Current Techonolgy Articles

"Coca-Cola Enterprises Is Mobilizing How Employees Work"

The company thinks in terms of "strategic enterprise mobility," says Kevin Flowers, the company's director of enabling technologies. That means building the merchandiser app, or any app, to be device-independent. Coke wants the option of using Windows Mobile devices, not just BlackBerrys, for some of the 11,000 merchandisers who'll use the new app. It's also looking to extend the timekeeping function to truck drivers, who typically use ruggedized Windows Mobile devices. What's more, mobile devices aren't like laptops, good for several years before employees need a new one. "The pace of change of devices is faster than any company can keep up with," Flowers says. By using Software AG's integration software to build a Web services interface to its Kronos time management system, Coca-Cola Enterprises is able to save ib cost . The distributor's mobile users often lose coverage in rural areas and inside stores, syncing data entered offline is critical, and that's handled through hosted mobile middleware from Antenna Software.

SOURCE: http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/smartphones/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=216400354

"Coca-Cola pours $70M into clean technology fund"

The Coca-Cola Co. has poured $70 million into clean-tech venture funds managed by Element Partners and Rock-Port Capital Partners. The company also sees it as a way to spot promising technologies and services that could help it be a better steward of the environment. The Coca-Cola are trying to really replace all the water they use and they’re trying to create zero waste, by recycling bottles and cans. Coca-Cola, a major consumer of water and paper products worldwide, is taking several measures to reduce its environmental impact on the planet. The company plans to reduce its global CO2 emissions 5 percent by 2015 and improve its water efficiency 20 percent by 2012. Coca-Cola is investing in long-term “energy innovation” such as fuel-cell technology to power its facilities and direct fire water-heating technology. Coca-Cola has deep expertise in areas such as water, plastics, recycling, energy management and bottling. Coca-Cola introduced EcoSMART, an Alpharetta-based organic pesticide maker and RockPort investment, to citrus growers, McDermott said.The beverage giant uses low-cost solar systems from Solyndra Inc. to help power some facilities.The World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta has floor coverings made from recycled tires, supplied by ECORE International.

SOURCE: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/08/02/story1.html