Nexterna, a provider of wireless data solutions, has announced orders to manufacture more than 2,600 Pentium-based, Windows-compatible communication computers known as ARCs for distribution of its OptiSoft(TM) product suite and to fill existing orders.

The OptiSoft suite of wireless applications, when bundled with Nexterna's wireless communications middleware, support services, in-vehicle technologies and Mobile Resource Management consulting, helps clients track and communicate with mobile fleets and mobile workers.

"Nexterna's ARCs host a variety of content-rich applications that are transmitted via any wireless network to keep fleet workers and vehicles in touch with the central office," said Nexterna CEO Lynden Tennison. "More field service, transportation and utility fleet managers are investing in our products because they increase vehicle utilization, improve worker prodcutivity and lower operating costs."

About half (1,300) of the ARCs are being produced for fleet customers in the field service, utility and transportation markets, according to Tennison. The other half are weather-resistant industrial ARCs for railroad clients.

The automotive ARCs are designed to adapt to power fluctuations for vehicles that are continuously turned on and off. Users may plug in other communications devices such as laptops, modems and personal digital assistants (PDAs), and peripherals such as printers, scanners and digital cameras.

The ARC computer from Nexterna enables automatic vehicle location tracking, messaging between mobile workers and the central office plus mobile telemetry -- using a remote sensor to feed data over a wireless link -- in vehicles. The OptiSoft applications installed on the ARCs provide two-way messaging; collect sensor data for engine diagnostics, fuel and pressure; and track vehicle location.