Trimble, a provider of global positioning system (GPS) technology, has formed Trimble Information Services Inc. (TIS) to offer Internet location-based services for the mobile workplace. The new capabilities allow Trimble to leverage its existing wireless business by offering complete fleet management services and addressing the emerging market for location-enabled phones and mobile devices. TIS has an established data center infrastructure, wireless gateway platform, and applications to provide both medium- and high-volume mobile asset management. The service can also provide wireless carriers with branded Internet applications for their subscriber base that leverage emerging location-enabled wireless phones. Currently, TIS has a base of customers that conduct more than one million wireless transactions daily. TIS intends to offer products and services through Trimble’s existing network of worldwise dealers, resellers, and direct sales force in fleet management, engineering and construction, and agriculture. Trimble customers will be able to purchase fleet management devices that are connected to the Internet through a Trimble, or OEM partner branded, Internet service. TIS initially plans to offer location-based services with Trimble’s CrossCheck mobile communicator products for fleet management, which are available for operation on multiple worldwide wireless networks. TIS’ current platform will be adapted to be compatible with the existing CrossCheck GSM and AMPS products to leverage Internet access for fleet management applications in the future. Additionally, Trimble intends to produce future CrossCheck products that operate on next generation 1xRTT CDMA and GPRS standards. In addition to Internet access for location-based services, fleet management customers requiring advanced wireless phone messaging services can im mediately utilize TIS for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and Short Messaging Service (SMS) connections, which are compatible with U.S. carrier networks and handsets.