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Air-Trak Architecture: Open, Robust and Reliable

A Scalable, Flexible Foundation for Enterprise-class MRM

The Air-Trak system is built around global positioning system (GPS) data, wireless data, and Internet technologies, with a feature-rich automated vehicle location (AVL) system at the core. Every aspect of the design, from communications to data storage, is implemented as a loosely coupled system of software components operating on multiple computers. This implementation model makes the system readily scalable, fault tolerant, and redundant. Combining an open architecture, a robust communications infrastructure, and an easy-to-use interface, the Air-Trak system provides a comprehensive mobile resource management solution.

An open architecture built on proven standards

The Air-Trak system is based on widely available and well-understood technology standards with a GPS tracking and messaging application that operates over many wireless communications networks. This open architecture affords many advantages, including:

Easy integration for extended functionality

An XML-based web services API makes it easy for both Air-Trak and its customers to extend the functionality of the system to enterprise and third-party applications. In fact, several leading third-party routing applications have already been fully integrated with the system, including ArcLogistics Route, QuickRoutes and others.

Phone or In-Vehicle platforms transmit GPS and other data through the Sprint Nextel® guaranteed wireless networks (and via satellite with a satcom upgrade) to the Air-Trak Data Center, which is accessed by an Internet-connected PC.

Dual-mode service for the best of cellular and satcom

With access to multiple wireless networks, the Air-Trak infrastructure leverages the technology of major carriers such as Sprint Nextel® and Mobile Satellite Ventures. By combining cellular and (optional) satellite service, Air-Trak users can take advantage of both networks to keep costs low and coverage high.

System Architecture Diagram

Scalable and secure - guaranteed

Originally designed for the mission-critical applications of the military, the system utilizes a world-class network infrastructure with a robust communications infrastructure that guarantees service. Highly available, reliable, and scalable, Air-Trak's wide-area network and IBM-based network operations center provide robust performance and global coverage. Air-Trak guarantees information delivery with 24/7 availability, load balancing, and rapid disaster recovery. The system can tolerate multiple, simultaneous failures without loss of service. Industry-leading security and proactive capacity planning keep response times low.

Ease of use through a virtual database interface

Air-Trak's virtual database interface, or "mobile unit manager", shields the user from complex, system-specific details. Even though the dispatcher does not have a direct connection to his or her mobile assets, Air-Trak's mobile unit manager lets the dispatcher interact with data as if he or she were directly connected to the asset. The mobile unit manager manages all devices that are associated with each mobile asset. This virtual connection dramatically simplifies the interaction between the office and field.