May 7, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario
The research and development (R&D) collaboration between NRC-IIT and Moncton’s Red Ball Internet resulted in a win when the two were jointly presented with the Technological Advancement/Innovation – Private Sector Award at the 2010 KIRA awards gala on May 6, 2010.
The prestigious KIRA awards are the “Oscars” of New Brunswick’s knowledge industry, and this award recognizes the successful launch of an innovative product, technology-based service, or the successful use of emerging technologies that demonstrates innovation and market potential.
Red Ball Internet made the joint submission for its newest product, Red Ball Internet Trax, which was developed in collaboration with the Institute. This innovative product is a powerful tool designed to help municipalities manage their large fleets of vehicles in real time. It is the first of its kind to provide real-time, live and fully mobile fleet optimization capabilities. Trax is a web-based GPS Automatic Vehicle Location system (AVL) that includes GPS and Fleet Management tools for both administrative and public uses. It will allow operators to track the real-time operational aspects of resources such as city buses, snow removal vehicles and heavy equipment. It will provide reports on idling time, locations, speed, and other user-specified topics. It will also provide the public with real-time arrival information, stop announcements, and other information.
A noteworthy aspect for the NB cluster is that a New Brunswick company has incorporated research done by NRC in New Brunswick, to provide a new product to the market. Red Ball Internet is creating a competitive advantage for New Brunswick and for Canada.
The 12th annual KIRA Awards, hosted by Enterprise Fredericton, took place on May 6th, 2010 in Fredericton, NB. For more information on the 2010 KIRAs.
