April/May 2003

Telepartner Systems' field service and meter-reading software applications are to be supported on the new Panasonic CF-P1 handheld computer. The company sees the rugged Panasonic device as deal for arduous activities such as underground cable-laying and drainage work in often hostile outdoor environments.

Like many rival PDAs, the CF-P1 is in the Windows CE/Pocket PC camp, but this generic system is wedded to a range of device-specific connectivity features. Telepartner sees the CF-P1 as an idea platform for navigation in the field (supported by an optional GPS receiver) and even live tracking, using an always-on GPRS wireless data link.

The Panasonic is dust-, moisture- and shock-resistant, has a touch screen that is viewable in direct sunlight, and can run 24 hours on a single battery.

Telepartner can supply its software on both Windows CE/Pocket PC and Symbian operating systems, and has implemented systems using both GSM and GPRS communications.