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Issue 88
Rugged Hardware
Industry Specific Software
Full Service Support
www.touchstargroup.com
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 TouchStar is pleased to announce its recent formal collaboration and development agreement with Minorplanet to incorporate its sophisticated GPS based technologies in TouchStar’s leading mobility solutions.
This agreement will bring greater benefit to clients of both systems in that the two technologies are considerably complementary. Together they create opportunities for the sharing of data and functionality
to deliver efficiencies in communications and GPS infrastructure and legislative compliance, whilst at the same time significantly increasing the value of the information captured and displayed by both systems.
Minorplanet assists organizations with a vehicle based workforce to automatically measure activity and performance of their vehicles. Through using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) information and understanding actual
vehicle activity (i.e. current location, start and stop times, arrival at customer locations, departures times and locations, unscheduled stops, or route deviationsetc.) companies can improve management of their fleet operations - reducing costs, improving productivity and customer service.
 Minorplanet’s technology is well proven, with over 8,000 customers worldwide and more than 900 in Australia – these include companies with teams of installers, tradespeople, sales reps and delivery drivers.
Minorplanet’s GPS technology has proven very effective in achieving compliance with new fatigue management legislation, the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), and for accident investigations. Reports automatically produced from the Minorplanet system can show driving activities, location and will highlight any infringements of driving hour rules.
The use of a “pre-crash” buffer allows comprehensive high resolution data to be stored on-board the vehicle and if rapid deceleration (eg heavy braking or an accident) occurs it will be instantly download “over air” to a transport company’s data network.
This information is invaluable for investigators to determine how a vehicle and driver reacted in an accident, and also assists companies in satisfying duty of care obligations.
New vehicle hardware about to be released has features such as back-up battery, “over-air” diagnostics and automatic tamper alerts to ensure compliance with the IAP requirements. Under the IAP program, transport operators will be authorised to carry a higher mass on major roads, where these approved GPS devices are installed.
Minorplanet and TouchStar are looking forward to working together on this ‘next generation’ step for vehicle information systems and deploying these to our customers.
•••••••••
 After many months of research, development and consultation with many clients and prospects, TouchStar is proud to announce the launch of the new TouchPC Hawk.
The TouchPC Hawk offers high-end mobile computing performance within a lightweight, sleek design which is ruggedized and sealed to IP54 standard. The Hawk is designed to be predominantly vehicle mounted and utilizes an innovative quick-release mechanism allowing the user to detach it from the vehicle and
easily operate it as a portable handheld computer when necessary.
The key features of the Hawk (known in the UK as the RAVEN) are:
• Intel XScale PXA255, 400 MHz processor
• 64MB SDRAM & 64/128 MB Flash
• Unit can operate between temperatures of -20c to +50c
• Multiple connectivity options (SD & CF cards, Serial etc.)
• Bluetooth
• USB on the go
• On-board GPS / GPRS for tracking & communication
• Rugged build, environmentally sealed polycarbonate case
• Vehicle mounted or portable, with quick-release bracket
• Easy to program Windows CE.NET platform
• Large high-definition touch screen
The possibilities are truly endless with the New TouchPC Hawk. Route trade, Fuel Delivery, In-Flight sales and the list goes on. The TouchPC Hawk is designed with the operator in mind.
A quick history
Leading the field force automation market, TouchStar in the 1990’s developed and released a robust mobile computer named TouchPC, well before the PDA was perceived as a business tool. The TouchPC range of handhelds was developed with touch screen technology which set the foundation for all future TouchStar hardware development.
To make the TouchPC robust and durable in wet/dry/hot & cold environments, the casing was made from impact resistant, flame retardant, UV stabilised polycarbonate and was sealed to IP54 rating. To effectively and safely operate in highly volatile environments, TouchStar ensured these machines were Intrinsically Safe rated. making them ideal for refuelling environments.
The TouchPC range of handhelds compared to today’s technology was rather primitive however they certainly paved the way to establish TouchStar as a market leader in mobile computing in its chosen niche.
