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Nextel, Command Alkon Announce Joint Marketing Relationship
URL(s): Nextel
RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2001--Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) and Command Alkon Inc. today announced a strategic alliance to deliver
wireless communications and status reporting to ready-mix, aggregate and asphalt fleet operations.
The initiative provides construction materials producers and suppliers with digital, nationwide wireless voice and data
services to achieve faster, more reliable communications in dispatch operations and improve service levels by quickly
allocating field resources to meet dynamic customer needs.
The solution combines Nextel nationwide, wireless services with Command Alkon's mobile signaling unit,
COMMANDsignal(TM), for managing dispatch, tracking and reporting of trucks used in fleet operations.
By leveraging Nextel's nationwide packet data network, Command Alkon customers will improve communications by
gaining access to an all digital platform capable of managing high volumes of data traffic over a wide geographic area.
The integration also enables fleet operators to leverage the full range of Nextel services, such as Nextel Direct
Connect(R), a digital two-way radio feature that also supports unlimited communications among users in the same fleet.
When data messaging or status signaling is required, the Nextel handset also functions as a packet data modem for
COMMANDsignal transmission or reception.
The phone can be cradle-mounted, allowing an operator to remove it for voice operations outside the truck.
"Command Alkon is the recognized industry leader in helping construction materials companies operate with maximum
productivity and minimum waste," said Blair Kutrow, vice president, product management at Nextel. "By adding Nextel
wireless capabilities to COMMANDsignal, Command Alkon improves the geographic reach of its systems and provides
the anytime, anywhere access needed to support real-time communications. This alliance is another example of how
Nextel is empowering targeted vertical industries with wireless data solutions."
According to David Crocker, vice president of batching and signaling at Command Alkon, "Nextel has a reliable,
high-bandwidth network that fleet operators need to manage high volumes of incoming and outgoing messages. Nextel
Direct Connect provides a strategic tool for effective, low-cost communications between dispatchers and drivers to get
work done quicker and easier."
Installing Nextel equipment and the COMMANDsignal truck unit does not require extensive technical skills or special
equipment. In addition to Nextel Direct Connect, Nextel services include digital cellular, text and number messaging,
two-way messaging and wireless web access.
For more information, contact Nextel at www.nextel.com or a local Nextel data sales office or Command Alkon at
www.commandalkon.com or call toll free at 800/624-1872.
About Nextel
Nextel Communications Inc., based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications
services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the United States covering thousands of
communities across the United States. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc., currently serve 188 of the top 200 U.S. markets.
Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service is available today in areas of the U.S. where
approximately 220 million people live or work. In addition, through Nextel International, Inc., Nextel has wireless operations
and investments in Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Peru, Chile and Japan.
About Command Alkon
Command Alkon Incorporated develops, markets and supports software and hardware products for construction
material producers including ready-mix concrete, aggregate and asphalt producers. Command Alkon is a company
created by the merger of Command Data Incorporated and Alkon Corporation, and employs approximately 347 people in
Birmingham, Columbus, Dallas and international offices.
The company's software product line includes COMMANDseries(TM) dispatching and accounting software for
ready-mix and aggregate producers. The company's batch control product lines include SPECTRUM(TM), EAGLE(TM)
and AC-2000(TM). The COMMANDsignal(TM) system is used for comprehensive truck fleet automation over analog
radio and digital cellular technologies.
As an add-on option, the COMMANDsignal truck terminals may also provide GPS capabilities for truck location and
automatic status purposes.
Nextel Communications, Inc. 2001 Edmund Halley Drive Reston, Va. 20191 www.nextel.com
CONTACT: Nextel Communications, Inc., Reston
Media:
Audrey Schaefer, 240/876-1588
or
Command Alkon
Michael Wilson, 205/879-3282, ext. 1205
or
Nextel
Investors:
Paul Blalock, 703/433-4300
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