Trucking Technology Report - Sept. 7
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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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Global Online Holiday Sales to Rise 85% This Year
Shoppers are expected to spend $19.5 billion online this year for holiday sales, an 85% increase compared to last year. Astrid Van Dorst, senior analyst for e-Business Services at
A demand for Western goods in Asia has also led more countries to become equipped with necessary Web sites. North America will lead the way for 2000's holiday sales, and European and Asian markets are predicted to grow 96% and 91%, respectively.
Last year, many consumers made their first purchase over the Internet, and Internet retailers were unprepared for the massive number of orders. Gartner analysts believe this year Internet retailers will be better prepared for the holiday season. Robert Labatt, senior Gartner analyst, predicts that consumers will start shopping earlier, a concept that retailers are promoting. Journal of Commerce Online (09/06/00)
IBM to Unveil New Wireless Devices
IBM will display many of its new mobile products during the DEMOmobile conference being held in Pasadena this week. One of the products that will be showcased is its new ThinkPad i Series, which has wireless LAN capabilities. The ThinkPad i Series, which will be the first processor based on Intel's technology, will offer 802.11b wireless LAN capabilities.IBM will initially target the academic community with its the new wireless products. The firm's program director, Ron Sperano, says concerns over possible security risks resulting from wireless LAN technology are not as prevalent in the educational sector as among corporations.
IBM also plans to demonstrate its Bluetooth technology. The company has created PC card options compatible with the Bluetooth standard. Cahners In-Stat Group predicts that over 1 billion Bluetooth-enabled devices will be in use by 2005.
At a later date, the firm plans to introduce its notebook X Series, which can have Bluetooth antennas attached to its lid. The antennas will allow users to wirelessly connect with other electronic devices, including MP3 players.
The machine, unlike other earlier models in the series, will not use Transmeta's Crusoe processor. A new processor, which is still in development, can power the notebook for up to four hours. But in comparison, the Transmeta Crusoe Processor provides eight hours of battery life. Reuters (09/07/00); Boulton, Clint
Plastico.com Will Use From2 Global Shipping System
Logistics provider From2 has announced that Plastico.com will use From2's global shipping system to aid its international clients. Plastico.com is a portal for plastic resin transformers in Latin America. From2's Global Delivered Cost Calculator provides the total delivered cost of goods via its Web site.David Ashe, president of B2Bportales.com, parent of Plastico, stated that the logistics of shipping to more than 20 countries has been a
roblem for suppliers. From2's service should help suppliers and allow a global scale of business, according to Leon Falic, chief executive of From2. From2 is based in Miami with offices in Canada and Chile.
A study from the Gartner Group consulting company predicts that the United States' share of the global B2B market will fall to under 40% by 2004, from its current 60%. Journal of Commerce Online (09/06/00)
AT&T Wireless Is Interested in Nextel Deal
Amid the declining stock price of its parent AT&T, AT&T Wireless expects to discuss a merger with Nextel Communications and other strategic options at a board meeting later in the month. An greement with Nextel would establish the company as the second largest wireless operator in the country with 18 million customers.
AT&T Wireless' stock price, which has experienced lackluster performance since its introduction several months ago as an AT&T tracking stock, may also be bolstered by a deal.
Sources familiar with the issue say AT&T Wireless is set to introduce the Nextel proposal at a strategy session this month. Because AT&T Wireless is a tracking stock of AT&T, the company must get approval from the AT&T board and chairman C. Michael Armstrong before it can move forward with any significant agreement. Neither Nextel nor AT&T would comment on a deal. Wall Street Journal (09/07/00) P. A3; Cauley, Leslie; Deogun, Nikhil; Harris, Nicole
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