XATA Corporation, a provider of onboard fleet management systems for private fleet transportation, released on November 11 an integrated digital cellular and satellite communications platform that delivers both high-speed data download and ubiquitous coverage, eliminating the traditional bandwidth and gap limitations facing fleets trying to efficiently operate in real-time. The combination of digital cellular and satellite networks creates a speed and coverage advantage allowing fleets to optimize resources in real-time, while reducing on-going wireless communication and software management costs. XATA MobileSync over-the-air application management instantly makes new features available and reduces the cost of updating software in the vehicle, allowing fleets to select and implement additional applications "on the fly" and overcoming the traditional implementation bottlenecks associated with onboard technology. Third generation digital networks eliminate the slower download speeds and unpredictable cost structures of first-generation analog cellular systems. Analog cellular coverage is also expected to decline with the FCC ruling allowing carriers to turn off analog support in favor of next generation digital networks in 2007. Complimenting digital cellular, satellite communication provides cost-effective messaging from anywhere in the world, often from areas beyond the geographic and economic reach of traditional satellite and cellular systems. XATA's SmartCom LCR uses a "least cost" approach to routing by switching between digital cellular and satellite networks based on available coverage. By detecting and processing communication conditions in real-time instead of at the office, fleets minimize transmission costs and control the recurring communication charges that can negatively impact return on investment.