MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Oct. 27, 2004 -- Gearworks, a provider of mobile workforce management software, announced today the release of a new version of etrace(R) mobile workforce management software, etrace(R) 4.4, that measures, manages and optimizes field service operations at the point of delivery.

etrace 4.4 is a location-intelligent, wireless and Web-based solution that leverages a new generation of GPS and Java-enabled mobile phones to enable service-driven companies to gain visibility and control of their mobile workforce and field-based activities. It incorporates a powerful new set of personalization and usability features that ease worker adoption, improve visibility and reporting, and reduce wireless network costs.

"Gearworks' etrace 4.4 provides features that make the application even easier for our delivery fleet to use and help the company further control costs," said Kevin Tremmel, fleet manager for Bradco Supply. "We have hundreds of drivers spread out across the U.S., and something as simple being able to configure etrace not to send GPS data after-hours will produce significant savings for the company. The new usability and control capabilities in etrace 4.4, improve our ability to respond quickly to customer needs and provide better overall service."

New Features in etrace 4.4

etrace 4.4 builds on the enterprise-class capabilities of Gearworks' etrace mobile workforce management solution, which is used by more than 300 service-driven companies across the country, including Bradco Supply, FTD, Pepsi and Roto-Rooter. Following is an overview of features contained in the new version:

-- Auto Launch and Login: automatically starts the etrace mobile application when field workers turn on their phones, eliminating a multi-step process each morning to launch etrace and ensures maximum software use by mobile workers.

-- Hours of Operation: enables administrators to control when the etrace mobile application collects and transmits GPS data over the wireless network - ensuring off-duty worker privacy and reducing wireless network costs for workers who leave phones running after-hours.

-- Expanded Time Zone Support: allows dispatchers to track, at a glance, workers, jobs and activities across multiple time zones.

-- Enhanced WorkZone(TM) Personalization and Reporting: enables organizations to personalize the naming of etrace WorkZones (GPS-enabled perimeters around important locations -- such as customer sites, service yards, etc -- where etrace can track entry, exit and time spent by workers) and specify certain locations as prohibited or non-prohibited using Configurable Location Types. The new Location Stop Report provides detailed information regarding how much time workers are spending at specific locations -- critical details that can be used for business planning, accountability and sales tools.

"A recent Aberdeen Group study cited that service-driven organizations that leverage mobile workforce management solutions like etrace are outperforming their non-automated counterparts by two to one," said Connell Smith, senior vice president of product operations for Gearworks. "The new personalization and cost control features of etrace 4.4 seek to extend this performance gap by improving worker adoption and use and reducing wireless network costs."

About Gearworks

Minneapolis-based Gearworks (www.gearworks.com) is a leading provider of mobile workforce management software that enables service-driven companies - from mainstreet to the Fortune 500 - to monitor, measure and manage their field operations at the point of delivery. The company's flagship product - etrace(R) - is a location-intelligent, wireless and Web-based solution that runs on a new generation of low-cost, application-enabled mobile devices. By providing dispatchers, operations managers and other service organization stakeholders with real-time visibility and control of field workers, workflow and activities, etrace enables businesses to make their workforces more productive, processes more efficient and consumers more delighted.

Haberman & Associates, Minneapolis
Media and Analyst Contact:
Brian Wachtler, 612-338-3900
brianw@habermaninc.com