Jan 1, 2005 12:00 PM, [Compiled by Gary Macklin • gmacklin@primediabusiness.com]

General Electric Co (GE) and Science Applications Inter-national Corp (SAIC) have signed an agreement to develop an integrated system to protect shipping containers. GE VeriWise (GEV), an asset-tracking system, is already in use as a security device for over-the-road trailers.

Both companies have independently developed technologies for monitoring and tracking containers and other assets. Through the partnership, these technologies will integrate into a system that not only tracks but also reports intrusion attempts through any of the six sides of the container, according to GE.

Andrew Greta, GE Equipment Services general manager of asset intelligence, said, “This agreement marks a natural growth of our technology to address other cargo security challenges, particularly at ports and other border points.”