CompassCom and SierraWireless Help Aurora (Colo.) Public Works Migrate to Next Generation Technology
New Automatic Vehicle Location System replaces CDPD
technology and provides broader coverage on the GSM/GPRS network.
CENTENNIAL, COLO.,and VANCOUVER, BC –
22 September 2003
CompassCom Inc. and SierraWireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW)
announced today that they have been selected by the City of Aurora in
Colorado to migrate its Public Works Department to next generation
technology. CompassCom Inc.’s Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) suite of
products and a new rugged wireless modem from Sierra Wireless have been
implemented to help the city track, monitor, and dispatch its vehicles
over a broader coverage area with high-speed mobility.
Integrating seamlessly with the city’s GIS (Geographic Information
System) data and spreader controller equipment, CompassCom’s CompassWorks™
AVL system will track city street sweepers, de-icing tankers, snowplows,
and maintenance vehicles. By outfitting Aurora’s fleet of vehicles with
the MP 750 GPS Modem, a next generation rugged wireless solution from
Sierra Wireless, fast, wireless access to information is possible while
connected to the enhanced AT&T Wireless GSM/GPRS (GlobalSystem for
Mobile Communication/General Packet Radio Services) network. The enhanced
network now operates in thousands of cities in the United States with
roaming services in 20 countries around the world. The new wireless
solution also provides accurate location reporting via the modem’s
integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) capability.
"As a long time user of AVL technology, the City of Aurora is
confirming the return on investment they have experienced in the past by
upgrading their systems to our CompassWorks™
product," said W. Brant Howard, CompassCom President and CEO.
"Mobile Asset Tracking systems are an important tool for public works
and first responders to provide the best available service to their
citizens.”
The new CompassCom AVL system will replace Aurora’s legacy Orbital
system, which was based on Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology.
Aurora will be among the first U.S. public works organization in the
United States to transition from CDPD to the new General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS) network.
“We chose a CompassCom and SierraWireless solution because of its speed,
advanced capabilities offered by the Reporting Module, the software’s
ease of use and an overall intuitive Graphical User Interface,” says
Lynne Center, Project Engineer for the City of Aurora. “Right out of the
box, CompassWorks™
came fully equipped. In addition, a 15 percent productivity gain was
experienced with the installation of the legacy AVL system. An even
further productivity increase is expected with the system-wide
replacement.”
The CompassWorks™
system combined with the MP 750 GPS wireless modem enhances Aurora’s
fleet management effectiveness and efficiency by enabling dispatchers to
view vehicle location and status in real time on the city’s GIS. Now,
due to next generation technology, dispatchers can quickly assign a job or
emergency call to the closest available vehicle. The computerized AVL
system even allows city personnel to replay dispatch scenarios or storm
events to analyze routing procedures and results. In addition, CompassWorks™’
enhanced Reporting Module provides public works managers greater insight
into fleet performance, particularly with respect to efficiency and
materials usage from storm events.
The new wireless solution will be deployed to a broad employee base, which
will use the reporting capabilities to enhance sweeper and plow routes. In
addition, the City of Aurora anticipates incorporating CompassTrac™
Mobile to provide in-vehicle mapping capabilities to field
supervisors.
“Sierra Wireless is proud to work with a partner that shares our commitment to provide customers with reliable wireless solutions that exceed goals and offer true business value,” said Jason Cohenour, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “Combined with CompassCom technology, the next generation MP 750 GPS Modem will keep a fleet of vehicles connected and optimize efficiencies, even in the most demanding environments."
A suburb of Denver, Aurora is Colorado’s third most populous city with a population exceeding 290,000 residents. Aurora has adopted a nationally recognized model for good government, particularly in the areas of community policing and parks.
The Sierra Wireless MP 750 GPS Rugged Wireless Modem operates in
extreme temperatures and meets U.S. Military and SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers) specifications for vibration, shock, and humidity.
For more information about the Sierra Wireless MP 750 GPS now operating on
the AT&T Wireless GSM/GPRS network, please visit www.sierrawireless.com/ProductsOrdering/mp750.asp
About CompassCom
CompassCom Inc. was established in 1994 as a product and service provider
for the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System
(GIS) and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) markets. CompassCom offers
complete GPS and GIS solutions as a business partner with Trimble
Navigation, Sierra Wireless, AT&T Wireless and ESRI Inc. For more
information, visit the CompassCom web site [www.compasscom.com].
CompassCom and CompassWorks are registered trademarks.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless Inc. is a global leader in delivering highly
differentiated wireless solutions. Sierra Wireless develops and marketsthe
AirCard®, a wireless PC Card for portable computers, OEM modules for
embedded applications and rugged vehicle-mounted wireless systems.
SierraWireless is the founding member of the WirelessReady® Alliance, a
partnership of industry-leading hardware, software, and service companies
committed to the delivery of complete and compelling wireless data
solutions. For more information on Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com
All trademarks or service marks in this news release are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
For More Information contact:
CompassCom
Kevin Corbley
Phone: 970-266-9292
www.compasscom.com
Sierra Wireless
Andrea Susan Dyck
Phone: 604-233-7823
email: adyck@sierrawireless.com
www.sierrawireless.com