SiriCOMM and Cadec new partners Symbol Technologies Inc. of New York and Missouri-based SiriCOMM Inc. announced formation of a partnership to integrate Symbol's handheld computers and wireless local area network (WLAN) technology with SiriCOMM's Internet Protocol-based satellite technology.
The SiriCOMM relationship is intended to provide drivers with access to SiriCOMM's network using Symbol wireless handheld computers at radio bases or "access points" to be installed at frequently visited locations, such as truck stops, rest areas, ports of entry and terminals.
According to the companies, Symbol's handheld devices will be able to communicate via a wireless LAN within a half-mile of an access point, enabling drivers to send and receive information right from the vehicle.
Applications can include sending and receiving e-mail, getting updated road conditions, checking news and weather, maintaining electronic logbooks, and electronically exchanging freight bills.
The system will incorporate a dedicated proxy server designed to hold hundreds of web sites, programs, news and information paired with Symbol's Spectrum 24 high-performance wireless LAN at each of the user access points. The combined solution will operate with a number of Symbol mobile devices.
Information will be transmitted by a two-way broadband satellite link, providing extremely high bandwidth transmission of up to 6 megabits per second of IP-based data between the central controlling server and the dedicated local proxy server, the partners noted.
Symbol's partnership with Cadec Corp. of New Hampshire is also intended to bring mobile workers, such as drivers, access to a variety of functions and information including route optimization, dispatch, sales and delivery management. The agreement opens the door to integration of Symbol's handheld computers with Cadec's Mobil Logistics Management System, Mobius TTS.
Cadec's Mobius TTS offers short range radio frequency communications and interfaces with satellite, analog cellular, Mobitex, CDPD, Motient and other wireless communications technologies.
More information is available at www.symbol.com, www.cadec.com, and www.SiriCOMM.com.
Currently delivering Internet e-mail, pay settlements, load matching and other driver services through interactive kiosks in over 400 truck stops, DriverNet says it is developing a wireless version of its applications that will run on an inexpensive, handheld personal digital assistant (PDA).
The new two-way wireless messaging service, called DriverNet pK, will let drivers access dispatch information, Internet e-mail, truck routing information with household goods miles, load matching through DAT Services and pay settlements using a Handspring Visor PDA equipped with a Glenayre @ctiveLink wireless modem.
Visit www.drivernet.com.
Vistar Datacom (www.vistardata.com) says its new GlobalWave MT2000 satellite data onboard modem provides fast, reliable two-way data communications for trucking applications. The company calls it the most advanced product available for monitoring remote assets.
Formerly called HighwayMaster, @Track Communications Inc. recently installed over 25,000 communications units in service vehicles for SBC Communications Inc. It plans to install an additional 18,000 units for various SBC companies in the near future, bringing total installations close to the 80,000 mark.
PartsRiver Inc., a provider of e-commerce and catalog solutions for the industrial equipment marketplace, will assist heavy-duty truck parts marketing group HD America in developing an Internet-based parts-sourcing solution. The deal will enable HD America members and customers to find detailed product information, real-time inventory, pricing and shipping information on one web site.
