TOC2004, BARCELONA, June 16-18 2004 - Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking, and LXE, a global player in rugged mobile computing and secure wireless networks, will be showcasing their combined internetworking and Internet Protocol (IP) communications solutions, which can help increase efficiency in operations and reduce costs for transportation companies, at the Terminal Operations Conference and Exhibition (TOC2004), stand G10-14.
Cisco and LXE will demonstrate their intelligent seaports vision, which utilises Internet technology to solve major industry challenges. Seaports are an integral link in the global supply chain of goods, which is under increasing pressure to meet consumer need for goods on demand and accommodate new emerging manufacturing markets such as China. This new opportunity for seaports to generate more revenue is threatened by their current technology networks that are not integrated and do not offer real-time information. Using fixed and wireless Internet and IP communications, the solution allows seaports to converge between elements such as port operations, management systems, inventories, physical terminal securities and supply chain management, thus speeding up the strategic decision-making process and improving container turnaround.
"The combination of LXE's wireless capabilities and Cisco's networking technology allows us to offer ports and container terminals an open and future-proof platform for improving their communication, productivity, security and performance," commented Frans KOK, sales director, LXE International.
The Company experts will describe the intelligent seaport vision will be discussed in more detail during a panel discussion, at TOC 2004; "Intelligent Information Systems-Internet Enablement for improving terminal operations," from 16:15 to 17:15 on Wednesday, June 16, at TOC2004.
"This panel session will provide us with the opportunity to debate and exchange opinions on the value of Internet technology within the industry," explained Nigel Nawacki, Business Development Manager for Sseaports, Cisco EMEA. "We hope to highlight how the use of common fixed and wireless IP solutions can meet existing and new requirements for port communications, effectively this strategy can connect the point of decision making with the point of action, and independently of whether this occurs in the head office or anywhere in the port facility."
Wallenius Wilhelmsen (W&W), a Cisco and LXE customer, will also be at TOC2004. W&W have implemented a wireless Internet solution to increase loading efficiencies at Southampton Port. The IP- based wireless solution installed has resulted in increased speed of operations and provided a true end-to-end solution from the dock to the desk. The solution is expected to offer W&W significant ROI within two to three years; furthermore, the company hopes to implement additional advanced technologies over its common IP infrastructure.
"This is a great example of how the Cisco and LXE alliance is providing integrated network solutions that provide access to real time data anywhere in the yard," commented Nawacki. "It is very clear to see how W&W are reducing risk cost and improving the effectiveness of their operations through this solution."
Other highlights of TOC2004 include the Cisco Intelligent Seaport Lounge and live demonstration of IP-based solutions. An in-depth white paper on the seaports industry will also be available.