The next handheld introduced in 1999 to the market was the TouchPC Eagle. A DOS based handheld with a lot more power, a higher screen resolution and a number of peripherals. 2001 saw the TouchPC Voyager released and it was the first Windows CE based device developed by TouchStar. The voyager was a larger handheld device which was ergonomically designed to fit into the users hand and it also used a larger screen. The unit had Intel XScale 400 MHz processor and could operate in temperatures between -20c to +40c.
In 2003 TouchStar developed a new line of Windows CE handheld devices called CEagle. The CEagle was designed, backward compatible, so the TouchPC Eagle client’s could upgrade to a CE device without the costly exercise of refitting all their vehicles. Just slot the CEagle straight into the Eagle cradle and with a few smarts in the TouchStar application, off you went with little business disruption. Still today, the CEagle offers a robust & durable casing using a CE platform which operates in any environment from the fuel industry, to the airlines and to the mining sector.
One of the more recent additions to the TouchStar handheld family is the Falcon, released in 2005. Effectiely a CEagle on a diet, this slimline handheld with either a monochrome or a colour display, includes; USB port, Laser scanner, Smart card reader, 3-track magnetic stripe reader, IRDA, RFID/TIRIS tag reader, External Wands, GPS/GPRS & multiple communications ports using the Falcon cradle.
For more information on the new and revolutionary Hawk or any other product in our range of ruggedized handhelds please contact your Business Development Manager.
Asia Pacific +61 2 9739 9000
Americas +1 877 588 6824
•••••••••
Microsoft has been busy unveiling THREE major software platforms over the last two months!
First and foremost is Windows Mobile 6 which hit the streets on February 8th. While the “6” represents a major product release, the list of changes below indicates a refresh rather than a revolutionary jump:
• Vista look and feel user interface
• Performance improvements
• Pocket Office product name change
• Increased security including DRM support in e-mail and office
• HTML content support in mail.
• Windows Live integration: Messenger, Hotmail, Spaces
• Exchange e-mail search
• Improvements to synchronization and push mail
• PIM improvements in calendar and contacts
• Inclusion of .NET Compact Framework 2.0 and SQL Server Compact Edition
• Storage card encryption
Windows Mobile 6 has now been consolidated further into ‘Editions’ marking the
eradication of the PocketPC and Smartphone naming convention:
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New Edition |
Previous Edition |
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Windows Mobile 6 Standard |
Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone |
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Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone |
Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition |
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Windows Mobile 6 Classic |
Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC
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 The most noticeable feature is that Windows Mobile 6 has been brought in line with Windows Vista’s look and feel. When combined with Windows Vista, gone are the days of ActiveSync. The core communication machinery is now built directly into Vista as a first class citizen. Tight integration with Windows Live means that Windows Mobile 6 joins Microsoft’s foray into internet services.
Secondly, Windows Vista finally hit the shelves, culminating a mammoth five year development cycle, cleverly marketed as ‘The “Wow” Starts Now’. While the launch in New York City was widely considered subdued as compared the pre-release hype, remember, this is Microsoft.
Vista is packed with highly visible user and under the hood features, especially the new Aero interface. There are plenty of compelling reasons to upgrade and I suspect Microsoft has pulled out the stops to ensure Vista’s success, albeit earned. Although Windows is run on 90% of the world’s desktops, the Vista hype may not readily translate to overnight implementation.
Thirdly, accompanying Vista is the release of Office 2007 which includes new applications like Groove, a collaboration suite for small businesses, and SharePoint Server 2007, a major revision of the content management server platform. Clearly the most imposing change is the introduction of Ribbons to the user interface, which I can safely say is a killer feature. Ribbons thankfully replaces menus and toolbars, historically the cornerstone of Office, which became so convoluted that executing the most menial tasks was cumbersome.
Mobile 6, Vista and Office 2007 unite to deliver an enhanced and proficient mobile office experience. Microsoft has raised their own bar of expectations by improving already strong product lines and we are starting to see Windows Mobile 6 groomed for rapid worldwide adoption…the heavy weights at Microsoft think it’s ready for prime time.
Depend on TouchStar to ensure our applications perform to the highest level of quality and functionality on the new Mobile 6 platform.
