Omnitracs, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated and a provider of integrated wireless systems, applications and services to transportation and logistics companies, launched a Terrestrial Browsing application for its Mobile Computing Platform 110 and 200 (MCP110 and MCP200).
The new application complements Omnitracs’ existing Open Wi-Fi offering, the company says. With Terrestrial Browsing, drivers can access the Internet via Omnitracs’ MCP web browser and terrestrial network, avoiding “offline” periods associated with no Wi-Fi connectivity.
The application enables browsing anywhere the MCP has terrestrial coverage. Standard terrestrial networks provide reliable connectivity for drivers removed from a central location — such as a truck stop or distribution center where Wi-Fi might be available — for access to information.
“The longer our drivers are on the road, we’ve found it becomes increasingly important to offer a dependable channel that they can leverage to connect with the office and complete key business functions in a timely manner,” said Jeff Krutza, IT manager of H.O. Wolding, a nationwide carrier based in Amherst, Wis. “With the addition of the Terrestrial Browsing application, our drivers will have near-ubiquitous coverage, helping them feel close to the company and their family despite being on the road.”
Terrestrial Browsing lets fleets designate a list of approved websites to help control costs. The application takes into account whether a driver is connected via a terrestrial or Wi-Fi network, ensuring the most economical access to the company portal and other office functions. To ensure fleets can manage costs effectively, Omnitracs offers a choice of data plans to support not only Terrestrial Browsing but other key mobile office applications including In-Cab Scanning and Media Manager.
“As driver recruitment and retention remain top pain points for the trucking industry, enhanced access to information on the road is a vital component of many fleets’ strategy to keep their drivers happy, safe and productive,” said Vikas Jain, vice president of product management and software as a service at Omnitracs. “Omnitracs’ Wi-Fi and Terrestrial Browsing options help make drivers’ lives easier by providing new, easy and cost-effective ways to stay connected and complete daily operations within the convenience of their own cabs.”
