RESTON, Va. -- Nextel Communications (NASDAQ: NXTL), a leading provider of fully integrated digital wireless communications services, is extending its Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) initiative to include a focused approach for the manufacturing industry, led by Leslie Anne Baker, vice president, Manufacturing. In her new role, Baker will direct the company's efforts to provide the manufacturing industry with wireless voice and data solutions specifically tailored to the unique communications needs in assembly, deployment and tracking of assets. WBS is the Nextel platform that combines wireless data applications, services, tools and the support companies need to deploy productive wireless solutions.
Baker's extensive executive level experience in planning, operations management, and organizational development at large manufacturing companies will enable her to understand the unique business needs of Nextel's manufacturing customers and prospects, allowing the company to tailor its products and services to the industry.
"Today's environment is extremely challenging to manufacturers and they must constantly look for ways to improve efficiency, increase productivity and reduce costs," said Baker. "Nextel helps manufacturers meet this challenge by delivering wireless voice and data services needed to maintain real-time access to customers, employees, vendors and company information, anytime, anywhere on the Nextel National Network. I am excited to be a part of Nextel's growing efforts in the manufacturing industry."
Prior to working at Nextel, Baker was senior vice president for Customer Relationship Management at Cookson Electronics. She also served as vice president, Worldwide Strategic Accounts, at Act Manufacturing. In addition, Baker held a variety of senior roles at Avex Electronics and spent more than 14 years at NYNEX (now Verizon).
Nextel delivers its services on the most reliable and secure voice and packet data network and provides customers with a 4-in-1 offering with digital cellular voice, Nationwide Direct Connect SM--the first coast-to-coast walkie-talkie service, Nextel Online® wireless data and Two-Way text messaging on a single handset. Nextel voice and data solutions can improve and enhance manufacturers' performance in a number of critical areas including:
Field service productivity: The Nationwide Direct ConnectÔ and Nextel Group Connect(TM) walkie-talkie feature provide instant communications to remote workers, plants and customers at the touch of a button. Nextel also offers a variety of data applications that allow field service employees to receive and respond to work orders, manage and track company equipment, and report time and expense information.
Wireless infrastructure: Nextel's Custom Network Solutions group extends wireless coverage indoors and throughout manufacturers' facilities. Nextel designs, implements and manages all wireless systems including an integrated cellular/Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) capability that provides employees with cellular and Nationwide Direct ConnectÔ walkie-talkie coverage and broadband data access. Nextel Direct ConnectÒ walkie-talkie service provides wider coverage, greater ease of use and increased privacy than that provided by two-way radios.
Mobile management: The Blackberry 6510(TM) from Nextel allows executives and sales personnel to access corporate data, back office systems and e-mail (including attachments) while also providing cellular and Direct ConnectÔ capabilities in a single device.
Safety and emergency response: Nextel Direct ConnectÒ walkie-talkie service allows instant and simultaneous communications with security, safety compliance and HAZMAT teams. Nextel's ruggedized and intrinsically safe handsets are designed to withstand intense conditions.
"Simply put, our Wireless Business Solutions help our customers achieve high performance," said Baker. "Our customers become more efficient and productive when they deliver real-time information to mobile decision makers at any location, affording rapid response among workers in the field and streamlining operations through faster exchange of information."
Nextel Communications, a Fortune 300 company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country covering thousands of communities across the United States.
