Aether Announces Key Technology Enhancements to MobileMax.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers ATA (1) (AT Attachment) The specification for IDE drives. See IDE. (2) See analog telephone adapter. ATA - Advanced Technology Attachment Management Conference & Exhibition SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2003 Text-to-Voice, Handheld Access, Web-Hosting, and Wireless Driver E-Mail Available as Aether aether: see ether, in physics and astronomy. Aether god of whole atmosphere. [Gk. Myth.: Jobes, 42] See : Air Continues to Deliver New Applications Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETH), the leading provider of wireless and mobile data solutions, today announced a series of significant new technology enhancements to Aether MobileMax(TM), its flagship wireless communications wireless communications System using radio-frequency, infrared, microwave, or other types of electromagnetic or acoustic waves in place of wires, cables, or fibre optics to transmit signals or data. and tracking solution for the transportation industry. Already the only leading platform that automatically switches between land-based and satellite communications to ensure complete coverage and cost-effective operations, MobileMax now features Text-To-Voice technology, Handheld Access via a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). , Wireless Driver E-Mail, and an entirely Web-Based Host. A press briefing and technology demonstration of the new technology will be held at the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday, October 21 at 10 a.m., at Aether's booth (#333) in the exhibit hall. These advancements address a wide variety of fleet issues, including driver safety and convenience, process automation, and system management flexibility. The Web-based host application should also make MobileMax more attractive to small and medium fleets, while driver e-mail provides an additional private communication option for truckers. The powerful interface with handheld devices, combined with Aether's multi-mode network, will enable the company to better address the needs of less-than-load (LTL LTL - Linear Temporal Logic ), pick-up and delivery (P&D), and private carriers. The announcement of these enhancements comes following a thorough review of customer demands and continual evaluation of the industry by Aether, helping the company understand exactly what today's fleets need to stay ahead. The wireless driver e-mail and Web-hosting enhancements are available immediately, while the remaining two applications are in customer testing, and should be available early next year. "Aether's ability to offer such a broad range of useful and empowering advancements speaks to the company's technology leadership, commitment to the trucking industry, and ability to deliver on customer demands," said Michael Brown Michael or Mike Brown may refer to: In politics:
The following provides a more detailed summary of each of the new MobileMax advancements: Text-to-Voice Aether's text-to-voice option enables MobileMax-equipped fleets to translate text messages into a human voice - allowing drivers to have their messages read to them in the cab, while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. The application, which requires only the purchase and installation of a small Windows CE-based module, can easily be used for dispatch or text messages, and can be configured con·fig·ure tr.v. con·fig·ured, con·fig·ur·ing, con·fig·ures To design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses: to read only certain messages or portions of a message. Even the driver's personal e-mail can be read aloud in the cab. There is no additional wireless or messaging cost. Other features & benefits: -- Incorporates latest developments in TTS (1) See text-to-speech. (2) (Transaction Tracking System) Software that monitors a transaction until completion. In the event of a hardware or software failure, it ensures that the database is brought back to its former state before the attempt to technology, resulting in natural-sounding speech with a virtually unlimited vocabulary. -- May reduce driver stops to read messages, which the ATA has previously estimated can cost $7 per stop in reduced efficiency. -- Operates in a Windows CE (Windows Consumer Electronics) Microsoft's version of Windows for handheld devices and embedded systems that use x86, ARM, MIPS and SHx CPUs. Windows CE .NET superseded Windows CE 3.0. environment, providing fleets with more computer horsepower horsepower, unit of power in the English system of units. It is equal to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute or 550 foot-pounds per second or approximately 746 watts. and an operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. on which to add future enhancements. -- Available in the first half of 2004. Wireless Driver E-Mail Wireless Driver E-Mail is an optional feature available to drivers equipped with Aether's MobileMax or Pro2000 mobile equipment. Drivers obtain a prepaid pre·pay tr.v. pre·paid, pre·pay·ing, pre·pays To pay or pay for beforehand. pre·pay  ment n. card through Aether partner Transcommunications that enables them to send and receive personal e-mails without fleet management involvement. E-mail messages can be conveniently created and/or reviewed on the driver's in-cab unit. Messages require passwords, eliminating spam E-mail that is not requested. Also known as "unsolicited commercial e-mail" (UCE), "unsolicited bulk e-mail" (UBE), "gray mail" and just plain "junk mail," the term