April 27, 2010

Global Tracking Group Moves to Baltimore

Global Tracking Group announced today that is has moved its corporate headquarters to 300 East Lombard Street in Baltimore's beautiful inner harbor area. The move, which will be complete on May 1st was inevitable says CEO Ken Barksdale. "We have outgrown our current office space and coming back to Baltimore was always my intent." Barksdale, who founded Global Tracking Group in 1996 has taken the company from its early stages to its current industry position as the undisputed leader in personal GPS tracking solutions. "Our focus has always been on being the best when it comes to product performance with superior service. Bringing our offices to Baltimore makes us more accessible to our clients who travel in from all over the country for training and support." "With our needs now for more talented IT and Marketing personnel, I can't think of a better place to grow our business."

Global Tracking Group provides personal and commercial GPS tracking services to large and small employers as well as individuals throughout the United States, South America and the Caribbean. Known for the accuracy and reliability of their solutions, Global Tracking Group plans on expanding their solutions to include indoor tracking sometime in the Fall of 2010.

May 6, 2008

The Ultimate GPS Child Tracking Buyer's Guide

Global Tracking Group's "UBI4000" may not be the catchiest product name, but this is one powerful tracking device: small, lightweight, and an ultra high performance GPS receiver make the UBI4000 the most powerful tracking device in this roundup. This device worked reliably both indoors and out, and had some of the best web-based location reporting I've seen to date.

UBI4000 provides hollywood-like 3D tracking via Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth, and supports a host of alerting and reporting features. The device can also be configured to send location updates automatically, allowing you to see where the device has been and how fast it was moving. For serious real-time tracking needs, UBI4000 can send location updates as often as every 15 seconds.

Performance was also outstanding. UBI4000 was able to provide solid tracking inside movie theaters, office buildings, and basements (as long as cellular reception was available).

This is the "money is no object" device in this review; priced at around $389.95, monthly service starting at $17.99/month, plus there's a one-time setup fee of $57. The included lithium-ion battery only provides around 8-13 hours of real-time tracking between charges, so you'll likely want to spring for the extended battery, which will add another $59.95 to the cost.

It's not cheap, but UBI4000' performance was unrivaled in this test.

November 11, 2008

GPS Device Plays Key Role in Theft Arrests
By Ashley Halsey III

GPS gadgets can guide you to virtually any place on the globe these days, but one hidden in a truckload of stolen cellphones might have put Walter Lee Green on the road to prison.

Green, 49, of Annapolis pleaded guilty to possession of stolen goods in federal court in Baltimore last week and could face 10 years behind bars.

The story of his crime, as described in the plea agreement, is at the juncture where one of the older crimes on Earth -- larceny -- meets the 21st-century technology that taps into satellites whizzing around above the ozone.

The plea agreement describes a caper that began a week before Labor Day in 2007, when someone pulled a white tractor truck into a Glen Burnie freight yard, hooked it to a white trailer filled with $585,000 worth of Cingular Wireless cellphones and drove off. This was not a new trick, and Cingular had hidden a Global Positioning System device in with the phones.

The FBI was called. Following the device's signal, agents found the trailer sitting in Annapolis. They popped a second, magnetic GPS unit onto the trailer as a precaution against battery failure and peaked inside, taking note that the shrink-wrap was unbroken on 19 of the pallets of cellphone cases. Another had been opened, and several cellphone boxes had been removed.

The next day, a blue tractor rolled up, hooked onto the white trailer and towed it away, first to a warehouse in Baltimore, where some of the cellphones were unloaded, then south toward Jessup, with both GPS units silently advising the FBI agents of their travels.

In Jessup, the units parted company. The white trailer with the magnetic GPS had been dumped, but the other GPS went along as the remaining cellphones headed back to Annapolis.

The next day, Anne Arundel Countypolice stopped Green as he drove the white tractor. He admitted to involvement in the heist and showed investigators that he had five of the stolen phones in his truck. He named a couple of people he said had unloaded some of the cellphones in the Baltimore warehouse.

One of those people, Lawrence M. Branch Jr., is scheduled for trial in December on the same charges Green faced, said a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

Washington Post Article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/01/AR2008110101882.html

February 27, 2008

For Immediate Release:
Universities Using GPS Devices to Track Master Keys

Baltimore, MD–– As the issue of campus security remains at the top of the agendas of many educational institutions, some school administrators are turning to global positioning systems as a cost-effective alternative for keeping track of their master keys, the keys issued to security and other staff for accessing multiple areas.

