Summer 2006

Telepartner has chosen Psion Teklogix's Workabout Pro handheld computer as the first approved ruggedised device to support its ServiceNet mobile field service solutions.

ServiceNet already supports standard, non-rugged PDA devices such as the QTEK, which is used by many mobile field workers, but this step marks a new development by the company.

The spur to the decision was an implementation for EDF Energy, which has already deployed Workabout Pros to over 750 meter readers and meter operatives working across the across London, SWEB and SEEBoard electricity supply regions.

Telepartner says it carried out a rigorous evaluation of various handheld devices for the this project, and the Workabout Pro came out on top for its lightweight, rugged construction and ergonomics.

According to Telepartner managing director Lindsay Kennedy: "Any device we use has to have reliable mobile comms and be able to run the Telepartner client software out of the box - something that is not guaranteed by the OS."