is both a noun (the e-mail message) and a verb (to send it). or unwanted e-mail, and personal driver e-mail is sent directly, without passing through the fleet's IT system. Other features and benefits: -- Wireless driver e-mail works where truck drivers do - broadly across the U.S. and Canada - on Aether's multi-mode network platform. -- Allows drivers to stay in touch with family and friends in a personal and confidential manner. -- Enhances driver satisfaction, which may reduce turnover and increase fleet efficiency. -- Aether and Transcommunications plan to market this feature directly to drivers after obtaining written fleet management approval. Web Hosting Making a Web site available on the Internet. Many ISPs host a few personal Web pages for an individual at no additional cost above the monthly service fee, but the address is subordinate to the ISP; for example, www.friendlyisp.com/pat_smith. Aether has completed development and released Web-host platforms for each of its transportation products. Aether MobileMax(TM), GeoLogic(TM), TrailerMax(TM), and 20/20V(TM) can all be implemented in an exclusive Web-host environment. In support of this critical effort, Aether manages its own 24x7 Web-hosting facility in Joplin, Mo. The data center includes a network of secure, protected, and scalable components, and is based on the highly reliable IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) iSeries servers. In creating and managing this facility, Aether can effectively offer powerful and flexible Web-services to its many customers. Other features and benefits: -- If desired, Aether's customers can still select AS/400 or Windows-based software packages to install on their own proprietary IT systems, a feature not offered by some competitors. -- Aether's Web-host platform offers a great alternative for fleets that do not want to purchase and manage unique IT systems and software. -- Multiple layers of security allows customers to access their data and communications tools from any Web-enabled PC, anywhere and anytime. Handheld Access Aether has developed an interface that allows MobileMax to work in conjunction with a handheld computer A computing device that can be easily held in one hand while the other hand is used to operate it. The Palm devices are a popular example. See Palm, smartphone and palmtop. device, initially the Dolphin 7400 Mobile Computer from Handheld Products. The device essentially replaces the standard MobileMax keyboard, giving fleets greater flexibility, and the opportunity to integrate barcode scanning, signature capture, and other handheld applications with the Aether MobileMax(TM) Multi-Mode messaging system Software that provides an electronic mail delivery system. It is made up of the following functional components, which may be packaged together or independently. Mail User Agent . Once connected to the MobileMax system, the handheld device becomes the driver's input/output machine, delivering messages and information to the driver, and serving as the data entry device for the driver to send updates and information. Other features and benefits: -- Handheld device can be easily removed and re-connected to the MobileMax system, providing flexibility for remote applications. -- Uniquely valuable on MobileMax's multi-mode network. Most data will be sent over the cost-effective terrestrial network, avoiding the potentially high cost of sending larger quantities of data on satellite-only networks. -- An attractive solution for LTL, P&D and private fleets, which tend to require more time and work for drivers out of the vehicle. -- Windows CE-based device allows for additional enhancements and custom applications. In addition to the benefits of the multi-mode communications system In telecommunication, a communications system is a collection of individual communications networks, transmission systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and data terminal equipment (DTE) usually capable of interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole. , which operates without driver or dispatcher Software that determines what pending tasks should be done next and assigns the available resources to accomplish it. It may execute other programs or generate a list for human operators to follow. See scheduler. intervention, Aether MobileMax transmits dispatch and data messages and GPS position reports, and provides data on state-line crossings, vehicle fault codes, and driver performance. Hundreds of fleets have improved their operations, streamlined their processes, and improved their customer service by deploying Aether's MobileMax multi-mode solution. About Aether Systems, Inc. Aether Systems delivers wireless and mobile data solutions that make people more productive and their organizations more profitable. Aether's products and services are built on Aether Fusion, the company's standards-based platform that allows for secure, reliable extension of critical information to virtually any wireless or mobile environment. Return on investment in Aether solutions comes from a unique combination of strengths - quick access to multiple back-end information sources, workflow that is optimized for specific industries, and turnkey See turnkey system. deployment services and professional support. Backed by years of in-market expertise, Aether is making it possible for thousands of businesses and government agencies to unleash the power of the mobile workforce. For more information, please visit www.aethersystems.com |
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