Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions has purchased Eaton's Trucking Information Services business unit, including FleetAdvisor
, the fleet logistics management system.
FleetAdvisor applications will be marketed for use with Qualcomm’s new MVPc in-vehicle computer. The MVPc runs the Windows CE platform. Windows programs are more easily customized than most proprietary products.
Chris Wolfe, senior vice president and general manager of Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions, said that Fleet Advisor engineers have been revising Fleet Advisor applications for the Windows platform, and that work will go forward.
Wolfe said Qualcomm has hired approximately 40 Eaton employees responsible for system development and customer support and that Qualcomm will maintain Fleet Advisor’s current office in Clemmons, N.C.
Qualcomm's MVPc computer is optional with Qualcomm’s fleet management systems, including the OmniTRACS mobile communications system, which dominates the truckload market.
However, Fleet Advisor will have its greatest impact on Qualcomm’s OmniExpress product aimed at the LTL, local and private fleet markets. Many of Fleet Advisor’s current customers are private fleet operations.
OmniExpress resembles OmniTRACS, but does not use the relatively expensive satellite communications required by truckload fleets. Instead, OmniExpress employs the more economical Sprint PCS ground-based network that covers most metropolitan areas.
According to Qualcomm’s announcement, Qualcomm will support current FleetAdvisor customers, and Eaton will promote the OmniTRACS system through Eaton's Roadranger sales and service network, the announdement said.
Eaton and Qualcomm also agreed to explore products and services for vehicle monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics that combine Qualcomm mobile communications capabilities with Eaton's truck systems capabilities.