Nov/Dec 2003

CellSearch is the name of a GSM mobile phone-based tracking and location service launched jointly by Pointshift, a new company specialising in mobile systems interoperability, and Mobile Commerce, an established specialist in location-based services.

The system is said to be compatible with all four main GSM network providers, and is billed to users in advance - providing them with a set number of location fixes.

The mobile number of the employee to be tracked is allocated to an asset description such as a vehicle. The user-company can then request the location of the asset or mobile number, and the location will be mapped to the nearest geographical landmark or point of interest. The suppliers say the position can be delivered by itself or integrated with software such as logistics management systems.

As is becoming increasingly common with GSM tracking, the suppliers are aiming to add value to the basic proposition. In this case Mobile Commerce is using proprietary search and indexing technology to ensure the user receives the most relevant information to match their request. Data management and intelligent categorisation tools enable the company to aggregate data from various sources to provide rich content for SMS delivery.

 

We did ask the cost, but the company was not willing to give us any figures.