers of the new product will be offered several mobile service options, including calling plans from AT&T Wireless and BellSouth, among others. Wall Street Journal (09/20/00) P. B6; Tam, Pui-Wing
Qwest Opens Local Phone Service to Competitors
Qwest Communications International has started an effort to open its local phone operations to rivals as it moves toward providing packaged local, long-distance, and Internet access in its service area.Qwest's acquisition of US West gave it local phone assets in 14 Western and Mountain states. The company said it would withdraw 17 lawsuits filed by US West against state regulators and is seeking to make it easier for rivals to compete. Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Anna-Maria Kovacs said Qwest's corporate culture believes its pointless to try to hinder competition.
Qwest is pushing for backing from state regulators as it pushes for clearance to enter the long-distance market in its service area. But it must first prove that its markets are open to competition. Wall Street Journal (09/20/00) P. B6; Young, Shawn
Sprint Brings Wireless, High-Speed Internet access to Detroit Area
Sprint Broadband Direct will begin offering broadband wireless service in the Detroit area today. The fixed-wireless technology will be available to residents and businesses located within a 35-mile circumference of a transmission tower located in Royal Oak Township. An additional tower is also planned to be installed within two years, and will provide coverage for 60% of people living in the city, the company reported. The new service will compete against service providers' offerings of DSL and high-speed cable modems. The Detroit area is the third market in which the company has introduced the wireless service. Sprint's general manager, Tim Henderson, said the company chose the region because of its large population and level land mass, which gives users a clean signal path to the tower.
The service costs $149.95 for business subscribers. In addition, subscribers must also purchase a transceiver, which ranges in cost from $99 to $299. Associated Press (09/19/00)
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