FedEx Pilots "Smart" Tracking with Google Earth

According to ZDNet, FedEx CIO Robert Carter revealed at the Wharton Technology Conference in Philadelphia a pilot program that FedEx is experimenting with tracking valuable packages with Google Earth. The tracking involves more than just positional information – things like: package’s temperature, location, humidity levels and delivery status. The tracking device used in the pilot involves a “wireless device, about the size of a small cell phone, transmits information back to the company over public Wi-Fi networks.” For a long time now, I’ve been expecting one of the big tracking companies (UPS, FedEx, DHL) to release a network link capability to allow individuals to track their packages. But, none has yet to be released. In this case, FedEx is only experimenting with valuable packages. According to FedEx CIO Carter, using Google Earth has saved them considerable money for the tracking. But, whether this will be available anytime soon? He says: “It’s still a closed pilot, which is about all I can say.”