Forward-looking, User Friendly, BLU Offers "Openicity" and a New Standard
October 22, 2007 - PeopleNet, the fastest-growing provider of intelligent onboard communications and fleet management solutions, is launching PeopleNet BLU, a new Driver Center display platform built around a the latest in touch screen technology and advanced .net application integration tools.
Built with hardware extensibility, surplus memory and power to run future, advanced applications such as text-to-speech, navigation, in-cab video and web surfing, BLU will also support all current PeopleNet applications, including eDriver Logs, PerformX Engine Connectivity, PACOS Geofencing, and more.
"Once again, PeopleNet has leveraged existing megatrends, such as USB, WinCE, 7-inch LCD Touch Screen Display, and combined them in a unique way to deliver affordable technology to our customers," said Ron Konezny, PeopleNet CEO.
PeopleNet BLU is designed from the ground up to provide a totally new, intuitive interface for drivers. The 7-inch, sharp, full-color display is easy to read and can impart information quickly at a glance or in very fine detail as needed. BLU brings definitive audio and video capability to the truck cab, making it possible to deliver information to the driver with multimedia impact.
Easy-to-use touch-screen capability enables graphic menus and the interactive equivalent of a desktop mouse. BLU also supports any USB-enabled keyboard for driver messaging ease of use.
"PeopleNet BLU is a whole new way for drivers and fleets to do business. BLU is easy and intuitive to use. It was built with drivers in mind and enables them to do more, faster and with less hassle," Konezny said.
"BLU greatly enhances the potential of communication between fleet and driver. At the same time, it provides an open software environment to enable custom-tailored applications for partners and fleets alike. We call it Openicity," he noted.
In the near future, BLU will deliver spoken, turn-by-turn directions, which are simultaneously shown on a moving map display. New stops and other changes can be made to routes in real time. Going forward, BLU will support text-to-speech applications that will enable drivers to hear text messages in an easily understood voice and multiple languages.
Besides providing a compelling driver communication and business tool, BLU provides the computing power and open platform development tools to meet and exceed the operational needs of virtually any commercial, private or utility fleet. Based on Microsoft's Win CE/.NET framework, BLU can be fully integrated into any dispatch, back office, or enterprise system. Its open software environment empowers development of the new applications and partnerships needed to speed business today in the future.
The BLU onboard device provides connectivity to enable whatever devices a fleet might need, now and in the future. Three USB ports make it easy to link essential hardware such as handhelds, scanners and more.
BLU, designed and built for rugged use in harsh environments, will be available before the end of this year. Many partner applications will be available early in 2008.
About PeopleNet
PeopleNet, based in suburban Minneapolis, is North America's leading provider of Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems. Its transportation products are used by top truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the U.S. and Canada. PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 13 years ago and now serves more than 1,000 customers, including several Fortune 500 companies. PeopleNet is on the web at www.peoplenetonline.com.
For more information contact: Joleen Keenan (952) 227-7245
jkeenan@peoplenetonline.com
