Techno File
* British Company Buys @Track: Minorplanet Systems, a British supplier of vehicle tracking and fleet management systems, has agreed to acquire up to 64% of @Track Communications, which sells HighwayMaster 5000 mobile communications and TrackWare trailer-tracking products in North America. @Track will distribute and manage Minorplanet’s VMI system, a GPS- and Internet-based fleet management product, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. VMI is a complete system which can be configured for virtually any digital data network- including CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)-on certain analog cellular networks, and will be able to interface with business applications.
* Terion Gets Interface For TruckMate: Maddocks Systems, a software provider based in Langley, B.C., has released an interface for its TruckMate software and the Terion mobile communications system. The new Communications Manager Module, as it is called, works with Version 4.0 of Maddocks’ TruckMate for Windows software. The module will give Maddocks customers, who use Terion’s communication software, up-to-the-minute trip status information and automated data exchange between drivers and dispatch.
* PerformX Tracking: PeopleNet Communications is beta-testing PerformX, a diagnostics product designed to help fleet managers track and manage operating costs. PerformX communicates with the J1708 bus and uses the same wireless technology as PeopleNet’s INTOUCH Fleet Management systems to send data. Performance reports, which include odometer readings, idle time, fuel efficiency, excess speed and high RPM readings are sent to a manager’s e-mail. Alarms alert managers when a vehicle travels over a predetermined speed, makes sudden starts or stops, and reaches a certain odometer reading.
* Qualcomm Eyes Construction Market: Qualcomm, the leading mobile communications company for the truckload market, has established a group specifically for the heavy equipment and construction market. The company will offer wireless tracking and equipment monitoring with integrated fleet and inventory management, improved billing and preventive maintenance scheduling.
Qualcomm said it would leverage existing products and capabilities that include global distribution channels and web-based applications.
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