SkyTel, a provider of wireless data solutions, introduced on February 5 FleetHawk, an automated vehicle location (AVL) service backed by customer service that helps businesses manage their vehicle fleets and other mobile assets. FleetHawk combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with SkyTel's wireless data network and the Internet to capture location, speed and other vehicle information through a secure Web site. FleetHawk addresses the demand for AVL services, which are expected to grow at an annual rate of more than 20 percent through 2006, according to C.J. Driscoll and Associates' 2003 publication of its U.S. Fleet AVL Market Study. Using a compact transceiver installed on each vehicle, FleetHawk receives and stores GPS information, then uses the SkyTel wireless network to send vehicle-specific information to a secure Website where customers can view the data to make decisions. By enabling fleet managers to track a vehicle's location and speed at regular intervals and be notified when a vehicle enters or exits a particular service area, FleetHawk customers can identify which vehicle is best suited to respond to a particular business opportunity based on proximity. Customers can choose and switch between the most convenient and expedient way to be alerted to vehicle information at any given time using a portable SkyTel 2Way-messaging device, a PC-based e-mail account, cell phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) with an e-mail address.