Whether stolen or simply misplaced, a missing master key on a college campus is a worrisome event that sends administrators and security staff into a desperate search to quickly locate the key, or face a costly campaign of replacing numerous locks, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Compact GPS tracking devices, about the size of a small beeper, are now being used to continuously monitor the location of master keys and find them when they are lost. The tracking devices attach to any key ring and use GPS satellite technology to report their position from anywhere on the planet. Then, using readily available mapping software, administrators can receive detailed location information on the GPS device´s location- and the item it is attached to.

Ken Barksdale, owner of Global Tracking Group, a Maryland firm specializing in GPS tracking, reports that some of his firm´s newest clients are colleges and universities reviewing their security procedures. “Due to recent tragedies, college campuses everywhere are rethinking campus safety. We represent an affordable option that offers peace of mind for parents, students and officials,” said Barksdale. Global Tracking Group´s UBI-4000 is a compact GPS tracking device often used for security applications.

In addition, Barksdale said colleges are using GPS tracking to monitor security staff and campus vehicles. “This is a fool-proof way of knowing without a doubt where security staff is patrolling at all times,” he said.

Global Tracking Group is located in Baltimore, Maryland.

For more information about the UBI–4000 GPS tracking system, or suggestions on ways to improve your home or business security with the use of affordable GPS equipment, please call 1.800.774.9808 or visit www.globaltrackinggroup.com.

December 5, 2007

Affordable, Secure GPS Tracking Now Available for Small Businesses Equipment Increases Safety and Efficiency

Baltimore, MD–– GPS tracking technology is no longer a pricey business luxury that only few can afford. Although once accessible only by large corporations with even larger security budgets, small and medium– sized businesses are finding that GPS tracking technology provides practical and affordable solutions to many of the everyday problems encountered in a typical business day.

Guarding against misuse of company vehicles and equipment, saving on fuel costs by determining the most efficient response to service calls, and increasing employee safety are all issues that can now be easily solved through the use of GPS equipment. “GPS technology is now used by businesses of every size to solve common problems that have existed in business for years from knowing where your employees are to establishing the most efficient delivery routes,” said Ken Barksdale, president and founder of Global Tracking Group, a leading provider of GPS tracking solutions.

Barksdale added that the increase in GPS use by small and medium sized businesses is largely due to increased cost effectiveness and user–friendliness of GPS equipment. “Our GPS trackers are now more affordable than ever, and they do not require complicated programming,” he said.

Geo–Fencing: This feature allows users to set virtual, pre–determined boundaries and will immediately alert selected contacts by cell phone or email when the UBI–4000 moves out of the established area. Geo–Fencing is highly useful for personal safety as well as tracking employees or company assets within a particular service area. In a truly exclusive offer, Global Tracking Group is now providing unlimited geo–fencing capabilities with select UBI–4000 service agreements.

Tracking History: A complete tracking history for each UBI–4000 is available for as long as users maintain a service agreement with Global Tracking Group. Tracking histories are available via a secure online connection and include detailed mapping with a corresponding calendar feature.

SOS: The SOS feature of the UBI–4000, which operates as a panic button, allows the user to send an instant and potentially life–saving emergency message with the simple press of a button. When SOS is activated, the UBI–4000 transmits a track every 2 minutes for 40 minutes, and quickly alerts up to 5 predetermined cell phone numbers or email addresses.

GPS tracking and security for both commercial and private use is a public information service that allows improved productivity, increased safety, and environmental protection within a global economy.

For more information about the UBI–4000 GPS tracking system, or how you can improve your everyday business operations through the use of affordable GPS equipment, please call 1.800.774.9808 or visit www.globaltrackinggroup.com.

PRLog Press Release:
http://www.prlog.org/10041270-affordable-secure-gps-tracking-now-availab...

