Car enthusiasts from all over the country are getting their first look at Port-IT, a comprehensive in-vehicle communications system currently available for the aftermarket. Port-IT, which uses the Microsoft Windows-powered Pocket PC platform, is featured as part of Microsoft Corp.'s "Driving the Telematics Evolution" exhibit at this year's Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Digital Car Conference and Exhibition at booth 5200.
"As drivers nationwide begin to use Port-IT to communicate and access information, it's essential that the technology be robust and reliable enough to handle the functionality that drivers told us they wanted," said Mike Jonas, president and CEO of Comworxx, Inc., the Sarasota, Fla.-based telematics firm that developed Port-IT. "Choosing the Pocket PC platform was an important decision for us. Our Pocket PC applications were developed to capitalize on the strengths of Windows, and our back-end operations are supported by Microsoft."
Using telematics technology - two-way communications that relay information to and from a vehicle - Port-IT is a comprehensive mobile technology solution for the aftermarket. Port-IT offers drivers a global positioning system for safety and turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free information access (including news, custom stock quotes, traffic details and local weather forecasts) and hands-free telephone.
Port-IT can be installed in any vehicle, and uses the same technology that currently powers fleet customers worldwide. The Port-IT Client software offers Pocket PC mobile consumers additional functionality, such as the ability to dial phone numbers from contacts stored in the Pocket PC address book and access to turn-by-turn navigation services.
"Comworxx's Port-IT is a great example of the innovative automotive solutions based on Microsoft technologies," said Gonzalo Bustillos, director of business development and marketing for the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "Port-IT's hands-free functions also embody one of the most important aspects of mobile computing's role in the car - keeping drivers focused on driving, rather than on the technology."
The Port-IT system mounts to any dashboard, and will be available nationwide at major retail outlets in the first quarter of 2002 with a suggested retail price of $1,299.
About Comworxx
Comworxx, Inc., headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., was founded in May, 2000 to develop and deploy an end-to-end, location specific content and service solution for the aftermarket consumer, business and fleet customer. Comworxx's mission is to bridge the gap that exists between the telecommunications, computing and automotive industries by delivering a comprehensive telematics solution to the North American consumer. For more information, please visit www.comworxx.com.
About Microsoft Powered Technology for Automotive
Microsoft provides the automotive industry with software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works very closely with automakers, automotive electronics manufacturers and consumers to provide the embedded automotive market with the systems and tools for building the next generation of Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is a worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services.
