PeopleNet Introduces BLU In-Cab Application Platform, Launches Tailored Solutions and Names Randy Boyles VP of Tailored Solutions
(February 29, 2008) PeopleNet, the leading provider of intelligent onboard communications and fleet management solutions in North America, today introduced its BLU In-Cab Application Platform and announced the launch of its new Tailored Solutions practice.
Additionally, Ron Konezny, Chief Executive Officer has named PeopleNet's Randy Boyles vice president of Tailored Solutions.
The announcements at the Truckload Carriers Association 2008 Convention follow the recent introduction of PeopleNet's BLU Driver Center, a driver-oriented on-board platform open to virtually unlimited applications and USB devices.
PeopleNet's new BLU In-Cab Application Platform, known as BLU ICAP, provides the tools software developers can use to enable PeopleNet's BLU to perform whatever functions an individual fleet might require. Tailored Solutions is a new group within PeopleNet that will work with fleet customers to develop those solutions, whether they involve in-cab applications or back-office functions.
"Whatever a fleet needs tracked, flagged or automated," Konezny said, "PeopleNet has the knowledge, the creativity and the 'openicity' to get it done."
According to Konezny, BLU ICAP includes an API, or Application Programming Interface, in the Microsoft .NET framework. It also includes an extensive software developer's kit, or SDK, to support whatever software project a fleet might undertake. One fleet has already put ICAP to work and many others will follow, Konezny said.
The National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) based in McPherson, Kansas, distributes fuel to affiliates in the North Central U.S. with a fleet of tank trucks, he said. NCRA is developing its own software to track and report pickup and delivery information in real time. It will run on BLU. As fuel is delivered, delivery ticket information is transmitted over PeopleNet's wireless mobile communications system.
"NCRA is using ICAP to meet a specific need. Clearly, ICAP is a very practical complement to our new BLU Driver Center platform," Konezny said.
Meanwhile, PeopleNet's Tailored Solutions practice will provide development know-how for fleets without in-house developers. It will also work with developers in fleets with larger IT departments.
"Tailored Solutions will smartly tailor applications to meet the very specific requirements of individual fleets, whether those applications run on BLU in the truck cab, through PeopleNet's g3 Services for back office integration or any combination," Boyles said.
Boyles explained that Tailored Solutions will also build customer reports and applications according to customer need.
"These announcements are part of PeopleNet's commitment to tailor technology to the customer," Konezny said. "We've already introduced BLU. Today, we're introducing the software tools and the human resources to fulfill that commitment."
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 14 years ago and now serves more than 1,500 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
