XPLORE TECHNOLOGIES

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE
AN OVERVIEW

a recent survey conducted by Model Metrics found more than two-thirds of enterprises plan to deploy either iPads or other tablet computers by the end of 2012.
2012: THE YEAR OF RUGGED TABLETS IN THE ENTERPRISE
The year of the Tablet was officially launched in the beginning of 2011 at the Consumer Electronics Show when Toshiba, Samsung, HP, Motorola, Dell, Panasonic and many other companies began to unveil their own products to compete with the popular Apple iPad. However, the consumer tablet has proven itself incapable of handling the conditions the enterprise demands, and 2012 may be the year rugged tablets become a principal form factor for the enterprise. In 2012, the traditional workday is becoming something of an anomaly. Employees are using portable mobile computer devices to carry out their jobs now more than ever before. Tablet computers are filling in the right gap between laptops and smartphones, and reshaping how employees connect and share information with customers, colleagues and partners. The use of tablet computers is growing rapidly at both the consumer and enterprise level. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Sarah Rotman Epps, an analyst at Forrester Research, estimated that 82 million Americans will be using tablets by 2015. Additionally, a recent survey conducted by Model Metrics found more than two-thirds of enterprises plan to deploy either iPads or other tablet computers by the end of 2012.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE RUGGED TABLET

This acceptance of the tablet computer is reminiscent of the initial growth of PCs in the workplace in the 1980s, which brought about a technological and productivity revolution. That was followed by the acceptance and popularity of notebook computers in the 1990s, which opened up opportunities for employees to experience the benefits of mobility. The portable notebook allowed them to take their work product with them wherever they were going. The constant on opened up new methods of communication where employees were able to complete projects and communicate with each other no matter where they were physically.

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

VDC concluded that some companies forgo TCO analysis and opt VDC Research, which specifically conducts research into the rugged tablet marketplace, published a for consumer- report in June 2011, in which their analysts reported that the global rugged mobile computing market grade devices exceeded $4.6 billion in 2010, and projected growth of this market in excess of 10% to $5.1 billion for 2011. Now that tablets are being sought after in all areas of the enterprise, the rugged tablet market has because they the potential to grow. underestimate the hazards to WHAT IS RUGGED? which their moConsumer and commercial grade products are built to be used under the most benign of conditions. bile devices will Some computers are defined as semi-rugged or built to withstand coffee spills and some drops. But how be exposed, can one determine if a computer is really, truly built to withstand real world rugged conditions? and therefore Rugged tablets are designed specifically for hazardous situtheir rugged ations and must conform to rigorous military and industry standards that have been established by outside entities. needs.
The two most important are the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system and the U.S. Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests, commonly referred to as MIL-STD 810. These ratings and standards provide independent and objective criteria with which to grade specific characteristics of a rugged computer.

Embedding WAN to connect to 3G and 4G has also had a significant impact, but laptops are not always a practical tool to be accessed on the go. At the other end of the spectrum are smartphones, which are useful for the always on and always near their users, however the limited screen size constricts the productivity of the user. Thats why today tablets as a form factor are rapidly gaining popularity because they balance the productivity capabilities of a laptop and the portability of a smart phone. And where conditions are environmentally-challenging the enterprise is turning to rugged tablet PCs to replace previous pen-and-paper activities. The overall excitement and demand for tablets as form factors is manifesting itself in increased acceptance among business users who seek to leverage the clear benefits of the tablet, but need durability to operate in real world environments. Those places where drops, driving rain, blowing sand and dust, constant vibration, shock, temperature extremes and other harsh factors are a part of everyday operations.

IP RATINGS
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization (CENELEC) and they specify the environmental protection provided by an enclosure. With regard to rugged tablets, this rating refers to the casing that protects the inside of the computer. The IP rating normally has two numbers: 1. 2. Protection from solid objects or materials Protection from liquids

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

The two most important are the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system and the U.S. Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests, commonly referred to as MIL-STD 810.

The first number represents protection against solid objects and as the following chart points out, there are varying degrees of protection from 0, which is no protection to 6, which is total protection against dust.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

NO SPECIAL PROTECTION PROTECTED AGAINST SOLID OBJECTS UP TO 50 MM, E.G. ACCIDENTAL TOUCH BY PERSONS HANDS.

PROTECTED AGAINST SOLID OBJECTS UP TO 12 MM, E.G. PERSONS FINGERS.

PROTECTED AGAINST SOLID OBJECTS OVER 2.5 MM (TOOLS AND WIRES). PROTECTED AGAINST SOLID OBJECTS OVER 1 MM (TOOLS, WIRES, AND SMALL WIRES).

PROTECTED AGAINST DUST LIMITED INGRESS (NO HARMFUL DEPOSIT).

TOTALLY PROTECTED AGAINST DUST.

