Bub, roundup must be nearly over as your recent posts show more time
spent in gathering more info/research. The 28.8 figure sounds like the
right speed. The momentum for mobile data sales is increasing and although it may not add signifigant revenues for 1998, it helps lock in current customers and adds credibility to Nextel's technology.
The future looks bright for wireless data. Some of the markets IMHO, are package tracking, (How about the UPS contract, or IBM) wireless invoicing, vechicle tracking, utility monitoring, safety, and credit card tranactions.
In talking to a friend who works in this area, he mentioned that one
of the major metro bus systems was testing wireless video on certain
routes to help assure public safety. The idea is to have a camera sending compressed video to a main monitoring location so they can
recognize an unsafe situationa and take action, and record the event
if they can't act in time. Also, he mentioned wireless sensing devices
being used on certain RR crossings so that if gates are broken the RR
can act before an accident occurs.
One company, Datawave, had used RAM for verifying credit card purchases on vending machines that sold the throw away Kodak cameras.
By using RAM they didn't need to setup landlines in airports, etc.
There is a lot of opportunity here if Nextel can price the service
appropriately. A while back I went to Volvo to get a tool, which they
didn't have, however the Snap-On man was there with his truck and used
an ordinary cellular phone to verify my credit card purchase. Early
next year he can probably use Nextel, and on a per second or transaction basis and save a few nickels.
Also hear that RAM hasn't made money so may not be an effective long
term competitor.
Reporting from the coast.
George |