Baltimore, Maryland
The UBI–4000 GPS Tracking Unit & Service Allows Unlimited Geo–Fences for All Service Plans

The UBI–4000 GPS Tracking Device, known for its small size, reliability, and low price, is now also known as the most user–friendly GPS tracking system available. One of the aspects that help to make this particular device simple to use is the ease with which the user can implement one or many Geo–Fences. The Geo–Fence feature, most popular with businesses and individuals wanting to protect vehicles and assets from theft, is not only simple to set, but Global Tracking Group, home of the UBI–4000, allows as many geo–fences as the user wishes to establish, regardless of service plan. This unrestricted feature makes this GPS tracking unit, one with unparalleled service in the industry.

Geo–Fence is a virtual fence – a square placed around a location on the detailed map representing a boundary – which the user sets online. The Geo–Fence feature enables an automatic alert to be sent via e–mail or cell phone text message when the UBI–4000 GPS Tracking Unit moves into or out of the established perimeter. It´s as easy as 1–2–3: The user clicks the “Geo–Fence” button near their individual map, then, the user zooms into the area where they want the fence – the perimeter of this view is their fence – then, the user simply clicks “set” and the alert will then be sent once the device is tracked entering or leaving the specified fence. When the UBI–4000 enters or exits the zone established, the automatic alert is sent to the e–mail address or cell phone address indicated so that users to not have to be in an office to manage their assets, employees, or fleet. These automatic alerts can create a noise, such as a beep or a ring, when the alert comes into the e–mail inbox or to the cell phone, depending upon the computer or cell phone capabilities.

The Geo–Fence feature is often limited to one fence at a time by many companies, however, Global Tracking Group allows as many Geo–Fences as any customer would like to establish and there are no fees for having multiple Geo–Fences set.

Some of the most popular uses for this feature are:

• Ensure the bus stays on its intended route
• Ensure the children stay within the school zone
• Ensure valuable assets don´t wander
• Ensure your dog stays in his own yard

For more information and to purchase the UBI–4000 GPS Tracking System, visit our online store or call 1–800–774–9808.

Baltimore, Maryland
SOS Feature Wipes Away Worries and Saves Lives

The UBI–4000 GPS Tracking Device, for personal and commercial tracking, in real time online, is gaining popularity for many reasons. Lately, the most popular feature for many is the SOS button on the side of this tiny device which offers comfort to loved ones and to concerned employers needing to keep an eye on individuals needing safety protection.

From engineering firms, to construction companies, to autistic individuals and those afflicted with Alzheimer´s, Global Tracking Group´s UBI–4000 GPS Tracking Unit is the product of choice, not only to check the whereabouts for safety reasons, but also to allow the individual an alert mechanism, for immediately notifying up to 5 individuals of choice, that they are in need of assistance.

When the SOS button is held down for 3 full seconds, a track, or a snapshot, of where the device is at that time, is placed on the web–based detailed map every 2 minutes for forty minutes. In addition to the visual aid, there is a message sent every 2 minutes for forty minutes to up to 5 different e–mail addresses and/or cell phone text message addresses. The set up for enabling this feature is simple and straight forward and is ready for use within a few minutes.

Customers securely log in to a portal on the Global Tracking Group website to view their individual UBI–4000 map and corresponding calendar. Tracks are viewed on the corresponding day´s map and when the track is clicked, the address with the location of the UBI–4000 appears. Each user´s history is securely retained and visible for as long as they remain a customer. Multiple accessories, such as, fashionable carrying cases, a variety of long–lasting rechargeable batteries and hard–wire kits for vehicles are available to compliment the tiny tracking device.

Success stories and thank you notes are pouring in from all over the country. In one case, an elderly gentleman ended up lost on his daily walk. He held the SOS button down for 3 seconds to notify his daughter that he needed assistance and within minutes, his daughter was able to pick him up and return him to safety.

For more information and to purchase the UBI–4000 GPS Tracking System, visit our online store or call 1–800–774–9808.

November 26, 2007

Baltimore, Maryland
Fleet Vehicle Tracking... Manage Your Assets

For fleet solutions or for individuals who want a device directly wired to the vehicle battery, the UBI–4000 with the Hardwire Kit is the answer. The Hardwire Kit enables the UBI–4000 to be attached to the vehicles battery or any live electrical circuit. This will give you the ability to track your fleet or valuable assets 24/7 with no need to recharge batteries.