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

The second number, representing protection against liquids, also represents varying degrees from 0 to 8, with 0 representing no protection from liquids to 8 representing protection under long periods of immersion in liquid under pressure, as indicated on the following chart:

0 1 2 3

NO PROTECTION PROTECTION AGAINST VERTICALLY FALLING DROPS OF WATER E.G. CONDENSATION. PROTECTION AGAINST DIRECT SPRAYS OF WATER UP TO 15O FROM THE VERTICAL. PROTECTION AGAINST DIRECT SPRAYS OF WATER UP TO 60O FROM THE VERTICAL. PROTECTION AGAINST WATER SPRAYED FROM ALL DIRECTIONS - LIMITED INGRESS PERMITTED. PROTECTED AGAINST LOW PRESSURE JETS OF WATER FROM ALL DIRECTIONS LIMITED INGRESS. PROTECTED AGAINST TEMPORARY FLOODING OF WATER, E.G. FOR USE ON SHIP DECKS - LIMITED INGRESS PERMITTED.

It is important to look for a rugged tablet that is rated IP65 or higher. This is significant because the minimum requirement for computers to operate in most industrial environments is IP65, which protects against both dust and water.

4 5 6

PROTECTED AGAINST THE EFFECT OF IMMERSION BETWEEN 15 CM AND 1 M.

PROTECTS AGAINST LONG PERIODS OF IMMERSION UNDER PRESSURE.

For example, a tablet rated at IP67, such as Xplores new iX104C5CR (clean room) represents complete protection from dust and against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m of liquids. It is important to look for a rugged tablet that is rated IP65 or higher. This is significant because the minimum requirement for computers to operate in most industrial environments is IP65, which protects against both dust and water.

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

Just as IP ratings are important to the definition of rugged and ultra-rugged, equally important is the U.S. Defense Departments MIL-STD-810 rating. This rating allows users to predict the performance and service life of a device based on the environmental conditions it will encounter during normal operations.

Yet, according to VDC Research Group, only systems that achieve an IP54 rating or better can be considered fully rugged. There are not many systems that achieve this level of ruggedness, which provide, at a minimum, sufficient protection against dust to maintain satisfactory performance as well as from water that can splash against the enclosure from any direction.

MIL-STD-810 RATINGS
Just as IP ratings are important to the definition of rugged and ultra-rugged, equally important is the U.S. Defense Departments MIL-STD-810 rating. This rating allows users to predict the performance and service life of a device based on the environmental conditions it will encounter during normal operations. The standard includes an extensive set of test methods to assess effects of altitude, extreme temperatures, rain, humidity, sand, dust, shock, vibration and numerous other conditions. VDC Research also considers systems that conform to the MIL-STD-810 standard to be fully rugged. Among the various conditions that are tested under the MIL-STD-810G standards are those that involve: Operating temperature extremes in which the computer runs Storage temperatures Humidity Thermal shock Salt fog Altitude Contamination by fluids Contamination by fungus Solar radiation

There are other areas of testing as well, all of which are designed to subject units to the same stresses and conditions that would be experienced in real world situations. This includes such simple things as drops from 4 feet to concrete to 7 feet to concrete, intense vibrations, extreme temperatures, water immersions, and wind-blown rain simulations. All of these testing simulations are designed to insure optimum operability in the field. Some of the leading rugged computer manufacturers continue to make significant investments for inhouse environmental, reliability and emissions testing labs. In some instances, there can be continuous

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

Accelerated Life Testing and Accelerated Stress Screening on its rugged products during the design phases as well as ongoing regression testing from random production line sampling, which is a very important aspect of quality assurance. Many manufacturers may also undertake mechanical lifecycle stress testing on all key connectors, jacks and insertion points to maximize reliable lifetime operation of the computers. When considering a rugged computer some of the key questions to ask the manufacturer are what sort of testing is conducted on a regular basis to make certain that the computers are as rugged as possible.

WHICH INDUSTRIES IN PARTICULAR SHOULD CONSIDER RUGGED TABLETS?

are where rugged tablets are increase productivity. These There are many There workmany industrieswhere mobility is importantdeployed to the work is critical. Therefore,industries are in environments and where computindustries where ers simply must withstand the rigors of use and the conditions where the use occurs. Downtime is just not an option in these industries. Key industries where the deployment of rugged tablets is growing rugged tablets include: are deployed to increase proINDUSTRIAL ductivity. These Industrial areas such as agricul Work order management ture, warehouse/distribution, manu- Computer aided dispatch industries are facturing, oil and gas exploration, Facilities management in work environ- mineral exploration. Here tablets Workforce automation are being used in specific applica Service upgrades ments where tions such as: Inventory management and fulfillment mobility is impor Workflow and Safety Standards adherence tant and where the work is PUBLIC SERVICE critical. Work order management Public service areas including cable and utilities. Applications in these areas traditionally focus on: Computer aided dispatch Mapping (GIS) Facilities Management Workforce automation Trouble-outage management Service upgrades Equipment Tracking

