Onboard fleet management systems provider XATA Corp., Minneapolis, Minn., now offers multi-mode mobile communications.

The company last week introduced a digital cellular and satellite communications platform. The system combines the high-speed data capability of new, third-generation digital cellular networks with the near-universal coverage of satellite.
Third-generation digital cellular significantly increases the amount of information that can be communicated in real time at reasonable cost, far more and far more reasonably than first-generation analog systems. Complimenting digital cellular, satellite communication provides cost-effective messaging from areas beyond the geographic and economic reach of cellular.
XATA's SmartCom LCR, which stands for least cost routing, switches automatically between digital cellular and satellite networks based on available coverage. That makes it possible for fleets to stay in touch with vehicles at almost all times and to communication information that formerly resided in onboard computer memory until a truck’s return.
XATA also features MobileSync, a patent-pending, over-the-air application management. Onboard applications can be upgraded while the truck is on the road.
For more information, visit www.xata.com.