Geotab was founded in 2000 by Neil Cawse, the CEO of the company.[2] Its primary customers are private and public sector fleets. Geotab sells its products to end users mainly through a global network of third-party resellers.[3] As of 2023, the company’s products have over 4 million subscriptions by customers in 160 countries.[4]
Geotab’s core product lines are the GO device and MyGeotab software as a service (SaaS) platform. The GO device connects to the OBD port of a motor vehicle and transmits diagnostics and location information (obtained via a built-in GPS receiver) over commercial cellular networks in real-time. This information can then be viewed or analyzed using the MyGeotab platform. The MyGeotab platform and GO device also support extensibility through a software development kit (SDK) and an on-device expansion port.
History
The company was founded in North America in 2000 by Neil Cawse, the current CEO.
2000-2009 Early years
2000: CEO Neil Cawse established Geotab Canada in Oakville, Ontario.[5]
2002: The GO2 fleet management device was introduced to the market.[6]
2010-2019: MyGeotab, the Geotab Marketplace and global expansion
2010: Launched GO4 version 3 with more memory and accelerometer data, supported all protocols in one hardware, Geotab was officially named Garmin’s Fleet Management Partner,[7] Geotab developed a compact-sized GO device smaller than the GO4.
2011: The GO5 hardware plug-and-play device was launched.[8]
2012: Geotab developed GO6 and began production. Geotab patents the Curve Logging Algorithm (curve-based logic) for recording speed, position and other engine information. Sprint signs as partner.[9] Geotab launched their fleet management software, MyGeotab.
2013: Geotab launched its first NFC Driver ID Key Solution.,[10] Geotab launched their partnership with Navistar Inc. for Remote diagnostics.[11]
2014: Geotab announced GO7 new commercial telematics solution. Geotab announced their J1939 integration with the Mobileye 560 (Mobileye’s Advanced Driver Assistance System).[12]
2015: Geotab launched their Marketplace, which complements their pre-existing MyGeotab platform.[13] Geotab acquired Strategic Telecom Solutions.[14]
2016: Geotab launches MyGeotab mobile app.[15] Geotab defeated two IP trolls: Rothschild Location Technologies[16] and Orthosie.[17] GO RUGGED ruggedized telematics device designed for harsh conditions or external installation is launched.[18] BSM Technologies (acquired by Geotab in 2019) acquires scheduling and route optimization company Mobi Corp (formerly PointServe).[19]
2017: Electric logging solution Geotab Cloud ELD is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).[20] The US Department of Homeland Security issued a blanket purchase agreement to Geotab.[21]
2018: Reached 1 million subscribers,[22] Geotab launched the GO8 device, data.geotab.com. Geotab acquired the time-of-use EV charging software FleetCarma.[23] Geotab acquired Intendia.[24]
2019: Geotab launched the GO9 device,[25] Geotab was awarded the world's largest telematics contract by General Services Administration (GSA),[26] Geotab locations expanded with new offices in China, Australia, Italy and France. BSM Technologies Inc and its routing analytics and optimization technology was acquired.[27]
2020-present: EV fleet management tools
2020: Geotab launched the Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment to enable fleets to go electric and the EV Battery Degradation Tool.[28][29] Registers 2 million subscriptions.[30] Geotab launched a new Geotab Community website.[31] Geotab launched its Public Works Solution in North America.[32] Geotab achieved FedRAMP authorization for its cloud-based telematics platform.[31] Geotab achieved ISO 27001 certification for its Information Security Management System.[33] Geotab unveiled Geotab Keyless, one of the world’s first platform that integrates a secured digital key function with a comprehensive and data-driven fleet management product.[34] The U.S. Air Force awards Geotab sole-source contract for its 21,000 vehicles.[35]
2021: Geotab launches their advanced electricity demand management, Geotab released an upgraded GO9+ device,[28] Geotab surpassed 2,000 government customers.[36]
2022: Geotab surpassed 3 million global subscriptions.[37] The Fleet Electrification Knowledge Center is launched, a resource hub for learning about the fleet electrification process.[38]
2023: Geotab achieves 4 million subscriptions.[39] Geotab launches Data Connector integrated intelligence tool.[40] Geotab launches beta of Project G, a virtual assistant that enables customers to ask questions through a chat interface about their fleet on vehicle performance, idling times, fuel economy, vehicle usage, cost savings, and more.[41]
Awards and recognition
Geotab was ranked the leading Commercial Telematics provider in the world in 2019, 2020 and 2022 by ABI Research.[42][43][44] Geotab was also ranked the leading Commercial Video Telematics provider in 2023 by ABI Research.[45]
In 2023, Geotab received the “Best Commercial Vehicle Innovator” award from Canadian Business magazine.[46]
Geotab has been included in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list in North America, eight times (2010-2014, 2017-2019).[47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54]
