BOSTON, Mass. — PeopleNet, a provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems, has announced the development of g3 Services, a major enhancement to its latest generation onboard computing platform. g3 Services, patterned after the model known as Web Services that allows data to be exchanged in an open manner, is designed to allow fleets the ability to customize onboard applications to their specific needs as well as to deploy and integrate new onboard software applications more rapidly.

“Traditional onboard computing and mobile communication systems have been built around a closed architecture which has stymied innovation and limited fleet technology return on investment,” said John Sarto, chairman and CEO of PeopleNet. “With g3 Services, fleets can now choose new applications to integrate and can even develop their own applications.”

g3 Services is designed to allow external onboard applications, developed by a third party or the customer, to communicate directly with the g3 onboard platform through the USB port. Applications can be written on any “smart device” that runs its own operating system, such as a handheld device or smart display.

Currently in development, g3 Services will be available to our partners in early 2006 and will enable development of key applications throughout the year, such as in-cab navigation, expanded/handheld computing and display options, in-cab scanning and faxing, integration to collision avoidance systems, and tethered trailer tracking.

PeopleNet officials say many partners and customers have already expressed interest in integrating with the g3 platform.

The g3 computing platform has been in the market for over a year and officials say it has had widespread adoption across the PeopleNet customer base.