Putting GPS In Your Pocket

GPS NEWS

put a big bird in your pocket

Helsinki - May 17, 2002
Fastrax Ltd., a developer of industry-leading products for optimal utilization of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and Followit AB, a Swedish-based IT company focused on positioning services, mobile data communications and geographic information systems, today announced the commercial availability of their jointly developed Followit positioning device.

Starting in May 2002, the Followit transponder is distributed in key European markets through Novo Group GmbH, a provider of complete IT, GIS and mobile solutions based in Dďż˝sseldorf, Germany. Novo and its partners offer Followit as a service together with Novo's mTrack tracking service.

"Followit enables keeping track of practically anything that moves. For transport and logistics companies, Followit enables the following and optimization of their fleet operations. Insurance and security companies are interested in both asset tracking and the prospect of locating stolen property.

And for consumers, Followit is small and lightweight enough to be sown into outerwear or attached to dogs' collars", said Mr. Ola Lundberg, founder and marketing director of Followit. "Fastrax provides us with the most technologically advanced GPS module available in the markets. We are very satisfied with the close cooperation", Lundberg added.

The compact Followit positioning device is top of its class in both size and usability. Followit determines its position, speed and direction utilizing the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite navigation system and transmits the data via a cellular data connection to the Internet.

The information can then be received using either a web-based map application or a mobile handset. For corporations Followit enables the easy management of large-scale location information systems through its web-based user interface. For an individual user the pocketsize device (70x45x30 mm) is affordable and handy to carry along.

"Followit will work to create the consumer market for location based services. Currently, the bulk of the location information markets are in services built to suit the needs of logistics and insurance companies, but as the size and power drain of the receivers decrease, new innovative and affordable applications like Followit will be introduced. The Fastrax GPS receiver module is software customizable, designed to adapt to large-scale corporate applications as well as very small battery-powered devices", said Fastrax CEO Mr. Kim Kaisti.

"Novo's expertise is in applying new Internet, mobile and geographic information technologies to our customer solutions, creating world-class services. Through the combination of Followit's cutting-edge positioning device and our mTrack tracking service we are able to provide the European markets with one the most advanced location based solutions", said Kim Johnsson, Technical Director of Novo Group GmbH.

Followit is based on Fastrax iTrax02, a stamp-size GPS receiver with extremely low power drain, and a GSM modem operated by the iTrax02 module.

The device is programmable to send data either in real-time, or on specific time intervals, or depending on pre-set conditions for location, speed or direction. The device is programmed remotely through a web-based interface or even through a cell phone.

The modular software architecture of the Fastrax GPS receiver allows for integration with a number of applications and devices. With Fastrax iSuiteSDK software development kit it is possible to customize the receiver without a need to make changes in the hardware. As a result, the same iTrax02 receiver is suitable for both large applications tailored for corporations and consumer products such as cell phones and a variety of sports accessories.

GPS NEWS

Nomad Helps Keep Defense Personal

Bothell - Mar 29, 2002
Microvision said Friday that it has signed a distribution reseller agreement with Omega Systems, a full service system integrator to the defense market.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.