Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) and Panasonic today announced that Sierra Wireless will provide 4G LTE internal modems in the new rugged Toughpad(TM) A1 (#Toughpad), Android(TM) -powered business tablet. The purpose-built slate, scheduled to start shipping in the spring of 2012, targets mission-critical and highly mobile workers in markets like aviation, construction, field sales and the public sector, where exposure to extreme environments is a constant challenge and the consequence of a failure is significant.
The 10" Toughpad A1, which features embedded security, enhanced device-management features, and integrated GPS, allows government and commercial enterprises, as well as small and medium businesses, to realize the true potential of tablet computing without sacrificing security and while delivering a high return on investment.
With integrated 4G LTE connectivity, Panasonic customers will be able to access stored online information and file reports from the field, share photos, stream video, and perform other high-bandwidth applications. For example, a technician addressing a particular problem on a piece of equipment would be able to use the Toughpad A1 tablet to access a training video stored on a corporate intranet, potentially saving considerable downtime and travel costs for multiple trips.
Integrating LTE into a mobile device presents challenges for manufacturers. These may include the design and placement of the wireless module within the device for optimum performance, the integration and placement of the antenna, the interaction of the wireless module with the device software, and ensuring that testing and certification go smoothly to meet scheduled market launches. Sierra Wireless customers benefit from the company's considerable experience and expertise in wireless integration and in reliably getting new technologies to market quickly.
"We have been collaborating with Sierra Wireless for many years to integrate new wireless-broadband technologies into our Toughbook mobile computers and provide our customers with fast and reliable mobile-broadband connectivity," said Victoria Obenshain, VP, wireless strategy, Panasonic. "Extending this collaboration to our Toughpad A1 tablet ensures our customers can enjoy the same freedom and productivity they enjoy with their Toughbook devices. The end result is that our customers will be able to count on their wireless connection to help them share and access information wherever they are."
"Tablets have taken a strong position in the consumer mobile computing market because of their portability and ease-of use, and the potential benefits they offer enterprise and government workers are considerable as well," said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "The Panasonic Toughpad A1 tablet offers the same portability and ease-of-use with the extra durability and key features to meet the needs of these users, and so we are excited to expand our collaboration with Panasonic to this new product line."
The Panasonic Toughpad A1 with integrated 4G LTE connectivity will be on display in the Panasonic booth #9405 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held from January 10 to 14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series Embedded Wireless Module
Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series modules are based on the PCI Express MiniCard standard with a USB 2.0 interface and are designed for mobile computing, mobile consumer, and networking devices. They easily integrate into a variety of devices, including notebooks, netbooks, and tablet computers, offering a high-speed wireless connection to 4G LTE and 3G networks.
For more information about Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series embedded wireless modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/.... To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/....
Panasonic Solutions for Business
Through its broad range of integrated business technology solutions, Panasonic empowers professionals to do their best work. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to reach their full potential, achieve competitive advantage and improve outcomes. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, high definition visual conferencing, projectors, professional displays and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/...). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/.... Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.
"AirPrime" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.
The 10" Toughpad A1, which features embedded security, enhanced device-management features, and integrated GPS, allows government and commercial enterprises, as well as small and medium businesses, to realize the true potential of tablet computing without sacrificing security and while delivering a high return on investment.
With integrated 4G LTE connectivity, Panasonic customers will be able to access stored online information and file reports from the field, share photos, stream video, and perform other high-bandwidth applications. For example, a technician addressing a particular problem on a piece of equipment would be able to use the Toughpad A1 tablet to access a training video stored on a corporate intranet, potentially saving considerable downtime and travel costs for multiple trips.
Integrating LTE into a mobile device presents challenges for manufacturers. These may include the design and placement of the wireless module within the device for optimum performance, the integration and placement of the antenna, the interaction of the wireless module with the device software, and ensuring that testing and certification go smoothly to meet scheduled market launches. Sierra Wireless customers benefit from the company's considerable experience and expertise in wireless integration and in reliably getting new technologies to market quickly.
"We have been collaborating with Sierra Wireless for many years to integrate new wireless-broadband technologies into our Toughbook mobile computers and provide our customers with fast and reliable mobile-broadband connectivity," said Victoria Obenshain, VP, wireless strategy, Panasonic. "Extending this collaboration to our Toughpad A1 tablet ensures our customers can enjoy the same freedom and productivity they enjoy with their Toughbook devices. The end result is that our customers will be able to count on their wireless connection to help them share and access information wherever they are."
"Tablets have taken a strong position in the consumer mobile computing market because of their portability and ease-of use, and the potential benefits they offer enterprise and government workers are considerable as well," said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "The Panasonic Toughpad A1 tablet offers the same portability and ease-of-use with the extra durability and key features to meet the needs of these users, and so we are excited to expand our collaboration with Panasonic to this new product line."
The Panasonic Toughpad A1 with integrated 4G LTE connectivity will be on display in the Panasonic booth #9405 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held from January 10 to 14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series Embedded Wireless Module
Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series modules are based on the PCI Express MiniCard standard with a USB 2.0 interface and are designed for mobile computing, mobile consumer, and networking devices. They easily integrate into a variety of devices, including notebooks, netbooks, and tablet computers, offering a high-speed wireless connection to 4G LTE and 3G networks.
For more information about Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series embedded wireless modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/.... To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/....
Panasonic Solutions for Business
Through its broad range of integrated business technology solutions, Panasonic empowers professionals to do their best work. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to reach their full potential, achieve competitive advantage and improve outcomes. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, high definition visual conferencing, projectors, professional displays and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/...). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/.... Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.
"AirPrime" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.
