map&guide internet plans transport runs in the cloud

Karlsruhe, 1 March 2012. PTV presents an innovation: map&guide internet, the first cloud-based transport route planner. Hauliers and logistics companies may now use the map&guide software as a service (SaaS). This means they can simply plug in and use the software directly over the Internet – saving time and money, since neither installation nor maintenance is required. The inexpensive solution for Euro 49 per month is particularly attractive for small and medium-sized businesses. From 1 March, any users interested are welcome to test the software at here.

By deploying map&guide internet, the cloud computing solution of PTV’s transport route planner, transport schedulers save time and money they would have to spend on work that has nothing to do with their core business. We are referring to expenses for the purchase and maintenance of the software and IT administration. This means, updates are taken care of and the memory required can be extended. In a nutshell: it opens up possibilities far beyond the capacity of users‘ computers or computer centres. All they need now is a workstation and Internet access.

The maps of map&guide internet are updated twice a year automatically and without any time effort required on the user’s side. Customers may use the transport route planning software any time, any place over the Internet. Company-related data, such as truck profiles or route itineraries, are saved to their personal account.

The new software has an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The cloud computing solution offers the same advantages map&guide users have benefited from for years now: precise, reliable cost calculation when it comes to creating quotes, including personnel and gas expenses as well as European-wide toll costs. Since the route planning software further includes all legally relevant rules regarding road transport, its routes are the most realistic currently available on the market. Its TUEV-certified emission calculation and the option to purchase so-called emission certificates make it a perfect candidate for Green Logistics. map&guide internet is the most cost-efficient, flexible and simple way to profit from all these advantages.

Reliable planning with cloud computing
Cloud computing creates concrete benefits for users in several aspects: it allows reliable planning, relieves IT departments and guarantees the services provided. More and more users are becoming interested in renting the services they need as SaaS from experts. Many PTV customers asked for a transport route planning tool as SaaS, since it offers attractive savings potential compared to the usual purchase, maintenance and personnel expenses. This is a weighty argument, especially for small and medium-sized companies.

“When redesigning map&guide, we wanted to include the latest trends and developments in logistics and IT”, explains Frank Felten, Head of Product Management at PTV AG. “I think we did a god job. Everyone is happy with map&guide internet: the transport company managers, their IT administrators and employees alike.”

The application is operated on the Windows Azure Platform of Microsoft and is solely hosted by European computer centres. PTV and its partner Microsoft guarantee a nacg ISO/IEC 27001 certified, high-performance and secure system environment.