Xplore Technologies has revealed that a global telecommunications service provider has chosen to replace its Digital Electronics Group’s (DEG) toughbooks and standard laptops with Xplore XSLATE B10 Fully Rugged Tablet PC solutions.
The initial order from DEG is valued at $2.2m, with additional follow-on orders from the telco’s DEG, as well as other business units, anticipated as part of the customer’s multi-year commitment to standardise its field teams on Xplore rugged tablets.
Xplore president and CEO Mark Holleran said: "The business case for the rugged tablet form factor is irrefutable, especially in field service environments.
"As this leading telco and long-time customer can attest, Xplore custom-engineered rugged tablets provide specific computing, productivity and security advantages that just can’t be obtained using off-the-shelf devices or even rugged laptops.
"Plus, Xplore’s all-in support and service commitment has enabled multiple business units within this telco, including the DEG, to easily transition their existing software and workflow applications from legacy hardware platforms to the new Xplore rugged tablets without necessitating additional IT investments.
"This low total cost of ownership (TCO) ultimately pays dividends for the customer and increases their confidence in the return on investment (ROI) of Xplore rugged tablet solutions."
By standardising the 10.1in Xplore XSLATE B10 tablet PC platform, the customer is giving thousands of DEG field service technicians the comprehensive mobile office support they need to complete wireline installations; the turn-up, maintenance, placing, rearrangement, and retrieval of equipment; and the remote testing and clearing of alarms.
The Intel®-powered Windows® tablet features a built-in camera, glove touch screen and pen inputs, and a bright outdoor viewable screen that enable field personnel to document, review, and analyse pertinent data in any environmental condition.
XSLATE B10’s built-in 4G LTE and Wi-Fi technologies facilitate immediate, around-the-clock data transmissions between the field and back-office systems for continuous monitoring and control of telecom network.
Technicians can also plug specialised peripheral equipment into one of the eight built-in I / O ports that come standard with this tablet, such as the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port, to test network quality or conduct more extensive diagnostic and maintenance actions.
This most recent order expands the total value of the customer’s company-wide mobile workforce modernisation effort with Xplore to more than $22 million to-date.