Particularly well suited for small- and mid-sized businesses without IT support staff, GPS TimeTrack V. 1.1 from Xora (www.xora.com) is a Java application that can be downloaded directly to a Nextel phone equipped with GPS and requires no additional software for office PCs beyond an Internet connection.

Time-stamping location information means the service can be used to monitor hours worked by field personnel and to automate other timekeeping and billing functions. Other features added with the new version of the service include bar-code scanner integration for the smart phones, improved mapping with fleet-specified landmarks and instant text messaging to individuals, groups or the entire field service force.

The monthly service fee for GPS TimeTrack is $11.99 for the basic tracking functions with a one-time $25 set up fee per handset. Optional dispatch and messaging functions are not included in the basic subscription. Data transmission fees over the Nextel network are additional.