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

The tablet PC provides key measurable benefits to front-line employees and field personnel by eliminating potential errors and reducing time commitments required for paper-based data collection, entry and manipulation.
GOVERNMENT
Government solutions which include federal, state and local governments. Market specific applications include: Border Patrol First responders Situational awareness Secure communications Environmental Resource Management GIS/Mapping Case work Records maintenance Inspections/Appraisals Code enforcement

GOVERNMENT
Government solutions such as military (Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard) where applications include: Situational awareness Flight line maintenance Special operations Command & control Mission planning Munitions guidance planning Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Military police operations

Potential industries considering the use of rugged tablets continue to expand as technology advances to allow greater reach into extreme environments. The tablet PC provides key measurable benefits to front-line employees and field personnel by eliminating potential errors and reducing time commitments required for paperbased data collection, entry and manipulation. Their use is aligning with emerging hosted and digitized applications in a better fashion. And,
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most importantly, their use has enabled better real-time decision making by providing more reliable access to data quickly.

Xplore Technologies found that customers using frontline tablet PC systems at the point of transaction (vs. paper) experience an average of a 22 percent increase in error reduction and productivity gains as high as 400%.

ARE RUGGED TABLETS THE APPROPRIATE FORM FACTOR FOR YOUR ENTERPRISE?
Rugged tablets are the best form factor for mobile employees who are involved in activities that take place in environmentally challenging situations. Whether indoors on a forklift with constant vibration; outdoors on a utility pole mapping assets in all sorts of weather conditions; or on an oil rig miles away from the shore a rugged tablet will stand up to the job. If an employee needs immediate access to data and the ability to transmit that data to others, a rugged tablet is the first form factor to consider.

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

Rugged tablets are the best form factor for mobile employees who are involved in activities that take place in environmentally challenging situations.
If your employees work outside, then it will be important that the screens be sunlight readable. Determine if the tablet will be in used in extreme tempratures such as a dessert or artic conditions.Will the tablet be around hazardous waste or chemicals? Whether they use a gloved hand or a pen. Some applications call for specific stylus input while others are used in conditions where the user is protected either in protective suits or weather-resistant clothing, thereby necessitating the ability to touch the screen. The ideal is having dual-input capability.

TABLET ENVIRONMENT

DATA INPUT

BATTERY LIFE

Mobile workers need to be able to use their tablets throughout the day and not worry about batteries dying. At a minimum, the battery should last at least 5 hours, or have swappable batteries Many applications that run on a rugged computer require system memory with the ability to support higher-end applications like GIS mapping and mission planning that require real-time capabilities, fast processing and superior graphics performance to render images. Look for a tablet that is built from the ground up that can support integration with your current system. For those who conduct business in the field or while mobile, system uptime and data integrity are imperative. One needs to consider both external protection as well as internal protection; data redundancy and technology leverage. Integration of technologies supporting WLAN, broadband, Bluetooth and dedicated GPS capabilities can be extremely important for those in the field who are communicating wirelessly. Dedicated, high performance external rugged GPS modules can connect reliably and securely are equally important when considering the transmission capabilities of a rugged tablet. The ability to repair a unit in the field or on-site, without sending the unit away for servicing is something that is becoming more and more important to rugged tablet users. This is extremely important for employees who are in locations that are not easily accessed or for whom not having their units would mean very costly down time.

PROCESSING ABILITY DATA PROTECTION

TRANSMISSION INTEGRITY

FIELD REPAIRABLE
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RUGGED TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE: AN OVERVIEW

CONCLUSION
Industry experts foresee the tablet form factor taking a huge bite out of the rugged notebook business in 2012. For this to happen manufactures will need to be attentive to customers requirements because in todays market businesses expect devices to adapt to their environment and not the other way around. Tablet computers are definitely advancing rapidly into the enterprise. As they do, IT managers and those who make the decisions on what hardware to deploy across that enterprise are more aware than ever of the need to have reliable systems while at the same time achieving the best total cost of ownership. The key is to choose products that provide the ruggedness, portability, flexibility and modular functionality to meet the specific needs of their operations now and in the future.

ABOUT XPLORE
Xplore is engaged in the business of developing integrating and marketing mobile wireless Tablet PC computing systems. The Companys products enable the extension of traditional computing systems to a range of field and on-site personnel, regardless of location or environment. Using a range of wireless communication mediums together with the Companys rugged computing products, the Companys endusers are able to receive, collect, analyze, manipulate and transmit information in a variety of environments not suited to traditional non-rugged computing devices. The Companys end-users are in markets that include utility, warehousing/logistics, public safety, field service, transportation, manufacturing, route delivery, military and homeland security.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information please visit www.xploretech.com For Media or U.S. Investor Information Contact: Martin Janis & Company, Inc. Beverly Jedynak Tel: (312) 943-1123 (Direct) Email:bjedynak@janispr.com

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