•••••••••
 TouchStar commemorates its tenth anniversary serving the global LPG industry at the 57th Annual NPGA International Expo and Southeastern Convention in Atlanta, April 14th – 17th. This milestone of longevity, bellwether innovation and delivery of world class technology solutions has allowed TouchStar to remain the mobile computing and automation provider of choice. In Atlanta, we will be delivering a lot more…
Discover the TouchStar difference… Literally! Come meet the service and delivery cycle cast of characters. You will recognize each one of them, starting with Your Satisfied Super Customer, Veronica Manifold. Veronica is eager to share her experience with Profitable Propane, her fuel and service provider. Not only to her home, but the family vacation home at Lake Efficiency, Blooms Galore, the family nursery business run by her husband Travis. Let her tell you in her own words how automation technology has made her a devoted and super satisfied customer.
Providing peace of mind and excellent customer service is Chad Totalizer, Your Optimized Driver and Service Tech. Chad has been with Profitable for 20 years and can give you a clear snapshot of how technology has affected his job… before and after. He’s not only adding three stops per day, but he’s got all the new navigational tools and real time comms to help him get it done. No more overtime… no more forms or paper. That means no more handwriting, errors, reading maps and jumping in and out of the truck. Ringing any bells? How does he do that? And automated cylinder spray fill.
Helping him along the way is Jessica Lee Paperless, Your Integrated CSR and Dispatcher. She’s a pistol, so be sure and say hello. Ask her to sing her favorite jingle, NO MORE PAPER. Now that she’s got her office automated with TouchStar, she’s got three more hours a day for proactive customer service and keeping operations up to the minute current. And with dynamic dispatch, the fleet is a breeze. And while she is here, the system won’t miss a trick. She’ll tell you how it works. She loves to talk…to customers of course!
And the man who makes it all happen, Brock Profit Jr., Your Savvy CEO. Brock is the new generation leader of Profitable Propane, started in the 1930’s by Granddaddy Profit. He’s taken the old generation into the next generation with technology. He’s grown 25% in three years. No new bobtails. Brock will tell you about cost efficiencies, business growth and control, the service sector that’s booming, and what automation has done to revolutionize the bottom line. And the ROI? He’s got a story you won’t hear anywhere else. His golf handicap is a 7…used to be a 15. Quite a story.
Thinking about technology? Discover the TouchStar difference, backed by ten solid years of serving the LPG industry around the world. One TouchStar veteran customer sums it up simply, “It’s the best investment I’ve ever made.”
Visit TouchStar in Booth 720 and experience the proven and newest technology taking LPG marketers to higher levels of profit and growth while increasing customer and employee satisfaction.
•••••••••
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NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo
Don’t miss the April Issue of Butane-Propane News! (BPN), a propane media leader, is featuring an article on TouchStar, honoring ten years in North America serving the LPG industry and our bigger and better than ever participation and support of the National Propane Gas Associations 57th Annual 2007 Southeastern Convention and International Expo in Atlanta April 14th – 17th. BPN will chronicle our history in LPG and a compelling snapshot of what’s new. Visit www.bpnews.com. And mark you calendar for the first ever Technology Conference. TouchStar, Rural
Computer Consultants and other industry experts participate on Saturday, April 14th from 2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. to discuss “Information Technology: From Information to Implementation”, highlighting the challenges marketers face and solutions proven to work.
AREE ’07 Atlantic Regional Energy Expo 2007
April 23rd – 26th at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. TouchStar is bigger and better than ever as a Marquee Exhibitor in Booth 318. Come see what’s new in mobility for the fuels market as well as our ServiCE solutions for HVAC and service techs. TouchStar is presenting the Benefits of Automation for the Fuel Oil Industry: Delivery and Service, from 4:00 – 5:00p.m. on April 24th. It’s a “do not miss” for fuel marketers. Visit www.areetradeshow.com See you in Atlantic City!
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Minorplanet TouchStar Collobration |
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A successful legacy of specialized TouchStar handhelds |
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Tech Talk - David Thornley |
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Discover the TouchStar difference |
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