Global Tracking Group now offers one of the smallest, most economical and powerful wireless mobile tracking devices available today. It allows for complete flexibility in customizing a mobile tracking application. This device combines GPS technology with GSM GPRS technology for real–time tracking, polling, and security to meet fleet management requirements. GPS data is made available on–board the UBI–4000 for transmission to our web based tracking service. All of your devices will be listed on the left hand side of the map for the convenience of availability and for the ease of tracking. All individual UBI–4000s will have their own map to avoid screen clutter. Contact Global Tracking Group for custom pre–set tracking frequencies and plans tailored to fit your fleet tracking needs.

$389.95 / UBI–4000	$36.95 / Hard Case	$99.95 / Hardwire Kit

$509.85 Includes UBI–4000, wiring, and hard case (optional). Contact us directly for multiple unit discounts.

Industries that use GPS vehicle tracking devices:

• Food & beverage
• Distribution
• Utilities
• Lawn Maintenance
• Emergency services
• Lawn maintenance
• Pest control
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Trucking
• Manufacturers
• Sales organizations
• Surveying
• Used car dealers
• Government Maintenance

For more information and to purchase the UBI–4000 GPS Tracking System for Fleet use, visit our online store or call 1–800–774–9808.

The following is an excerpt from a feature article in the New York Times.

November 3, 2007

Your Money
Peace of Mind When They Ask to Borrow the Car
By ELIZABETH OLSON

There is no moment where childhood and incipient adulthood collide that is more universal than the moment a teenager gets behind the wheel of a car. For the teenager, it is simple – it is the first real taste of freedom. But for the parents, that is when the worrying begins. Some parents, though, are adopting new technology to monitor their fledgling drivers.

David Phipps, a security consultant in Baltimore, is one of them. After his daughter, Katie, got her driver´s permit, Mr. Phipps said he worried about her safety on the road. So this year he bought a palm–size global positioning device that uses satellite technology to keep an eye on her Toyota Scion.“I can click on the ‘track now’ button,” said Mr. Phipps, of Bel Air, Md., “then go online, and in 35 seconds I can see where she is.“My wife and I wanted it for her safety, and for our peace of mind,” he said.

Mr. Phipps bought his device from an online retailer, Global Tracking Group. The device can send notification by e–mail or text message.

Full New York Times Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/03/business/yourmoney/03money.html?ref=automobiles

Herald Tribune:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071103/ZNYT05/711030777/1283/BUSINESS10

News.com:
http://www.news.com/Peace-of-mind-when-they-ask-to-borrow-the-car/2100-11389_3-6216829.html

The–Dispatch.com:
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20071103/ZNYT05/711030336/-1/APBUSINESS

Terra.com:
http://tecnologia.terra.com.br/interna/0,,OI2051103-EI4799,00.html

Global Tracking Group´s UBI–4000 real–time GPS tracker was selected as the premier and only tracking device to view this cyclist´s cross country trip from the Reader´s Digest corporate offices in New York.

Ride For Mobility

April 20, 2007

Reader's Digest Everyday Hero Don Schoendorfer, founder of Free Wheelchair Mission, has embarked on a bike ride across America to raise awareness and donations. He hopes to raise funds for more than 15,000 wheelchairs, to help meet his ultimate goal: delivering 20 million free wheelchairs by 2010. The Ride for Mobility kicked off Friday, April 20, at the Reader´s Digest global headquarters in Pleasantville, NY.

Don´s 3,000–mile route will take him through 11 states and eight major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. He and a friend, Dr. Mike Bayer, FWM co–founder and board member, will pedal for 40 days, winding up in Newport Beach, CA, on June 16.

Don invented the world's cheapest wheelchair, made from a plastic lawn chair and two mountain bike tires. Sturdy and durable, they can be shipped anywhere in the world for just $44.40. With their new wheels, disabled individuals in developing countries can go to work, to school, or just to visit family around the corner–for the first time in their lives.

Since Don was featured in the magazine's July 2005 issue, in the article Free Wheels, our readers have donated $290,252 to the Free Wheelchair Mission. With this money, the nonprofit organization was able to distribute 6,537 wheelchairs. Donations continue to come in from generous RD readers every month.

http://www.rd.com/jsp/rdcom/wheelchairAcrossAmerica.jsp

Click on Track with GPS to see the Global Tracking Group´s GPS locator map and experience this cyclist´s trip while exploring the map´s features.