Trucking Technology Report - March 22
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
- Handhelds: Virus Threat Targeted
- Canada Could Silence Annoying Cell Phones
- Wholesaler Tests Wireless Ordering
- Videophones to be Introduced
- Risks of Cell Phones Still Uncertain
Handhelds: Virus Threat Targeted
Software companies are writing anti-virus programs for personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other mobile devices in preparation for what many are seeing as an inevitable threat.TruSecure technical research director Roger Thompson says these companies have hyped the situation more than necessary since there are currently no serious threats for the mobile platform. So far, a few viruses and Trojan horses have met with very limited success.
These breaches have spawned a market for anti-virus programs that International Data analyst Chris Christiansen says will be worth $800 million in 2004. ZDNet (03/21/01); Lemos, Robert
Canada Could Silence Annoying Cell Phones
The Canadian government is evaluating a proposal to allow private venues, such as restaurants, theaters, and hospitals, to install devices to block cell phone signals.The government has set a period of 90 days for people to express their opinions on the proposal. Similar measures are unlikely to be considered in the United States anytime soon. The FCC expressed its support in 1999 for a 1934 law prohibiting the installation of devices designed to block radio signals.
In addition, the British government indicated it will not back any measures supporting jamming devices. However, both Japan and Australia license the use of limited jamming devices.
According to David E. Warnes, a senior adviser in the spectrum policy division of Industry Canada, the review in his country was the result of pressure from industry groups. Warnes also said that the cell phone industry wants the government to continue its support of current rules, which grant the use of jammers only to police and security agencies. New York Times (03/22/01); Austen, Ian
Wholesaler Tests Wireless Ordering
Associated Grocers (AG) plans to test a new order management system allowing retailers to place product orders via a Web-enabled wireless device.The tests, which involve around 20 retailers, will evaluate MarketOrder.com's Access program, according to Carl Marks, vice president and chief information officer of Associated Grocers. Marks says the system is designed to make ordering products more efficient for retailers by allowing them access to important product information via the handheld.
AG also expects to team with product suppliers to develop cross-docking programs, which allows companies to send out products from the dock that have not been put in stock. Supermarket News (03/19/01); Alaimo, Dan
Videophones to be Introduced
Videophones will soon be launched in markets outside of Japan. Nokia and Motorola have featured videophones at their trade booths recently.But according to Andy Dornan, senior editor at Network Magazine, a compelling reason has not arisen for the launch of these phones. He maintains that business travelers are primarily interested in audio, but operators continue to push for wireless video.
Dornan acknowledges that customers will likely not have to pay the total cost to acquire a videophone, considering that wireless operators often subsidize mobile phone sales. In addition, he notes that mobile video could be useful in assisting technicians and helping paramedics.
However, videophones will also create more expensive wireless bills. Orange will require four times the amount of spectrum it currently has to offer wireless video, and any spectrum acquisition costs will likely be passed onto consumers. Network Magazine (03/01); Dornan, Andy
Risks of Cell Phones Still Uncertain
The scientific community has yet to offer a unified conclusion on the risks of cell phone radiation.While evidence suggests cell phone radiation does affect human tissue, it is not known if this exposure can harm a user. U.S. law does not require wireless data devices to follow the same safety standards imposed on fixed-line phones.
The potential harm from wireless devices is harder to test because of the many variables involved, such as how the user holds the device and how far the user is from a base station. Consequently, only a few studies have involved people currently using cell phones.
Most studies look at cell phone users who already have cancer, while others conduct animal testing. Both methods fall short of providing the best results. The first study of cell phone radiation was conducted by Bristol University in 1998.
While the study found no health risks from cell phone radiation, it did claim that cell phone radiation improved the reaction time of participants. This effect led to concerns that mobile phone radiation could cause more substantial effects in teenagers, whose brains are still developing and who have thinner skulls.
Network Magazine (03/01); Dornan, Andy
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