Sony Ericsson and Panasonic

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, a leading provider of wireless machine-to-machine technology, has partnered with Panasonic Computer Solutions Company to deliver EDGE-Embedded Panasonic rugged notebook PCs. Rugged and reliable PCs with next-generation wireless access provide an integrated mobile platform for instant access to critical customer service and diagnostic information for field service organizations. Since the introduction of the EDGE-enabled devices in August, 2005, more than 20,000 field technicians have deployed the solution to achieve faster, more efficient customer service.

Sony Ericsson provided its GC83 EDGE PC Card to be integrated into the Panasonic Toughbook® CF-29 fully rugged notebook PC. When utilizing the Cingular Wireless EDGE network, the notebooks can connect to their corporate databases at average speeds of 70 to 135 kilobits per second (kbps), fast enough to download or access critical information such as dispatch orders, customer installation and repair order details, localized software-based network maps, diagnostics and telephone line testing capabilities, as well as product information.

“Panasonic chose to work with Sony Ericsson because their solution already had a good track record meeting stringent quality and performance requirements," said Kevin Martin, manager of business development, wireless, for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “As a core manufacturer, Panasonic only embeds proven, industry standard technology in our solutions. Sony Ericsson’s record with emergency services organizations was good proof for us that we’d be an excellent fit."

Before the partnership began, Panasonic put the Sony Ericsson EDGE modem through a battery of tests including temperature, vibration and drop tests. Subsequently, the modem and laptop were tested—both individually and together by Cingular and prospective customers under various conditions to ensure it met their requirements.

Anders Franzén, corporate vice president and head of Sony Ericsson machine-to-machine communications said, “We worked under rigorous environments and strict timelines to deliver the best product in terms of performance and quality. The result of our hard work and collaboration with Panasonic is already benefiting more than 20,000 technicians in the field, helping them deliver the best customer service available."