The new software uses the graphic display screens to help provide users with information on incoming storms via a map of the area. The software enables users to track where and when a storm is expected to strike, a useful tool for those who reside, or own property in hurricane-prone areas.

The product is developed for Motorola's Page Writer 2000 two-way pager and PageWriter 2000X two-way wireless communications center. Hurricane Tracker can provide users with updates of approaching hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions -- wirelessly.

A company official, who looks after distribution marketing of the US paging operations for Motorola pointed out that with the year expected to have one of the worst hurricane seasons, the company is all setto offer a solution that can give users information to help them prepare for those unpredictable forces of nature.

With Hurricane Tracker, PageWriter 2000 two-way pager and PageWriter 2000X two-way wireless communications center users can subscribe by sending out a query via the Internet to Motorola's database. Then data containing the current position, forecast path, wind speed, etc, can be sent directly to the user's device within moments.

Users can also receive advisory updates and forecasts four times per day as it is published by the National Hurricane Center. Motorola has provided registration for the Hurricane Tracker application and trial service free at Motorola web site; http: //www. motorola. com/smartpagers/ pw2000x/hurricane.html.

Both the PageWriter 2000 two-way pager and PageWriter 2000X two-way wireless communications center are built on Motorola's FLEX protocol platform, a standard for high speed paging, software for data communications products, enabling them to be uniquely customisedand upgraded by individual users, and support third-party applications.

Through add-on software, the devices can also perform a broad range of business and consumer applications, such as sales automation, financial tracking, medical information-gathering, real estate updates, weather and traffic updates, restaurant and movie listings and driving directions just by downloading compatible software from a desktop or notebook computer.