Press Release
August 11, 1999
Global Wireless Data Announces Commercial Availability Of Computil Powercradle 950
First Sub- $1,000 GPS & Two-Way Wireless Data Messaging Solution for Transportation and Field Service Applications using RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950
New York, NY - Global Wireless Data, a leading nationwide distributor of wireless data solutions, today announced commercial availability of the CompUtil PowerCradle 950, the first rugged vehicle-mounted cradle for use with the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950. The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 provides both Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and two-way wireless data communications via the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network SM while providing special battery charging and lighting functionalities for the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950 for under $1,000 per vehicle.
The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 is a highly rugged docking station designed to house the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950 while recharging its special nickel metal hydride rechargeable AA battery. It also features a miniature high intensity light to illuminate the keyboard and LCD screen for nighttime use. Additional connectivity allows for other peripherals such as a bar code reader, thermal printer or wireless credit card authorization devices.
The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 solution incorporates the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950, a wearable, hand-held device with a full keyboard that uses an Intel386™ processor, from Research In Motion. The two-way nationwide wireless data communications service is provided by BellSouth Wireless Data. The BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network provides extensive mobile and in-building coverage to over 93 percent of the urban business population nationwide, featuring free seamless nationwide roaming, message delivery within seconds, industry-leading battery savings protocol and high reliability.
"The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 allows mobile field forces to combine the two-way communications capabilities of the popular RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950 with mission-critical GPS vehicle tracking features over the nationwide BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network," said Steve Brumer, Partner, Global Wireless Data. "Because of the PowerCradle's low price point and BellSouth's cost effective wireless data service, companies of all sizes across the country will be able to take advantage of this affordable new solution."
The CompUtil Power Cradle 950 comes in three versions, all of which incorporate two-way wireless data communications through the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950:
- CompUtil PowerCradle 950 with DB9 serial port ($299) - Allows users to connect and interface peripheral devices such as thermal printers, bar code readers and credit card authorization devices.
- CompUtil PowerCradle 950 with GPS ($489) - Transmits GPS satellite data to the host site for mapping coordinates. An antenna port is located on the back of the cradle for a connection to the GPS receiver antenna, which can be externally mounted.
- CompUtil PowerCradle 950 with GPS and serial port ($589) - Allows the user to take advantage of both GPS and other peripheral devices for field operations that require both. For example, a company can track their fleet and track freight or process credit card transactions.
The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 is designed with a simple serial DB9 interface allowing it to easily integrate to the majority of mapping and dispatch applications available on the market today. Many companies have already interfaced their applications with the device including Dynamic Mobile Data, InfoMechanics, LADSnet and Videre. These applications cross many vertical markets including: Transportation, Public Safety, Field Service, Utilities and Transactions.
"This is really a groundbreaking solution because it overcomes three of the most prevalent barriers that have hindered widespread deployment of wireless data solutions in the vertical markets - affordability, ease of use, and ease of implementation," said Tom Langan, Vice President, Wireless Access Devices and Systems, BellSouth Wireless Data. "Combined with the power of the nationwide BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network, this solution helps bring the benefits of wireless data communications to a much broader audience in industry markets."
All three versions of the CompUtil PowerCradle 950 are now commercially available nationwide from Global Wireless Data. The RIM Interactive Pager 950 and BellSouth Wireless Data service are sold separately.
About Global Wireless Data
Global Wireless Data, LLC provides wireless data communication products and integration services to end-users, software developers, systems integrators and value-added resellers. GWD offers the most extensive selection of wireless local area network and wireless wide area network products including wireless LAN hardware, wireless data network services, wireless modems and a variety of software applications and development tools to become "Your one source for wireless networking products and services."
GWD also provides a full range of integration and consulting services including network system design, site surveys, system installation and product training. Since its founding in 1994, GWD has helped over 250 companies implement wireless solutions. Web site address: www.wireless-data.com.
About BellSouth Wireless Data
BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P., headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an expert in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that eliminate the barriers between critical information and mobile users. The company, a winner of the prestigious Sears Innovation Source of the Year and Partners in Progress awards, delivers a competitive advantage and increases personal productivity for aggressive, innovative companies and individuals leveraging communications technologies to meet their strategic goals. BellSouth Wireless Data operates its wireless data service throughout the United States, covering more than 93 percent of the urban business population located in 492 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs with a total population of 200 million people. BellSouth Wireless Data is a subsidiary of BellSouth Corporation. BellSouth Corporation provides telecommunications, wireless communications, cable and digital TV, directory advertising and publishing, and Internet and data services to nearly 34 million customers in 19 countries worldwide. E-mail: Bellsouthwd.info@bellsouthwd.com. Web site address: www.bellsouthwd.com.
Product and company names herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
