QUALCOMM Signs Agreement with Aeris Communications, Inc. To
Bring Untethered Trailer Tracking To Market
Terrestrial Solution One of Three Trailer Tracking Product Offerings
SAN DIEGO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM - news), a leader in satellite-based
two-way mobile communications for the transportation industry, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Aeris
Communications, Inc. to deploy Aeris MicroBurst(TM) technology in its new terrestrial-based untethered trailer tracking
product. MicroBurst wireless messaging technology will enable QUALCOMM to provide its customers with a low cost and
reliable untethered trailer tracking solution within the North American cellular network. This is the first phase in an aggressive
strategy to provide satellite and terrestrial-based tracking services for both tractors and trailers.
With its new three-tiered strategy, QUALCOMM will be the first communications company to offer a complete range of trailer
tracking services, including a tethered (connected to the tractor) version, a satellite-based untethered version and a
terrestrial-based untethered version for all major transportation market segments. QUALCOMM's trailer tracking customers
will have their choice of coverage and options with hardware prices targeted to range from $200 to $600 and messaging
targeted to start at less than $10 per month. Additionally, all messaging will be integrated at QUALCOMM's Network
Management Center (NMC), providing customers around-the-clock technical support and single source point of contact.
Whichever trailer tracking product is selected, QUALCOMM customers will benefit from increased equipment utilization,
fewer asset losses, improved customer service and cargo security.
Already the leader in tethered trailer tracking, QUALCOMM will leverage Aeris MicroBurst's low-cost solution to successfully
enter the untethered trailer tracking market.
''We chose MicroBurst technology for its low cost structure and its efficient use of the existing cellular network,'' stated Phil
White, senior vice president and general manager of QUALCOMM's OmniTRACS Division. ''Our goal is to offer choices to
our customers without sacrificing the superior customer service and reliable total solutions for which we are known. MicroBurst
will enable us to offer an untethered trailer tracking solution to those customers with tracking requirements primarily within the
North American cellular network while a satellite solution will be offered to those that require broader-based coverage.''
QUALCOMM's current tethered trailer tracking product, TrailerTRACS(TM), offers information concerning trailer
identification, location and unscheduled trailer movement when connected to an OmniTRACS(R) equipped tractor. The
untethered trailer tracking products will offer these same features plus a variety of other options including door sensors, load
capacity and trip recording logic while disconnected from a tractor for up to thirty days. For maximum cost efficiency, both
untethered products will suppress messaging when connected to an OmniTRACS equipped tractor by using a QUALCOMM
proprietary communications link.
''This agreement reflects the strength of MicroBurst's cellular control channel solution for vehicle and asset tracking,'' said Dick
Gossen, CEO and president of Aeris Communications. ''Aeris MicroBurst is ideal as a stand alone or as a wireless
complement to existing messaging technologies.''
Aeris MicroBurst is a proprietary utility that enables short RAAM (Remote Access Application Message) data packets to be
transmitted over control channels in cellular networks using standard signaling mechanisms. From MicroBurst cellular devices
embedded in QUALCOMM's untethered tracking product, these short data packets are transmitted over existing SS7
(Signaling System 7) networks to the Aeris central hub facility, which then routes the data to QUALCOMM's NMC. The end
user receives the information via various telecommunications solutions.
With over 230,000 OmniTRACS units sold worldwide, QUALCOMM is the leader in providing mobile communications and
information management systems to the transportation industry. QUALCOMM currently has systems operating in the United
States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
Aeris Communications, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, provides wireless connectivity for a broad array of short
packet signaling and messaging services using its proprietary MicroBurst utility. MicroBurst employs the control channel
infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Initial
applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring, and utility meter reading. For
more information on Aeris, call (408) 296-8700 or visit the Aeris web site at aeris.net.
Headquartered in San Diego, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced
communications system and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary product
areas are the OmniTRACS products, CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others,
the development of the Globalstar(TM) low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other Company products
include the Eudora Pro(R) electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications equipment and systems for
government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, please
visit the Company's web site at qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties, including timely product development, change in economic conditions of the various markets the
Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 1997 and most recent Form 10-Q.
QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS and Eudora Pro are registered trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is the
trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services.
MicroBurst is a trademark of Aeris Communications, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks of their
respective holders.
SOURCE: QUALCOMM Incorporated
More Quotes and News:
Qualcomm Inc (Nasdaq:QCOM - news)
Related News Categories: telecom
Help
Copyright c 1998 PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PRNewswire content is expressly prohibited without the
prior written consent of PRNewswire. PRNewswire shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance
thereon.
See our Important Disclaimers and Legal Information.
Questions or Comments? |
