VANCOUVER, B.C. — TELUS has launched three new GPS applications for business: the “Asset Tracker,” the “Resource Tracker,” and the “Track and Dispatch.”

According to TELUS: the Asset Tracker enables businesses to keep track of assets large and small; the Resource Tracker allows businesses to increase safety and productivity through real-time location monitoring of workers; and the Track and Dispatch system gives the home-office the ability to determine which is the closest mobile worker to a new job assignment or to immediately dispatch help if a worker needs assistance.

The new GPS applications have already make an impact on more than one business, according to TELUS.

“TELUS Track and Dispatch has truly reshaped our business,” says Cameron Reid, president of Orderit.ca, a restaurant-delivery service which relies on TELUS GPS to deliver 500 to 600 orders a day in less than one hour. “We have been able to cut down on communication with our drivers, and can now make real-time decisions: saving us a significant amount of time, which is a precious commodity in our business.”

In its continued effort to support Canadian charities, TELUS states that it has donated both wireless devices and services, including two GPS solutions, to the Run-the-Dream organization, in order to help Jonathan Howard complete his solo coast-to-coast Canadian run, while raising money and awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Using TELUS Navigator, the Run-the-Dream team is able to set Howard’s route ahead of time, eliminating the need for maps to determine the best route, according to the telecommunications’ company. The team then uses TELUS Resource Tracker to monitor Jonathan’s position, and progress in real-time, and also that information is featured on a Web site.

“With the TELUS GPS solutions, we now have the ability to track Jonathan’s whereabouts, as he runs across Canada in his mission to raise money and awareness for ASD,” said Bill Robertson, the chairman of Run the Dream. “This means his supporters know the exact location, to come out and meet Jonathan on his run to cheer him along, which has been amazing for his confidence and helping keep him motivated.”

Both Resource Tracker and Track and Dispatch are now available on PCS BlackBerry and Windows Mobile smartphones.