"Real-time": the growth in "real-time" data transmission enables better route management.

"Real-time" technology is a rapidly emerging technology in the world of route management data capture and transmission. Other new technologies, such as global system for mobile (GSM) communications, general packet radios service (GPRS) and 1X, represent the next-generation of wireless radio

A number of exciting advances and new trends in wireless data transmission have converged in recent years to enable a vast improvement in the capability and performance of wireless data networking while simultaneously reducing the cost of using real-time systems. The end result is that real-time--meaning the continuous transmission of data information to and from the mobile user and the central office via the wireless transmission spectrum--wireless data route management and data capture, and the efficiencies they deliver, are now a reality.

Some key trends are powering this development:

* The continuous evolution of higher-powered and lower-cost portable computing devices.

* The development of speedier, more efficient public communications services such as the GSM/GPRS and 1X technologies.

* The rapid transition away from more expensive proprietary networks to these lower cost public open-standard networks.

* The use of Java-based open-standard software platforms that mesh well with legacy systems.

* Accelerated growth in the use of the Internet and Intranets, and the dissemination and sharing of important enterprise-wide information, which have enhanced the success of these systems.

* Ongoing development of wireless data solutions within sectors such as public safety, utilities and field service for dispatch, database access and messaging, which has helped to demonstrate the value of these systems for other applications.

GSM/GPRS and 1X next-generation technologies

Current-generation technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) and cellular digital packet data (CDPD) wireless radio packet switched technologies, which are well established. Often called a "connection-less" service.

With the higher-speed technologies now being rolled out, however, CDPD's through-put of 19.2 kbps may be considered an older technology in the near future. Most CDPD networks will be replaced by the newer wireless telecommunications technology known as Global Mobile System/General Packet Radio Service (GMS/GPRS) by 2006.

GSM is a second-generation (2G) mobile communications technology that was established in Europe and also forms the basis of PCS communications in North America. With its GPRS service commonly referred to as 2.5G, GSM offers higher speeds for data and, with hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide, will increasingly be a viable option for more wireless data communications. With scores of GSM-compatible devices and software applications, GSM has the largest wireless digital data network today.

GSM's GPRS technology enables the combination of cellular with the Internet. The strengths of GPRS include bringing IP connectivity to mobile devices--implying in theory that any service available to the Internet will be accessible to a mobile device. The always-on, always-connected nature of IP allows for data traffic to be sent to and from the user while the user is not actively looking for the data. Examples of this would be email, as well as updated pickup and delivery schedules for route management.

Next-generation CDMA 2000 1X, an innovation over the earlier CDMA technology, offers faster and more convenient mobile Internet access. More importantly, 1X is a next-stage 3G technology that provides both voice and data capabilities, creating opportunities for mobile computing business solutions, such as access to corporate Intranets, e-mail and other internal systems. Advantages of moving to this new technology include high network availability; i.e., 1X devices are backwards-compatible with the older CDMA systems, which allows for CDMA IS-95 to be used at times when 1X may be unavailable.

Working in combination, all these developments are creating a self-fulfilling virtual circle in which technology is deployed, advanced applications are developed for that technology and their effectiveness proven, and further take-up of the technology occurs. This leads to rapid cost reductions and improved service benefits. A competitive pressure then takes hold to drive other organizations to begin using the technology just to remain level with their competitors.

Due to its reduced costs, improved performance and economic benefits, real-time "always-on" mobile data capture and transmission is rapidly becoming the baseline operating procedure for cost-efficient route management--which means a new set of terms and acronyms is emerging in the lexicon of transportation technology.

Editor's note: Jeremy Tyree works for Enterprise Mobility Solutions, which represents Epic Data (www.epicdata.com).