Panasonic Toughbook 52 Assessing the Broad Business Case for Rugged Computing - Page 10

Assessing The Broad Business Case For Rugged Computing ...Gearing up for Semi- or Business-Rugged Solutions While semi- and business-rugged devices cannot withstand the same levels of stress as fully rugged solutions, they are often a higher-performing alternative from a processing capacity perspective. The reason: fully rugged computers are completely sealed to protect against dust and liquid exposure. As a result, they cannot use fans to cool the system down. To accommodate this requirement, components that emit lower levels of heat are used in fully rugged solutions. Of course, that said, rugged computing leaders like Panasonic have worked hard to innovate to bridge the divide between high performance and rugged reliability. Semi- and business-rugged solutions offer a user experience and computing capacity that is comparable to conventional non-rugged laptops at a level of reliability and robustness comparable to rugged devices. They are an appropriate solution for heavy mobile use where reliability and availability are top priorities but vehicle mounting and weather are not a factor. Business-rugged devices should share many of the internal features of fully rugged devices, such as shock-absorbing flexible connectors and specially engineered shock-resistant hard- and optical-drive components. ...Semi- and Business-Rugged in Military Environment Even the military is finding applications for semi- and business-rugged portable computing, illustrating the point that one size does not fit all within an organization. Semi- rugged solutions are appearing in intense- but noncombat- environments, such as Tactical Operations Centers, intelligence and logistics operations. One Army program that uses semi-rugged computers is the Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care (MC4). MC4 is a medical information management system that supports Army field medical forces, enables comprehensive lifelong electronic medical record access for soldiers, and enhances medical situational awareness for Army commanders. The MC4 system consists of mobile computers, networking and peripheral equipment to interface with medical command and control. The mobile medic computer system must be portable and durable since it supports field medics deployed in combat conditions while ensuring soldiers have the care they need on the battlefield. ...Business-Rugged Computing in the Healthcare Environment Gwinnett Hospital System, based in Gwinnett, Georgia, has deployed businessrugged systems to support its 4,000 employees and 750 physicians. When Gwinnett opened a new hospital in October 2006, one of its main goals was to Copyright © All Rights Reserved for Larstan Business Reports 10