Motorola has announced a new version of its flagship MC70 enterprise digital assistant, which will add integrated GPS capability to the device. The new enhancement brought by Motorola's fastest-selling rugged mobile computer will allow companies to track their field-based employees and performed tasks in real time, as well as provide their workers with navigation support to improve location-based productivity.

The MC70 has been widely embraced for its lightweight, ergonomic design and ability to withstand continuous usage in harsh environments. Protected against a variety of environmental risks, including frequent drops to concrete and exposure to water, dust and extreme temperatures, the MC70 is optimized for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The MC70 EDA delivers flexibility and global coverage with converged voice and data capture. Besides the GPS capability achieved via SIRF III technology, the MC70 will still provide the same rich functionality including barcode data and signature capture, in addition to wide area connectivity with support for high-speed EDGE networks, wireless 802.11a/b/g networks and Bluetooth.

"Enterprise customers today have come to expect seamless information exchange with their service providers, and this relies fundamentally upon accurate, real-time information from field workers," said David Picton, industry director for logistics, Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business. "For example, mail and express enterprises need to know exactly where their packages and workers are in order to operate in a highly-competitive market. The GPS locationing functionality in the MC70 will allow them to ensure that their pickup and deliveries occur at the right place at the right time - the essence of enterprise mobility."

One company that has created software compatible with the Motorola MC70 is ALK Technologies, with its CoPilot Live navigation system that uses the device's built-in GPS receiver and mobile Internet connectivity to provide business-specific satellite navigation with integrated fleet management. Dan Popkin, sales director of ALK Technologies, stated: "We are already witnessing how professional satellite navigation can help improve the efficiency of mobile work forces of all sizes by reducing driver stress and significantly decreasing wasted mileage between appointments. In addition, integrated fleet management improves communication with field workers and helps businesses demonstrate their Duty of Care to their mobile employees."

The GPS-enabled MC70 will be showcased in Barcelona at Post Expo 2007 and at the IT Convergence Show in Paris in October 2007, and is expected to go on sale worldwide in the first quarter of 2008.