Trucking Technology Report - Sept. 28
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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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New Sony Device Puts Net and TV in Your Hand
Sony introduced its Airboard wireless device today. Airboard comes with a base station that allows the device to maintain its Internet connection within a limited range. The device is essentially a mobile monitor measuring 10.4 inches that performs various functions, such as allowing the user to view television, access the Internet, and read e-mails. A touch pad on the Airboard screen eliminates the need for a keyboard. The device can also link to some other audio-visual devices, such as a CD player.
The machine's price of $1,100 is roughly equivalent to the cost of a basic laptop computer. But the company is hopeful that Airboard will create an industry stir much like its Walkman personal radio did. The device is scheduled to become commercially available in Japan on December 1. Reuters (09/28/00); Grudgings, Stuart
3PLex, Logistics.com Partner With Commerce One
Logistics.com transportation management software and services company has created a partnership with Commerce One, which sells computer services for online auctions. 3PLex.com has also made an alliance with Commerce One.
Logistic's Digital Transportation Marketplace will be available as part of Commerce One.net. 3PLex's eMarketplace Logistics Solution will also be available on the Commerce One Web site. Yossi Sheffi, CEO of Logistics.com, said they hope Commerce One.net will increase their visibility and help with their growth strategy. Journal of Commerce Online (09/27/00)
FCC Report Opposes Moves to Regulate Internet Traffic
The FCC Office of Plans and Policy will release a report today suggesting that the Internet backbone industry remain free of regulation. Some foreign ISPs would be happy to see the introduction of a policy that would require U.S. Internet carriers to pay for part of the expense of traffic links between the U.S. and other parts of the world, much like carriers must with voice phone calls.Michael Kende, director of Internet policy analysis at the FCC and an author of the report, says much of the Internet traffic that reaches the U.S. is actually headed for foreign destinations. Kende believes that the marketplace will take care of any unfairness in the system. For instance, rising demand for Japanese content has forced U.S. ompanies to give better deals to Japanese companies, the report says. Mercury News (09/26/00); Files, Jennifer
Data Still Travels Over Many Routes
Although some Internet supporters believe IP will be the basis for almost every telecom function, big networks are alternating between IP-over-Ethernet and equipment that transmits data via ATM technology. Network managers keep a close eye on the technologies in an effort to discern which one is the logical choice for their next purchase. Many industry watchers believe the two technologies will remain in existence for years to come.ATM has the advantage of quality assurance, while IP-over-Ethernet has the edge in terms of price. ATM is equipped with many systems for voice support, while IP is not, according to Eric Presworsky, manager of new product development for Zhone Technologies. However, plans to extend ATM to the desktop have been scrapped because IP and Ethernet control that segment of the network.
IP and Ethernet have the advantage with larger packet sizes that move large amounts of data. But ATM is the top technology for voice traffic because of it has been proven and is standardized, said Accelerated Networks, strategic marketing director, Sudhir Gupta. Interactive Week (09/18/00) Vol. 7, No. 37, P. I-12; Gaskin, James E.
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