Photo courtesy of Verizon Connect.

Verizon Connect has launched as the integrated business entity that's the product of $5 billion in investments, including acquisitions of several connected vehicle companies, Verizon has announced.

The connected vehicle unit will offer fleet customers products and insights so they can be better informed about vehicle and worker location, efficiency, safety, productivity, and compliance. The Atlanta-based Verizon now counts 3,500 employees, according to an announcement.

"One of the things we're most proud of at Verizon Connect is the potential our current and future technologies have for massive societal impact," said Andrés Irlando, CEO of Verizon Connect. "We're working with customers to maintain cold chain integrity and keep perishable items safe during transport, routing customers' vehicles more efficiently to reduce emissions, monitoring vehicle diagnostics to improve fuel efficiency, and providing a gamification app that helps customers recognize and reward their safest drivers, just to name a few."

The company will offer fleet and mobile workforce management software platforms, embedded OEM hardware, and Hum by Verizon, a connected vehicle device that helps create a safer, smarter and more connected driving experience for consumers.

The new unit incorporates former brands, including Verizon Telematics, Fleetmatics, and Telogis.

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Originally posted on Automotive Fleet