( BW)(TN-FEDEX/MOTOROLA)(FDX)(MOT) Motorola, FedEx Develop Wireless,
Pocket PC for Couriers to Enhance Customer Service
Business Editors
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2002--
FedEx(R) PowerPad provides faster mobile, online access to pickup and
delivery information as well as service updates
FedEx Corporate Services, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation
(NYSE:FDX), and Motorola (NYSE:MOT) are developing FedEx(R) PowerPad,
a Microsoft Windows-Powered Pocket PC designed to enhance customer
service by providing 40,000 FedEx Express couriers with online, near
real-time, wireless access to the FedEx network.
The device is part of Motorola's extensive portfolio of integrated
communications and information solutions.
Exclusively designed for FedEx, the FedEx PowerPad will enhance
and accelerate package information available to customers by enabling
couriers to wirelessly send and receive near real-time information and
updates from any location. Additional functionality will be added,
such as up-to-date information on shipping rates and inclement weather
advisories.
The FedEx PowerPad will replace the current hand-held courier
device, the FedEx(R) Supertracker. The new device is under testing and
is expected to be widely available in early 2003.
FedEx continues to lead in developing its cutting-edge advances in
wireless technology, rolling out solutions that make FedEx shipping
information readily available anytime, anywhere to customers and
employees. The company pioneered the use of wireless technology for
shipping more than 20 years ago when it created its own private radio
network, one of the world's largest. FedEx was the first
transportation company to offer package tracking via wireless
hand-held devices and wireless-ring scanners. FedEx was also the first
to offer real-time package-tracking and drop-off location information
via most types of PDAs and wireless phones.
"We continuously explore ways that technology can help us improve
customer service, and the FedEx PowerPad is the latest example," said
Winn Stephenson, senior vice president of IT Development for FedEx
Services. "The FedEx PowerPad will give FedEx Express couriers
convenient online access from any location, allowing them to update
customer-package information almost immediately. We expect to be
adding even more customer service features."
As soon as a package is scanned, the FedEx PowerPad immediately
uploads information into the FedEx network. The signature capture
capability on the PowerPad's touch screen is also loaded onto the
network, enabling confirmation of signature proof of delivery.
The FedEx PowerPad will act as a personal network gateway and
convey data directly to and from the FedEx internal network within
minutes. Couriers will no longer need to return to the van to upload
package information or refer to cumbersome manuals for additional
shipping and service information, boosting courier efficiency and
maximizing package visibility.
"Motorola and FedEx worked together from the start to develop a
product that meets unique needs for convenience, flexibility, and ease
of use, ensuring that it functions as a virtual online courier, " said
Dave Nairn, Motorola Communications and Electronics vice president.
"The FedEx PowerPad can also be easily supported by various networks
to optimize and expand coverage into international regions, and take
advantage of new network technologies."
About FedEx Corp.
With annual revenues of $21 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier
global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply chain
management services. The company offers integrated business solutions
through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including:
FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company;
FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package
ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, the largest U.S. provider of
regional less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical,
North America's largest provider of expedited time-critical shipments;
and FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs clearance,
international freight forwarding and trade facilitation.
About Motorola's Safety and Security Solutions
Motorola is a leading provider of integrated communications and
information solutions with 65 years of experience in meeting the
mission-critical requirements of public safety, public service,
government and enterprise customers worldwide. The company's extensive
public safety and security portfolio includes: interoperable two-way
radio communications solutions with encrypted security capabilities;
command and control equipment and software applications, including
computer-aided dispatch, 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 systems, and automated
records management systems; identification and tracking solutions,
including palm/fingerprint and photo-imaging systems, as well as
comprehensive information management capabilities for criminal justice
and civil needs; and physical security and monitoring solutions,
including remote monitoring and diagnostics.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing
integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions.
Sales in 2001 were $30 billion. For more information, visit
http://www.motorola.com.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the
property of their respective owners.(c)Motorola, Inc. 2002.
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CONTACT: FedEx Media Relations
Traci Barnett, 901/434-7766
tsbarnett@fedex.com
or
Motorola, Inc.
Adrienne Dimopoulos, 847/576-6612
mailto:a.dimopoulos@motorola.com
KEYWORD: TENNESSEE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AIRLINES COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS E-COMMERCE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPORTATION PRODUCT
SOURCE: FedEx Corp.