NEXTEL, COMMAND ALKON ANNOUNCE JOINT MARKETING RELATIONSHIP BUSINESS EDITORS/HI-TECH WRITERS RESTON, VA.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JULY 26, 2001-- INITIATIVE TARGETS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS INDUSTRY WITH
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RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2001--
Initiative Targets Construction Materials Industry with Faster, More
Reliable Communications Between Dispatchers and Drivers
Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL.Q) and Command Alkon Inc.
today announced a strategic alliance to deliver wireless
communications and status reporting to ready-mix, aggregate and
asphalt fleet operations.
The initiative provides construction materials producers and
suppliers with digital, nationwide wireless voice and data services to
achieve faster, more reliable communications in dispatch operations
and improve service levels by quickly allocating field resources to
meet dynamic customer needs.
The solution combines Nextel nationwide, wireless services with
Command Alkon's mobile signaling unit, COMMANDsignal(TM), for managing
dispatch, tracking and reporting of trucks used in fleet operations.
By leveraging Nextel's nationwide packet data network, Command
Alkon customers will improve communications by gaining access to an
all digital platform capable of managing high volumes of data traffic
over a wide geographic area.
The integration also enables fleet operators to leverage the full
range of Nextel services, such as Nextel Direct Connect(R), a digital
two-way radio feature that also supports unlimited communications
among users in the same fleet. When data messaging or status signaling
is required, the Nextel handset also functions as a packet data modem
for COMMANDsignal transmission or reception.
The phone can be cradle-mounted, allowing an operator to remove it
for voice operations outside the truck.
"Command Alkon is the recognized industry leader in helping
construction materials companies operate with maximum productivity and
minimum waste," said Blair Kutrow, vice president, product management
at Nextel. "By adding Nextel wireless capabilities to COMMANDsignal,
Command Alkon improves the geographic reach of its systems and
provides theanytime, anywhere access needed to support real-time
communications. This alliance is another example of how Nextel is
empowering targeted vertical industries with wireless data solutions."
According to David Crocker, vice president of batching and
signaling at Command Alkon, "Nextel has a reliable, high-bandwidth
network that fleet operators need to manage high volumes of incoming
and outgoing messages. Nextel Direct Connect provides a strategic tool
for effective, low-cost communications between dispatchers and drivers
to get work done quicker and easier."
Installing Nextel equipment and the COMMANDsignal truck unit does
not require extensive technical skills or special equipment. In
addition to Nextel Direct Connect, Nextel services include digital
cellular, text and number messaging, two-way messaging and wireless
web access.
For more information, contact Nextel at www.nextel.com or a local
Nextel data sales office or Command Alkon at www.commandalkon.com or
call toll free at 800/624-1872.
About Nextel
Nextel Communications Inc., based in Reston, Va., is a leading
provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has
built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the
United States covering thousands of communities across the United
States. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc., currently serve 188 of the
top 200 U.S. markets.
Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service
is available today in areas of the U.S. where approximately 220
million people live or work. In addition, through Nextel
International, Inc., Nextel has wireless operations and investments in
Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Peru, Chile and
Japan.
About Command Alkon
Command Alkon Incorporated develops, markets and supports software
and hardware products for construction material producers including
ready-mix concrete, aggregate and asphalt producers. Command Alkon is
a company created by the merger of Command Data Incorporated and Alkon
Corporation, and employs approximately 347 people in Birmingham,
Columbus, Dallas and international offices.
The company's software product line includes COMMANDseries(TM)
dispatching and accounting software for ready-mix and aggregate
producers. The company's batch control product lines include
SPECTRUM(TM), EAGLE(TM) and AC-2000(TM). The COMMANDsignal(TM) system
is used for comprehensive truck fleet automation over analog radio and
digital cellular technologies.
As an add-on option, the COMMANDsignal truck terminals may also
provide GPS capabilities for truck location and automatic status
purposes.
Nextel Communications, Inc. 2001 Edmund Halley Drive Reston, Va.
20191 www.nextel.com
--30--NR/ph*
CONTACT: Nextel Communications, Inc., Reston
Media:
Audrey Schaefer, 240/876-1588
or
Command Alkon
Michael Wilson, 205/879-3282, ext. 1205
or
Nextel
Investors:
Paul Blalock, 703/433-4300
KEYWORD: VIRGINIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETING AGREEMENTS
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