Utility Adds GeoFence Event Reporting and Group Filtering to AVaiL

    TUCKER, GA, August 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Utility, Inc. has announced the release of AVaiL 4.1.0.2, which includes significant enhancements to the AVaiL software - the secure, command-and-control software as a service that provides automatic, real-time, global view of the location and status of mobile resources. RCM 2.3.0.1 provides expanded capabilities to the existing "over the air" hardware and software configuration management, minimizing the need to "touch" devices in the field, which significantly reduces the Total Cost of Ownership of the AVaiL solution.

The latest release of AVaiL includes an enhanced Geofence event reporting capability. A user can create a virtual fenced area on their local AVaiL map providing live monitoring of device(s) entering and/or leaving a specified area. Once the AVaiL user selects an area to monitor, they may choose which device(s) to monitor and which type of traffic to receive alerts on: inbound, outbound or both. If an alert is not acknowledged in the AVaiL software, the application will send e-mail notification of a crossing event to an address specified by the user. "The geofence event reporting feature is a great tool that assists members of management by monitoring employee activity in real time," said Karen Sherrill, Utility's Technical Support Manager. "Our customers are excited to have a solution that allows them to know when employees are leaving a company yard or entering restricted areas. The AVaiL Geofence alert capability is a quick and easy way to stay on top of field activity."

Another enhancement included in the AVaiL 4.1.0.2 release is the ability to filter groups and subgroups. This feature allows AVaiL users to manage and fine-tune the visibility of devices and provide fast access to a cleaner map view. AVaiL groups can be shown or hidden by a few simple mouse clicks creating a less cluttered map view for users that may have viewing privileges for multiple device groups. "For users whose day-to-day assignments change, this enhancement allows them flexibility to focus on the vehicles that pertain to their current tasks," explains Sherrill.

This AVaiL update also makes it very easy for a user to find the AVaiL log file. An intuitive search button directly displays the location of the log file on the computer as needed to support installation updates and AVaiL support.

The upgrade to AVaiL coincides with an upgrade for Utility's Remote Configuration Management Software (RCM v2.3.0.1), a hosted "over the air" remote configuration management and firmware updating capability for deployed Rockets. The following enhancements to RCM 2.3.0.1 include the ability to add User Extended Information, including email addresses for local geofence notification, phone numbers and custom fields, the ability to edit a device by double clicking from the grid view. The RCM release also enables administrators to manage security certificates and other files for Rockets. "This release puts the administrative user more in control of Rockets and AVaiL Users than ever before," according to Eric Bedell, Utility's Director of Technology. "The administrator can manage certificates for Rockets using secure wireless connections to their corporate infrastructure, easily edit WLAN security settings on Rockets, update Users' contact information (key to the implementation of AVaiL's new ad-hoc geofence capabilities), and more easily use the application by way of an ever more intuitive and seamless user interface experience."

About Utility, Inc.

Utility, Inc. develops and manufacturers a combination of vehicle wireless routers and an AVL / Vehicle Diagnostics / RFID tag software as a service that allows First Responders and Utilities to effectively command, control and support mobile field operations. Utility delivers real-time information about virtually any mobile asset, providing a unified operating picture for safely locating, tracking and managing all aspects of mobile field operations. Unlike other single function products that provide one facet of mobile asset management, Utility brings it all together into one cost-effective, enterprise-wide solution showing the location and status of everything from tools to vehicles to personnel. First Responder customers such as Conyers Police, Fort Myers Fire, Gainesville Fire, Marietta Police and Fire, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, and St. James Parish EMS, San Antonio Police and Fire, Spring Hill Fire and Rescue, and many other First Responders are able to reduce response times and improve officer safety with the Utility solution. Leading utilities such as Allegheny Power, Atlanta Gas Light, Bangor Hydro, Con Edison, Georgia Power, Oncor, Snapping Shoals EMC, Westar, and many other utilities are getting payback in months and improving customer service with Utility hardware and software.

Utility cellular vehicle wireless routers are engineered, designed, assembled, and tested in Tucker, Georgia, USA. The AVaiL and DataSync software as a service is developed and supported at the company headquarters in Tucker, Georgia, USA and hosted at secure data centers in metro Atlanta and Wisconsin USA. For more information, visit www.utility.com.

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