Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 notebook approved for ESN

Panasonic has announced that the TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged notebook is the first Microsoft Windows device to be authorised for use on the new Emergency Services Network (ESN). The accreditation means that the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 2-in-1 detachable device, already popular with emergency services across the country, can now be used by all emergency service personnel on the new network.

Panasonic has also worked closely with its modem manufacturer and the ESN test team to ensure that existing TOUGHBOOK 33 devices, already in use by the emergency services, can be easily upgraded at no additional cost.

The Home Office is leading a pan departmental, cross government programme to deliver the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) critical communications system. There are 300,000 frontline emergency service users who will depend on ESN, using handheld devices or operating equipment in 50,000 vehicles, 115 aircraft and 200 control rooms. The software that ESN runs on is being provided by Motorola Solutions and the infrastructure is being built by EE.

“Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices are already popular with emergency services across the country as a reliable mobile computing tool for critical communications,” said Will Holmes, Emergency Services Corporate Sales Manager for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. “The ability to use the TOUGHBOOK 33 device on the new network opens up a whole new raft of mobile data applications for emergency services.”

As well as deployed in the front cabs of emergency vehicles as mobile data terminals (MDTs), the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 devices are also commonly used as demountable devices to accompany personnel when they leave the vehicles. The rugged devices with the ESN network can support teams in a range of new data driven applications when away from the vehicles. These include assisting fire crews with detailed schematics of vehicles to help rescue trapped people or quickly access safety data on chemicals or potentially harmful materials stored at a call-out site. The Panasonic devices are also ready to use with a range of new technology, including being body worn, viewing images from drones, thermal imaging and 360° cameras.

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 notebook is a 2-in-1 detachable rugged device with a 12in screen designed for use in all extreme weather conditions. With hot swappable twin batteries, detachable keyboard, and highly configurable capabilities, the device brings unrivalled flexibility and performance for emergency services mobile computing.