Nexterna (formerly AMCI), a leading provider of wireless data solutions, has announced the availability of OptiSoft(TM) Field Service Edition, a complete spectrum of wireless products and services designed to help clients extend the power and capability of their information systems to centrally-dispatched mobile workers such as field technicians.
"Wireless data communications for mobile computing is really poised to take off," said wireless analyst Andrew Seybold. "By the year 2002, we estimate the mobile U.S. workforce to number more than 67 million. Robust, end-to-end solutions like this which can seamlessly connect field workers and central offices, will be in tremendous demand."
"By providing quick response and flexible message options between the dispatch center and mobile workers, OptiSoft Field Service Edition will transform service vehicle fleets into Internet-enabled mobile offices," said Lynden L. Tennison, Nexterna CEO and President. "The benefits will enhance mobile resource management, improve fleet utilization and drive higher productivity for mobile workers without significant start-up costs or capital investment."
At the current time, OptiSoft Field Service Edition deploys five core components:
-- OptiPath(TM) is middleware messaging software that manages the
wireless applications and networks
to provide a seamless data
communication link between an
organization's host business
application server and its
geographically dispersed mobile
network force. The data communication
link can use a single
wireless network or multiple wireless
networks. In
environments where the coverage of a
single wireless network
is insufficient, the middleware
evaluates the immediate
conditions affecting a message
transmission and selects the
most desirable network "least
cost" path available using a set
of configurable messaging rules.
-- OptiTrac(TM) software provides location tracking for
mobile
resources. It integrates Global
Positioning System (GPS) and
Geographic Information System (GIS)
technologies with wireless
data communication technology to
automatically collect vehicle
tracking data, which is captured and
transmitted via
Nexterna's equipment.
-- OptiMessage(TM) software is a two-way text messaging
system
that allows the central office and
mobile field worker to
communicate urgent and non-urgent
information utilizing the
appropriate communication path.
-- ASP Services. The turnkey application service provider
(ASP)
model lowers upfront capital
investment and IT staffing needs
by offering integration of software,
wireless messaging and
computer hardware, consolidated air
time and financing.
Applications are hosted from
Nexterna's 24 x 7 wireless data
center in Omaha.
-- Support Services. Nexterna provides a fully accountable,
single-point-of-contact for
implementation services, training
and ongoing customer care.
These software solutions are deployed via Nexterna's ruggedized mobile
communications platform, a Pentium-based computer mounted in the vehicle
featuring Microsoft's NT Embedded (NTE) operating system, built-in wireless
modems and a GPS receiver. They also offer various interfaces such as a
traditional laptop computer, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) utilizing
either the Palm or Windows CE operating systems.
It was also recently announced that Nexterna acquired Field Pro(TM), a field service management software organization. FieldPro will be integrated into Nexterna's OptiSoft Field Service Edition and will add significant Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functions such as management of incoming service calls, sales orders, technician dispatch, service agreements, inventory, parts logistics, invoicing and financials.
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