Interesting to see the market is not interested in the Juno news. It could be a sign that the stock is up on takeover, not fundamentals which could be dangerous once these momentum types get bored and move on.
I thought this announcement was interesting. Again, going back to the basic question of what can GM do to be a technical leader. At least in the car platform, you'll see all sorts of offerings once the market is determined. Can companies add the cost of these services and still sell cars. Will people wait for GM to make this market?
We saw the result of product ahead of demand, and price being too high to justify the price, hence no revenues. Being a new catagory innovator has big costs. The worst could be enlightening the customer only to see a hoard of companys waiting in the wings to fill demand once it kicks in.
Regards,
Mark
Hitachi Software and @Road Announce Plans for Web-Enabled Auto and Personal Location Capability in Japan
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2000--In a broad-based agreement announced jointly in Yokohama, Japan, and Fremont, Hitachi Software Engineering Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., and @Road(TM) Inc., disclosed plans to introduce @Road's patented Web-enabled location technology in Japan.
Hitachi Software is a leading system integrator in Internet environment and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). @Road is a leading provider of location-specific e-commerce solutions.
The @Road platform integrates Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless data networks and the Internet to provide Web- and wireless-enabled productivity enhancement solutions for businesses with a mobile work force and for people on the move.
The @Road platform is capable of locating vehicles or other objects accurately and providing a wide range of real-time location and business information through the Internet.
The company's first application, FleetASAP(SM), an online fleet management service, was introduced last year. It is already being used by thousands of business subscribers in the United States and Canada to improve productivity and increase profitability.
``The convergence of three proven technologies -- GPS, wireless data and the Internet -- offers a tremendous opportunity for businesses to improve the efficiency of their mobile operations,' said Krish Panu, @Road chairman and CEO. ``@Road has created an open platform for partners interested in leveraging our patented technology, and we are extremely excited about this strategic alliance with Hitachi Software.
``We believe that our technology and intellectual property, combined with Hitachi's strong presence in Japan, will open the door to new mobile e-commerce opportunities for businesses and consumers in Japan and throughout the world,' Panu said. ``We also believe the partnership will enhance the leadership positions of both Hitachi and @Road.'
``We are at the dawn of Internet Society. The alliance with @Road will definitely accelerate the application of Web-based vehicle location in Japan,' said Tak Kodaira, general manager, Geospatial Information Division, Hitachi Software.
``Hitachi's GIS technology and extensive experience in software integration, combined with the @Road superior Internet-based location technology, will open a new horizon toward the 21st century. The alliance with @Road demonstrates our company's commitment to bringing innovative, high-value products to businesses and consumers.'
The services and capabilities provided by @Road and Hitachi Software are expected to be fully compatible with both major communications carriers in Japan, according to Kodaira.
The agreement with Hitachi Software is expected to pave the way for @Road to continue its international expansion. ``The enormous growth of mobile commerce is creating a worldwide demand for new business solutions,' Panu said. ``We expect many of those solutions to emerge from this technology, which we believe will become the international standard.'
About Hitachi
Hitachi Software, a consolidated part of Hitachi, is a leading system integrator for governmental authorities, financial institutions, insurance companies, and security companies. It is also leading GIS business, powered by its Web-based open GIS, GeoMation, and Internet-based system integration.
Hitachi Software, listed in the First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange, with $10 billion of market value, has headquarters in Yokohama. For more information, visit the Hitachi Software Web site at www.hitachi-sk.co.jp.
About @Road Inc.
@Road is a leading Internet information services company that delivers location-specific e-commerce solutions to the mobile work force and the communities they serve. FleetASAP(SM), powered by @Road, is the first of these solutions, offering fleet management through the Internet -- anywhere, anytime. @Road is a privately held corporation with headquarters in Fremont. For more information, visit the @Road Web site at www.atroad.com.
Note to Editors: @Road, the @Road logo and FleetASAP are trademarks and/or service marks of @Road Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Hitachi Software Engineering Ltd.
Takatoshi Kodaira, 81-45-681-2196
tkodaira@ika.hitachi-sk.co.jp
or
Ariel West Corporate Communications
Nancy Harrison, 714/540-7387
nancyharrison@arielwest.com
or
Linda Marcus, 949/362-0356
lmarcus@lfm-com.com |
