Data Collection and Mobility News From November 2013
Each month, Business Solutions reports news on business in the channel. This month in Data Collection and Mobility, companies announce a skills certification for mobile technologies, new products — including mobile computers and tablets, a handheld imager, and sled — a new label solutions store and a new acquisition.
CompTIA Mobility+ Certification Addresses Skills For Mobile Environments
CompTIA, the non-profit association for the global IT industry, offers CompTIA Mobility+, a new skills certification for the mobile technologies arena. It covers the knowledge and skills IT professionals need in order to deploy, integrate, support, and manage a mobile environment, including mobile device management, troubleshooting, security, and network infrastructure. Potential candidates for the CompTIA Mobility+ credential include mobility architects, mobility engineers, network administrators, and security administrators. The certification is best suited for individuals who are CompTIA Network+ certified (or have equivalent working knowledge) and have at least 18 months of work experience in the administration of mobile devices in the enterprise. Full Press Release.
Two Technologies Adds Rugged Android Mobile Computer
Two Technologies introduces the N4, the first in a series of ultra-rugged Android devices designed for mobility applications in harsh weather and demanding environments. The N4 can provide data collection for applications including public safety, asset management, field service, survey, construction, fleet management, and point of sale. It features a 5.5-inch diagonal, high resolution display, Android version 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), and a 70-key, backlit keypad. Other features include a hot-swappable battery, optional 3 channel magnetic stripe reader, an 8 MP color camera, 16 GB internal memory, and additional micro SD memory available up to 64 GB. The device is IP67 rated for dust and water resistance and meets or exceeds MIL-STD 810G using method 516.6 and method 514.6 for both shock and vibration. The N4 can be provided with or without a keypad, and keys and the case can be branded. Full Press Release.
Datalogic Announces New Handheld Imager
Datalogic added the PowerScan PBT9500 to its line of imagers. The rugged, 2D handheld imagers in the 9500 series have omnidirectional reading capabilities and Datalogic’s latest decoding software of both 1D and 2D codes. The PowerScan PBT9500 imager supports Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology and features Motionix motion-sensing technology and Green Spot technology for visual feedback that a bar code was scanned correctly. Full Press Release.
CipherLab Presents Industrial Mobile Computer
CipherLab offers the 9200 series industrial mobile computer. It is rated IP65 for dust and water resistance and can withstand a drop from 1.5 meters. It includes 3.5G high-speed data packet access (HSDPA) communication with GPS/AGPS options for location information, Bluetooth v2.1, and it is certified for Cisco Compatible Extensions v4 and IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless networking standards. The 9200 series features a linear imager, laser, 2D imager, and RFID. Full Press Release.
Panasonic Premieres Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 Tablet
Panasonic has announced the availability of the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 tablet. It is the first 20-inch tablet with a 4K resolution display, designed for fields such as video production, architecture, design, photography, and healthcare. It includes the Intel Core i5 vPro processor, Windows 8.1 Pro, a 3840x2560-pixel display, and a 1280x720-pixel camera. It can be used with the optional Panasonic Electronic Touch Pen. The tablet has 256 GB solid-state drive memory, 8 GB RAM and 2 GB VRAM, Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth v4.0 (Class 1), USB 3.0, Secure Digital extended capacity (SDXC) card slot, smart card reader, and docking connector. Combined with accessories such as the optional Panasonic desktop cradle and carrying case solution, it can be used as both a desktop PC and tablet. Full Press Release.
Sled Transforms Motorola Solutions’ Mobile Computers Into Handheld Readers
Motorola Solutions’ RFD5500 UHF RFID sled turns the MC55N0, MC55A0, MC65, and MC67 mobile computers into rugged, handheld RFID readers. The sled, designed for applications such as retail storefronts, warehouses, and field applications, uses Motorola’s UHF RFID technology and offers a combination of audible and visual cues that a code has been read correctly. It is supported with a portfolio of services, including Service from the Start Bronze, which provides coverage for normal wear and tear and a three-day repair turnaround time, and Service from the Start with Advance Exchange Support, which provides advance replacement of devices requiring repair and coverage of accidental damage to internal and external components. Full Press Release.
OKI Data Americas And General Data Introduce Label Solutions Store
OKI Data Americas and General Data Company partnered to launch the OKI Label Solutions store, an e-commerce portal that allows channel dealers and resellers to order stock labels, specialty labels, tags, and ribbons for OKI’s thermal label printer line. The site will also offer custom order thermal labels, synthetic labels, and pre-printed labels. The OKI Label Solutions store is a password-protected site, enabling users to create specific accounts to make secure online purchases. Full press release.
SATO Acquires Magellan Technology
SATO, a provider of bar code printing, labeling, and RFID solutions, has acquired Magellan Technology, based in New South Wales, Australia. Magellan is known for its unique PJM (Phase Jitter Modulation) radio frequency data transmission technology. SATO completed the acquisition of Magellan’s healthcare business along with all intellectual properties in December 2013. SATO Holdings Corporation has established SATO Vicinity Pty Ltd, a 100 percent subsidiary, in New South Wales, Australia. Full Press Release.