Computers & Communications

Companies come together to connect Aurora public safety
NetMotion Wireless and Sierra Wireless have joined forces to provide mobile workers in the city of Aurora, CO, with secure, persistent connectivity using two distinct networks: a cellular-based EDGE/GPRS system and Wi-Fi (802.11). The fast-growing city has selected NetMotion and Sierra to provide its police and firefighters with real-time access to mission-critical information through a wireless data network. In order to maximize the system's efficiency, the city needed a secure Internet-based solution that would enable seamless connectivity between the different networks throughout the city. NetMotion combined its Mobility XE mobile VPN solution with Sierra's AirCard 775 wireless wide-area network cards and MP 775 rugged wireless modems, allowing the city's mobile workers to access data quickly, securely and efficiently. "Our former system took an average 4.7 minutes to respond to a vehicle query," says Michael Bedwell, the city's public safety systems manager. "Our new system takes less than 12 seconds."
For more: 206/691-5500; www.netmotionwireless.com.

First laptops with embedded EV-DO wireless access
Panasonic has announced that its Toughbook fully rugged CF-18 and CF-29 notebook computers and semi-rugged CF-73 notebook computer are now available with built-in access to Sprint's EV-DO and CDMA 1X networks. Panasonic, which has been embedding wireless capabilities for six years, was the first notebook vendor to integrate and ship embedded EV-DO laptops on the Sprint network, starting in August 2005. Panasonic's integrated wireless solutions are designed, developed and manufactured with embedded OEM modules (the EV-DO connectivity comes via an embedded Sierra Wireless EM5625 OEM module) and retractable built-in antennas to provide advanced performance. Toughbooks are engineered to provide access to all current technologies, including CDMA 1x, GSM/GPRS, EDGE and EV-DO. They utilize the Intel Centrino chip set for seamless connectivity to local networks and can be configured with Bluetooth technology for connectivity to local printers, headsets and networks. The CF-18 and CF-29 are designed using MIL-STD-810F environmental testing procedures. Both models are encased in magnesium alloy and feature a shock-mounted removable hard drive in a stainless steel case.
For more: www.panasonic.com.

RemComm aids Katrina victims
Pittsburgh-based RemComm, Inc., a technology company specializing in radio-based emergency communications and data transfer products used in the absence of commercial power, used its newly developed system to aid Hurricane Katrina recovery and relief efforts. RemComm was contracted by Centropy, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides emergency communications systems in the event of disasters. Volunteers deployed new RemComm technologies in ravaged areas of Louisiana and Mississippi by helping the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) track its fleet of mobile "canteen" kitchens, which were distributing hot meals to victims. Last year, RemComm announced the development of its advanced radio emergency communications system that significantly improves crisis response. The system enables emergency personnel to send and receive time-sensitive data by combining simple radios with laptop computers and interfacing equipment, thus providing interoperability.
For more: 412/708-4784; www.remcomm-inc.com.

QSI offers ORBCOMM interface support
QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface and mobile data terminals, and ORBCOMM, a provider of global two-way messaging, data communications and geopositioning services, have announced support for the ORBCOMM serial interface on QSI's popular line of mobile data terminals running Qlarity object-based software. QSI's Qlarity line of intelligent MDTs is designed for rugged vehicle environments. QSI's vehicle terminals feature Ethernet-enabled color touchscreen terminals, rugged hand-held graphic terminals and small, economical graphic terminals.
For more: 801/466-8770; www.qsivehicle.com.