Technology Briefs - Jan. 2 - Jan. 9, 2002
- Bush Administration Launches Fuel Cell Program
- California Looking for Cargo Scanners in Ports
- Computer Security Companies See Business Upswing
- Intranet Site at DOT Rated Among '10 Best'
- J.B. Hunt Installs Qualcomm Units
- Schneider, TMW Systems Agree on Deal
- Delphi Wins Receiver Contract from DaimlerChrysler
- California Looking for Cargo Scanners in Ports
Bush Administration Launches Fuel Cell Program
The Bush administration on Wednesday launched a partnership with domestic automakers to spur the growth of hydrogen fuel cells to power the next generation of cars and trucks, the Associated Press reported.The deal is intended to help reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil and to reduce pollution. It was announced by Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and the chief executives of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, at the auto industry's annual showcase in Detroit.
Many believe fuel cell technology can have applications in the trucking industry.
A fuel cell produces energy from a chemical reaction when hydrogen is combined with oxygen. The only byproduct is water. In recent years, the cost of fuel cells has dropped sharply. Hydrogen can be produced from natural gas aboard vehicles or pure hydrogen can be used, requiring development of a new supply infrastructure. Transport Topics
California Looking for Cargo Scanners in Ports
State anti-terrorism officials in California have asked the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to design and produce a scanner that can determine the contents of large cargo containers without opening them, the Contra Costa Times reported Wednesday.Officials at the laboratory have said they are investigating fast, low-cost ways to inspect shipping containers for threats ranging from conventional explosives, to nuclear or biological materials or other substances. However, the technology is still in the preliminary stages of development, the paper reported.
State officials have asked for $3 million from the federal government to help pay for development of the scanner, the Times said. George Vinson, chief anti-terror adviser to California Gov. Gray Davis said that Tom Ridge, the head of the federal homeland security administration, has endorsed the idea.
Vinson said that the device could be a mobile piece of equipment that might utilize gamma, neutron and X-rays. Eventually the state hopes the technology could scan all of the containers that enter the U.S. through California ports. Transport Topics
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Computer Security Companies See Business Upswing
Companies that design and maintain software to defend computers from attack over the Internet have seen a surge in business recently amid heightened security awareness.The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 7 that firms like Internet Security Systems Inc., Network Associates Inc. and Symantec Corp. have all seen interest in their anti-hacking and anti-virus programs soar since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Spending on such programs was already higher after a year plagued by viruses and hack-attacks on several high-profile Web sites, but the Sept. 11 attacks and subsequent fears about cyber-terrorism have pushed companies to take a long, hard look at the security of their networks, the Journal said.
In October, a J.P. Morgan Chase report predicted a 43% rise in Internet security spending versus a 2.7% gain for technology spending as a whole, the Journal reported.
Some experts believe that the next possible target for a major terrorist attack would be a computer system, rather than a physical target, the Journal said. Transport Topics
Intranet Site at DOT Rated Among '10 Best'
The Department of Transportation’s intranet site, DOTnet, was named one of the “10 Best Intranets of 2001” by the Norman Nielsen Group, a consulting firm that helps businesses make their Web sites easier to use.Unveiled in June, the in-house Web site gives DOT employees nationwide access to information and the tools to collaborate on projects that cut across different offices.
NNG cited the clean look, ease of navigation and community collaboration features as key elements for inclusion in the list. Intranets that are confusing force organizations to spend a lot of money on tech and customer support.
DOTnet is part of the department’s transition from a paper-based to electronic workplace. Eric Kulisch
J.B. Hunt Installs Qualcomm Units
J.B. Hunt Transport Services has installed Qualcomm OmniExpress mobile communications units on 150 intermodal vehicles at three terminals under a new contract, according to Qualcomm spokeswoman Rachel Shaw.Hunt is preparing to install additional units at a fourth terminal, Shaw said.
Hunt, ranked 13th in the Transport Topics 100, already uses Qualcomm's satellite-based OmniTracs for its truckload division. The OmniExpress in-cab units, which rely on cellular networks, are designed for shorter routes that don't travel outside coverage areas. Transport Topics
Schneider, TMW Systems Agree on Deal
TMW Systems, Inc., a supplier of trucking information management systems, said Jan. 7 that it has signed an agreement to provide its client-server based enterprise system to Schneider National Bulk Carriers.The deal covers about 1,000 tractors in the United States, with the implementation of TMWSuite expected on May 1.
Schneider said in a statement that the system will improve utilization of resources and eliminate the potential risk of an erroneous assignment. Transport Topics
Delphi Wins Receiver Contract from DaimlerChrysler
Delphi Automotive Systems Corp. will supply DaimlerChrysler AG with satellite radio receivers under a contract announced Jan. 8.The two companies did not disclose the details of the multi-year contract. As part of the plan, the world’s largest auto parts manufacturer will supply the satellite radio systems for several of DaimlerChrysler’s nameplates, including Freightliner LLC medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
In December 2001, Delphi announced it was supplying General Motors’ Cadillac division with the receivers for the 2002-model year. The receivers allow drivers to tune into Washington-based XM Satellite Radio programming. Transport Topics
( for the full press release.)
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