Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) and cStar Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of communication control devices, have announced the availability of the Unicenter TNG Optimal Vending Solution (OVS), providing the global vending machine industry with a solution to efficiently manage worldwide resources remotely. This solution - the latest result from CA`s Mobile eBusiness Initiative - is expected to streamline operations, while dramatically reducing operating costs and downtime.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) estimates that the U.S. vending market to be $35 billion. Vending route managers are increasingly challenged to leverage the power of new technology to better manage their remote assets and enhance the efficiency of operations.
OVS increases the role vending machines and kiosks play in the e-business economy, enabling them to participate as devices in an intelligently managed wireless network. Using a wireless local-area connection for curbside machine polling, or a wide-area connection to the front office - vending managers can now monitor line-item sales and inventory levels, schedule timely service calls and receive instant alerts when security or maintenance problems arise.
OVS exploits several patented cStar communication gateway technologies, including those embedded in its SkyGate, DirectGate and ThruGate products. Among the capabilities provided by cStar`s technologies are wireless network interfaces for vending machines and the ability to use existing power lines to network "banked" vending machines. By using the power cord of the machines, vendors eliminate the expense and logistics of installing cable or phone lines. In addition, cStar`s patented technology optimizes traffic and boosts bandwidth, utilizing compression and packet minimization methodology resulting in 50% customers` communication cost reduction.
CA`s mobile eBusiness initiative enables rapid and secure deployment, management and integration of enterprise applications for wireless systems and devices-including WAP gateways, laptops, PDAs and Internet-enabled phones and other supported equipment; cell towers, power management systems, ATMs, and shop floor machinery. For more information please visit http://www.ca.com/solutions/mobile/
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cStar Technologies, Inc.
Based in Toronto, Canada, cStar Technologies, Inc. has developed embedded, wireless transmission systems to integrate emerging communications technologies. Its patented Skygate with DirectgateTM solutions exploit packet digital networks to make formerly incompatible networks talk to each other. Entering its fourth year of operations, the company is currently manufacturing and deploying wireless systems to monitor remote equipment and infrastructures. For more information, visit http://www.cstartech.com.
Computer Associates
Computer Associates International, Inc. (NYSE: CA) delivers the most advanced and comprehensive portfolio of software solutions that manage eBusiness. CA has more than 18,000 employees worldwide and had revenue in excess of $6 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. For more information, visit http://ca.com.