Bell Atlantic Mobile and Racotek Inc. have signed a multiyear marketing and technology agreement to integrate BAM’s cellular digital packet data and circuit-switched data capabilities with Racotek’s KeyWare product.
KeyWare is mobile networking software that operates on network servers and within portable computers. It allows the use of industry-standard application environments and numerous types of portable computers over a variety of wireless and wireline networks.
KeyWare will allow BAM customers to use other carriers’ CDPD and cellular networks while out of BAM’s coverage area, through KeyWare’s client/server server/client design.
“This agreement paves the way for organizations to move ahead with their plans to extend their information systems to people in the field,” said Emmett Hume, vice president of market and strategic planning for Minneapolis-based Racotek. “The BAM/Racotek alliance helps customers more easily accomplish their goals of improving productivity while increasing customer service.”
With KeyWare, BAM customers can integrate existing sales, service, transportation and distribution applications to communicate with workers in the field. Racotek said it has established partnerships with more than 70 developers providing application software products across 12 vertical markets.
CTIA offers to assign codes
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association is volunteering for the task of assigning system identification and manufacturer codes in the personal communications services industry.
In a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt, CTIA President Thomas Wheeler noted that Part 24 of PCS rules make no provision for the assignment of SID and manufacturer codes-codes which facilitate the provision of roaming services as well as help fight fraud. Since these codes do not have any competitive significance, Wheeler said the CTIA’s CIBERNET Corp. subsidiary is willing to assume responsibility for administering them.
CIBERNET will commit to providing assignments and making information available on the same terms to all parties, regardless of their membership in CTIA or participation in CIBERNET’s other activities, Wheeler said.
