Anyplace, anywhere, any device, anytime," is how Erik Bleyl, vp-logistics, summarized Aether System's vision for delivering wireless technologies and services to the trucking industry in the months ahead. The Maryland-based company held a press briefing during the recent ATA conference to share its plans since the acquisition of Motient Corp.'s retail transportation business was announced in late September.
The $45-million Motient deal bolsters Aether's presence in the transportation industry by providing entry into the longhaul and LTL segments of the market, according to Bleyl. Through the acquisition, Aether gains access to more than 200 Motient customers and 20,000 subscribers of Motient's transportation-specific products, including MobileMAX2 and Satellite Mobile Messaging Service.
Noting that although going wireless and mobile is extremely complex, involving networks, data systems, operating environments and issues of dependability and durability, Bleyl was bullish on Aether's future. "The communication needs of the transportation industry are growing more and more sophisticated each day," he said. "We are positioned at Aether to leverage our expertise in wireless, handheld technologies and comprehensive solution development to provide real-time communication capabilities and visibility into transportation, logistics and supply chain management."
