Neko
Supreme Overlord
Dec 22, 2003, 11:07 PM
Post #1 of 1
(1724 views)
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LONDON - December 4, 2003 - Microsoft Corp. today announced that TNT Express, the business-to-business express delivery company, will deploy up to 24,000 Windows Mobile™-based devices to its drivers and warehouse operatives over the next three years. This constitutes the largest customer deployment of Windows Mobile-based devices by a European based company to date. Through implementing their next generation of mobile technology TNT drivers will communicate with TNT Express local offices using a software application, designed and built specifically for them, using the Microsoft® .NET Compact Framework. This communication involves the sending and receiving of a variety of job specific information immediately.
The deployment, which is scheduled to begin in January, will enable TNT Express to deliver an enhanced experience to customers and benefit from improved worker efficiency, leading to a reduction in bottom line costs and maintaining their commitment to be the fastest and most reliable express delivery company.
Each driver will be able to use a Windows Mobile-based device to communicate with the central office via a variety of mobile communication protocols. They will use a TNT designed application running on a Windows Mobile-based device to receive new job allocations, send job completion notices and, in the future, obtain digital signatures as proof of receipt from customers.
The implementation will begin with an initial deployment of 1,000 Windows Mobile-based devices in thirteen countries. Connectivity will be provided by a variety of local mobile operators. The first stage of the deployment follows an initial trial, which took place between the 10th November and the 21st November this year.
Critically, TNT Express is also capitalising on the capabilities of Microsoft's .NET Compact Framework, the platform which enables developers for Windows® to build and deploy applications for mobile and small footprint devices. The use of the .NET Compact Framework has enabled TNT Express to use their existing base of developers to quickly build and deploy a bespoke application for its drivers to use, cutting the time for delivery of this innovative new solution and, critically, cutting the total cost. In addition, migration to the Windows Mobile platform will enable TNT to become hardware vendor independent and consolidate its existing seven in-cab solutions into a single unified solution, offering an improved level of functionality and capable of utilising next generation technology as they arrive.
"Being efficient and offering a high level of customer service is critical to ensuring success in our business environment," offered Shwan Moubarak, IT Director, TNT Express. "It is important that we continue to offer improvements to our service by implementing the latest technology and most innovative working practices in order to maintain commitment to be the fastest and most reliable express delivery company in the world. The addition of Windows Mobile software to our current business processes will enable TNT Express to reap the benefits of mobile working and continue to provide the ever improving level of service to customers that they have come to expect from our organisation."
Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, the next generation of personal digital assistants (PDAs) from Microsoft and industry partners, offer customers the best way to connect to their essential business information whilst on the go. This includes access to Microsoft Outlook® email, contacts and calendar through synchronisation with corporate systems and critical line of business applications, allowing the mobile worker to increase efficiency and productivity anytime, anywhere.
"This deployment enables TNT Express customers to benefit from the advances made in wireless technology," offered David Hooper, Enterprise Business Group Manager, Mobile Devices Division, Microsoft EMEA. "Windows Mobile software will enable TNT Express to increase productivity through a mobilised workforce and deliver improved customer service. The sheer scale of this deployment highlights the value that Windows Mobile brings businesses and the ongoing momentum of Windows Mobile-based devices in this sector."
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