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6/14/1999 Itronix teams with MDSI and BellSouth Wireless Data to Provide a Wireless Workforce Management Solution for Cable Television Providers Will Enable Companies To Make Their Field Workforce Operations More Productive and Cost Efficient CHICAGO, IL -June 14, 1999- BellSouth Wireless Data, MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. ("MDSI") (Nasdaq: MDSIF; TSE, ME: MMD), and Itronix Corp., have teamed up and will offer a wireless workforce management solution specifically designed for cable television providers. This wireless data solution will allow cable television companies to automate their field workforce operations, increase productivity and improve customer service. The newly integrated wireless solution will combine the nationwide BellSouth Intelligent Wireless NetworkSM, the revolutionary Itronix T5200 handheld wireless CE workstation, and MDSI Advantex‘ software for the cable industry. The companies will preview the wireless workforce management solution at the Cable ’99 Show, Booth #3178, June 14-16, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Designed specifically to address the needs of cable television providers, the integrated wireless solution will allow field workforces, dispatchers and supervisors to stay wirelessly connected to facilitate the rapid exchange of critical job information. MDSI’s Advantex software has an advanced workload distribution feature that automates the dispatching process and intelligently assigns work orders based on the technician’s skill set, geography and availability. Work orders will be wirelessly transmitted over the nationwide BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network when the field personnel sign on to their Itronix T5200 mobile computer, ensuring a speedy response time and improved customer service. "With the wireless workforce management solution, cable providers will employ one source to lease and service a field workforce solution that utilizes the nation’s premier wireless data network, the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network, at a significant cost savings," said Janet Boudris, vice president, strategic marketing, BellSouth Wireless Data. "Because the core of the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network covers more than 93 percent of the urban business population of the U.S., cable companies can stay connected to communicate important information in near real-time." The core technology of the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network offers extensive and seamless coverage, high reliability and key end-user features such as the capability to "chat". "We are proud to offer our powerful, rugged, T5200 handheld wireless CE workstation as part of the wireless workforce management solution," said Matt Gerber, Vice President, Marketing, Itronix Corp. "This wireless solution underscores Itronix’s commitment to providing cable companies with cutting-edge mobile computers designed to improve customer service and productivity." The Itronix T5200 handheld wireless CE workstation offers fully integrated wireless capabilities and power management in a highly durable package that is half the size, weight and cost of today’s rugged mobile workstations. It features a 73.7 MHz processor 7.3-inch monochrome touch screen display. MDSI’s Advantex software automatically assigns tasks to the most appropriate field technician, based on skill set or other factors, so that the job gets done right the first time. Advantex automatically distributes the workload, so dispatchers can focus on emergency situations and serve larger workforces and territories. It transmits job status information to the office so dispatchers can monitor progress "at-a-glance" and reprioritize orders. Advantex lets technicians stay informed through interactive messaging with dispatchers and access to critical corporate information systems, like customer records and inventory. Advantex also reports on performance to help senior management make decisions. Advantex is currently in use by five of the seven largest cable companies, including Adelphia, Cablevision Systems, Comcast and Cox Communications. "Increased competition in the cable industry is forcing companies to thoroughly evaluate the manner in which they run their operations and ultimately how they service their customers. Deploying the wireless workforce management solution, is one critical step that enables them to provide superior customer service and achieve greater cost efficiencies," noted Ken Miller, CEO, MDSI. "This solution will package the leading software, hardware and wireless data communications network to allow cable providers to remain industry leaders." The wireless workforce management solution will be offered as a bundled solution at approximately $15.00 per day per technician. Analysis of existing customer installations has shown that the payback period is substantially less than one year. For more information regarding the wireless workforce management solution, please call 1.877.GET.5200. About BellSouth Wireless Data BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P., headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an expert in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that eliminate the barriers between critical information and mobile users. The company, a winner of the prestigious Sears Innovation Source of the Year and Partners in Progress awards, delivers a competitive advantage and increases personal productivity for aggressive, innovative companies and individuals leveraging communications technologies to meet their strategic goals. BellSouth Wireless Data operates its wireless data service throughout the United States, covering more than 93 percent of the urban business population located in 492 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs with a total population of 200 million people. BellSouth Wireless Data is a subsidiary of BellSouth Corporation. BellSouth Corporation provides telecommunications, wireless communications, cable and digital TV, directory advertising and publishing, and Internet and data services to nearly 34 million customers in 19 countries worldwide. E-mail: Bellsouthwd.info@bellsouthwd.com. Web site address: www.bellsouthwd.com. About Itronix Itronix Corporation designs, manufactures, and deploys mission-critical wireless field automation solutions for mobile service workforces. Itronix’ ultra-rugged computing devices feature embedded high performance wireless technologies that maximize the productivity of mobile applications in markets such as Utilities, Telecommunications Service, Home & Business Services, Public Safety, and Insurance Estimation. Itronix is based in Spokane, WA and is a subsidiary of Dynatech Corporation; a Burlington, MA based world-class global communications equipment provider focused on leading-edge communications technology solutions. About MDSI MDSI is a global leader in the development and implementation of workforce management and wireless connectivity solutions for companies with mobile resources. MDSI serves companies in the utility and telecommunications/cable markets, and other strategic field service markets where mobile resources are key to the delivery of customer service, such as maintenance and repair organizations, state and local government, and insurance. The Company was founded in 1993, and has operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. With approximately 100 customers in over 25 countries worldwide, MDSI is the choice of industry leaders such as: AT&T Wireless Services, Belgacom SA, Boston Edison Company, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Cox Communications, Illinois Power Company, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Tele Danmark and Telenor. Additional information about MDSI and its Advantex solutions can be found at www.mdsi-advantex.com. |
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