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Followit to Launch a Pocketsize Positioning Device Based on Fastrax GPS Technology
URL(s): www.fastrax.fi
Innovative Positioning Device Utilizes the Extensive Programmability of
Fastrax GPS Receiver Modules, Device Commercially Available in May 2002
Helsinki, Finland - May 14, 2002 - Fastrax Ltd., a developer of
industry-leading products for optimal utilization of the Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS), and Followit AB, a Swedish-based IT company
focused on positioning services, mobile data communications and geographic
information systems, today announced the commercial availability of their
jointly developed Followit positioning device. Starting in May 2002, the
Followit transponder is distributed in key European markets through Novo
Group GmbH, a provider of complete IT, GIS and mobile solutions based in
Düsseldorf, Germany. Novo and its partners offer Followit as a service
together with Novo's mTrack tracking service.
"Followit enables keeping track of practically anything that moves. For
transport and logistics companies, Followit enables the following and
optimization of their fleet operations. Insurance and security companies are
interested in both asset tracking and the prospect of locating stolen
property. And for consumers, Followit is small and lightweight enough to be
sown into outerwear or attached to dogs' collars", said Mr. Ola Lundberg,
founder and marketing director of Followit. "Fastrax provides us with the
most technologically advanced GPS module available in the markets. We are
very satisfied with the close cooperation", Lundberg added.
The compact Followit positioning device is top of its class in both size and
usability. Followit determines its position, speed and direction utilizing
the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite navigation system and
transmits the data via a cellular data connection to the Internet. The
information can then be received using either a web-based map application or
a mobile handset. For corporations Followit enables the easy management of
large-scale location information systems through its web-based user
interface. For an individual user the pocketsize device (70x45x30 mm) is
affordable and handy to carry along.
"Followit will work to create the consumer market for location based
services. Currently, the bulk of the location information markets are in
services built to suit the needs of logistics and insurance companies, but
as the size and power drain of the receivers decrease, new innovative and
affordable applications like Followit will be introduced. The Fastrax GPS
receiver module is software customizable, designed to adapt to large-scale
corporate applications as well as very small battery-powered devices", said
Fastrax CEO Mr. Kim Kaisti.
"Novo's expertise is in applying new Internet, mobile and geographic
information technologies to our customer solutions, creating world-class
services. Through the combination of Followit's cutting-edge positioning
device and our mTrack tracking service we are able to provide the European
markets with one the most advanced location based solutions", said Kim
Johnsson, Technical Director of Novo Group GmbH.
Followit is based on Fastrax iTrax02, a stamp-size GPS receiver with
extremely low power drain, and a GSM modem operated by the iTrax02 module.
The device is programmable to send data either in real-time, or on specific
time intervals, or depending on pre-set conditions for location, speed or
direction. The device is programmed remotely through a web-based interface
or even through a cell phone.
The modular software architecture of the Fastrax GPS receiver allows for
integration with a number of applications and devices. With Fastrax
iSuiteSDK software development kit it is possible to customize the receiver
without a need to make changes in the hardware. As a result, the same
iTrax02 receiver is suitable for both large applications tailored for
corporations and consumer products such as cell phones and a variety of
sports accessories.
Fastrax contact:
Mr. Kim Kaisti, CEO
Tel. +358 400 107 186
kim.kaisti@fastrax.fi
Followit contact:
Mr. Ola Lundberg, Marketing Director
Tel +46 706 585 451
ola.lundberg@followit.se
Novo contact:
Mr. Kim Johnsson
Tel. +49 173 299 6483
kim.johnsson@novogroup.com
Fastrax agency contact:
Timo Raussi, Netprofile Finland
Tel. +358 40 572 4648
timo@netprofile.fi
Fastrax Ltd develops industry-leading products for optimal utilization of
GNSS location services (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The most well
known of these services is GPS (Global Positioning System). Fastrax
transforms GPS technologies into highly scalable solutions with open
interfaces, combined with ultra low power consumption and miniature hardware
design. With industry-leading performance, Fastrax GPS receivers navigate
continuously even in extreme conditions. The receivers' versatile
programmability enables integration in both industrial location applications
and high-volume consumer products such as cell phones and sports
accessories. Headquartered in Finland and founded in 1999, the company is
privately owned and backed by leading venture capital investors CapMan,
Eqvitec, Startupfactory and Innocap, with a strategic investment by Suunto
Corporation, a subsidiary of Amer Group, a leading global supplier of
sporting goods equipment. More information: www.fastrax.fi.
Followit AB develops mobile communication and positioning systems based on
GSM and GPS technologies. The positioning device designed by Followit is
small in size, easily modifiable to various needs, and consumes very little
power due to special battery-saving functions. The affordable system is
based on intelligent software that can be configured wirelessly using SMS,
GSM data or GPRS (internal TCP/IP). The system offers a wide range of
operation features including a possibility to specify events - such as
conditions for location, speed or direction - to trigger alarms. Waterproof
Followit units can also be delivered. Followit AB is founded in the
beginning of year 2000 and headquartered in Skellefteċ, Sweden. The company
is owned by the employees and an investment company in Gothenburg, Sweden.
More information: www.followit.se.
The Novo Group: As one of the largest companies in the industry in the
Nordic countries, Novo has provided IT services for three decades. With net
sales of 295 million euros in 2001, the company has a staff of approximately
2,200. Novo provides IT consulting services, software and operating services
as well as infra solutions. The Group has subsidiaries e.g. in Germany (the
Novo Group GmbH), in the Netherlands, UK, China, USA and Estonia, and a
nationwide service network in Finland. More information:
www.novogroup.com/english.
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide satellite navigation
infrastructure funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense,
originally developed for U.S. military purposes. GPS provides satellite
signals that enable GPS receivers to calculate their exact position and
velocity. The GPS infrastructure has three segments. The space segment
consists of 24 satellites that orbit the earth in 12 hours. The control
segment consists of tracking stations located around the world, with the
master control station located at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado. The
user segment consists of GPS receivers and users utilizing the information
provided by the system. GPS is widely used in e.g. marine navigation.
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