Trucking Technology Report - Sept. 6
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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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Qualcomm Rolls Out Mobile Communications Systems for Metropolitan Fleets
Qualcomm of San Diego, Calif., has introduced the OmniExpress mobile communications system for vehicles working in metro areas and on major highways. The targeted fleets include those involved in food and beverage distribution, manufacturing, LTL, retail, petroleum products, service, and utilities.
TIP Takes Trailer Reservation System Online
Transport International Pool (TIP) has launched a Web-based trailer reservation system. Customers can go online to TIP FastLane and reserve trailers 24 hours a day every day. Users can designate locations and types of equipment needed at each location. Confirmation is usually given immediately. Chris Hines, president of TIP North America, states that speed is necessary to gain customers in the trailer rental business, since most orders are for "same-day or next-day rentals." The real-time service works with Premier Service, which gives password access to customer account information. The Web site also has access to sales inventory for trailers and storage equipment. Commercial Carrier Journal (08/00) Vol. 157, No. 8, P. 95
AOL Talks With Several Wireless Carriers
America Online executive Dennis Patrick confirmed that the company is having discussions with several companies in an effort to expand its presence in the wireless market. Patrick also said that the company prefers to partner with wireless carriers rather build its own wireless network. Recently, AOL and competitor Yahoo! made large investments to bolster their wireless capabilities. Both companies have completed deals with some of the industry's leading carriers, including Sprint PCS and AT&T Wireless. In addition, AOL has finalized an agreement with OmniSky, a provider of Web services to mobile customers. OmniSky reported yesterday that it will provide Web content and services for AOL, which will be given a stake in the company.
AOL's instant messaging service has already proven to be very popular among mobile users. The company hopes to eventually combine the service with location features installed in new phones. AOL would then offer location information via its MapQuest division. Reuters (09/06/00); Kapadia, Reshma
Mobile TeleSystems, Motorola Team Up to Bring GPRS to Russia
Mobile TeleSystems, the leading wireless provider in Russia, said it will collaborate with Motorola for the development of a high-speed mobile network in Russia. The company plans to debut the network in December.MTS, with help from Motorola, has already completed the initial technical introduction of its general packet radio service in Moscow. The company plans to make the service available to some of its business customers, including Hewlett-Packard and Coca-Cola, before its official introduction. Business users will have access to transmissions speeds up to 27 Kbps via GPRS handsets manufactured by Motorola.
While the introduction of the service is likely to give the company a technical advantage over its domestic rivals, demand for the GPRS service may be limited. Wall Street Journal (09/06/00) P. B2
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