The initial price of Qualcomm Inc.'s OmniExpress mobile communications system has been reduced to $990 per unit effective immediately. Monthly service plans for messaging will also be reduced from the current low of $19.95 per unit with the introduction of the third-generation (3G) version of OmniExpress slated for June 2005.
The new pricing structure is intended to ensure that the OmniExpress solution remains a cost-effective fleet management tool for carriers operating in metropolitan areas and on major highways, according to Norm Ellis, general manager and vice president of Transportation and Logistics, Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions.
The OmniExpress system is a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based digital wireless fleet management system that provides near real-time, two-way communications and vehicle position reports. The 3G version adds new automated arrival and depart capability to automatically track planned and unplanned stops without any driver input.
Qualcomm and Integrated Decision Support Corp. (IDSC) have also announced the launch of their jointly developed In-Cab Fuel Services. The services combine Qualcomm's OmniTRACS® and OmniExpress fleet management solutions with IDSC's fuel optimization tools to deliver fuel purchase recommendations directly to drivers.
The driver-initiated Fuel Query service offers prices at fuel stops in the vicinity of a driver's current location, while the Trip Planning service provides a complete fuel optimization plan including high-level routing, recommended fuel stops and purchase quantities. Companies may also tailor purchase recommendations, entering discount structures and preferred fuel stops at a secure web site.
In addition Qualcomm has announced the commercial availability of new hosting solutions for its T2 Untethered TrailerTRACS asset management solution. Customers now now have the option of directly integrating with the T2 Untethered TrailerTRACS solution using AS/400 dispatch systems.