JTRACS Pro Vehicle Data Gateway Introduced to Trucking Industry
15 July 1998
QUALCOMM Introduces JTRACS Pro Vehicle Data Gateway to Trucking Industry
-OmniTRACS Customers and Component Manufacturers to Benefit from Real-time
Vehicle Diagnostics Reporting-
SAN DIEGO, July 15 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated
today announced the availability of its JTRACS Pro(R) Vehicle Data Gateway(R)
product which uses the OmniTRACS(R) system to provide on-board vehicle
diagnostics and fault monitoring. Additionally, this product has the ability
to pass free form data to and from a truck engine's electronic control module
or any other electronic device connected to the J1708 databus. With this
product, QUALCOMM has created real-time vehicle diagnostics reporting and a
communication path to vehicle systems while the truck is en route. OmniTRACS-
equipped customers will benefit by having the ability to keep their vehicles
monitored and maintained while on the road instead of in the shop.
The new product utilizes the engine's J1708 databus, an industry standard
data link found on most medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The system was
designed with an open architecture to maximize flexibility and connectivity by
facilitating communication paths between electronic control modules on the
vehicle and corresponding software applications on the dispatch computer.
Initial applications are expected from major engine and component suppliers.
For example, the current method of diagnosing and reprogramming engines and
components requires the vehicle to be in the maintenance shop. By using
QUALCOMM's gateway feature, component manufacturers can develop applications
that will perform these functions while the truck is in route.
Additional monitoring capabilities of the system allow customers to query
any Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard parameter at any time and
during each engine start. For example, once a fleet's speed threshold has
been established, JTRACS Pro will check the vehicle top road speed setting
during each ignition start and only report changes in the setting back to the
dispatcher and/or maintenance supervisor.
"By monitoring the trucking company's parameters, JTRACS Pro will not only
save our customers' money but will assist them in ensuring that safety
requirements are met," said Phil White, senior vice president and general
manager of QUALCOMM's OmniTRACS Division. "The JTRACS Pro Vehicle Data
Gateway has been designed in response to our customers' requests for access to
vehicle information that would help keep their trucks on the road and out of
the shop."
The JTRACS Pro Vehicle Data Gateway also utilizes special software in
QUALCOMM's Network Management Center, which allows data generated from the
truck to be sent to vehicle and component manufacturers for diagnostic and
prognostic information. As a result, customers and vendors can now share
critical engine and component data to make the entire maintenance process more
efficient and effective.
With over 230,000 OmniTRACS units sold worldwide, QUALCOMM is the leading
provider of mobile communications and information management systems to the
transportation industry. QUALCOMM currently has systems operating in the
United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Middle East, Brazil, Mexico, Japan,
Korea and Malaysia.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures,
markets, licenses, and operates advanced communications systems and products
based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The Company's primary
product areas are the OmniTRACS(R) system (a geostationary satellite-based,
mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting
services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in
conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar(TM) low-earth-orbit
(LEO) satellite communications system. Other company products include the
Eudora Pro(R) electronic mail software, ASIC products, and communications
equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For
more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, please visit the
Company's web site at http://www.qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release
contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and
uncertainties, including timely product development, change in economic
conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other
risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the
report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 1997 and most recent Form
10-Q.
QUALCOMM, OmniTRACS, JTRACS Pro, Vehicle Data Gateway, and Eudora Pro are
registered trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of
Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services, Inc. All other company and product names
are trademarks of their respective holders.