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A tough device for tough times
This ‘tough enough’ TETRA-ready wireless computing device is creating opportunities for field forces to be better informed and more visible, while saving time on office tasks
S
electing the correct data device for a mobile work force is difficult at the best of times. It is even harder when
you need a mix of consumer and specialist telecommunications. Te end result is often a mixture of devices and significant investment. Since the economic down turn the task is much harder. Te need for mobile data is high as organizations strive to obtain efficiencies, but the cost of devices is too high to equip enough staff to get the return on investment required. In conjunction with the UK police and
Intel, TETRAtab has started to develop a new market sector of ‘tough enough’ devices. Te brief was to provide devices more robust than an office laptop but not as
expensive as the rugged devices epitomized by the Panasonic Toughbook or TETRAtab’s own R series.
Te devices needed to be HSDPA/3G for the majority of users but with TETRA data options for those handling secure documentation. Tey needed to be deployable with the minimum of training, because there is often no training budget, and they needed some specific options such as card readers for deployment on to secure databases. In short, the devices must be suitable for police officers to do their desk work and take witness statements in the field. TETRAtab teamed with Intel to produce
the C series convertible Tablet/Laptop. Based on an education device, the C series is strong enough to take the rough and tumble of day- to-day duties: over four million devices are used worldwide by teenagers and so the platform is very well proven. Running Windows operating systems, the
devices are both securable and intuitive to use. Tey are well thought through, too, with spill proof keyboards and a touch-screen that you can rest your palm on as you write. In conjunction with major telecoms operators, TETRAtab has enabled the devices to work on commercial 3G HSDPA networks, including specialist APNs. Tey have also an option of TETRA data using
the Motorola TOM 100, giving single slot IP data or SDS data streams. In one UK police force where 60 of the devices are already deployed, users see their office desktop over 3G via Citrix. Tey have access to everything they do in the office, reducing the need to return to their base for paperwork. By doing their administration in the field, the officers are better informed and more visible to the public, and they reduce their travel mileage, which in turn cuts costs. By implementing the devices in this way, the training required was minimal. Tere is no information security risk because no data is stored on the device. Important information such as a missing-person report can be filed and distributed immediately. Tis straightforward deployment enabled operational and cost benefits to be felt immediately. By the end of 2011, approximately 140 devices will have been deployed by UK police. Healthcare and fire safety officers are also trialling the device, for postnatal care and fire safety reports.
Te first car installations will be in use in
December. TETRAtab is working with car manufacturers and specialist fitters to produce OEM and retrofit kits allowing the user to secure and charge the device while driving and to use a remote screen for some applications.
UK: Roger Marsden Strobe Solutions Ltd +44 (0) 1606 307836
Europe: Peter Bezemer CFocus BV
+31 (0) 10 7370 276
www.TETRAtab.com
12 TE TRA TODAY Issue 5 2011
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