The use of tablet technology is growing rapidly, specifically in information sensitive verticals such as industry and government. Custom application software, rugged tablet design, and creative hardware additions make the tablet one of the most favored devices for mobile workers but how does security factor in?
Military and Government
In the government sector as well as the military, security is even more crucial than in commercial industry verticals. Consumer-grade tablets come with accessible operating systems and when reset to factory default configuration, can be easily reused or sold, making the issue of potential theft a serious concern when planning on tablet deployment.
Built to Last
The tendency of consumer grade tablets to require constant updating from outside sources, and their obsolescence over time mean high replacement costs to say nothing of tablets damaged by severe work environments. Rugged tablets are designed to last with durability that stands up to most challenges in the field, including extended temperatures, high humidity, vibration, impact, drop, liquid contact, sand/dust, and more.
Security
Security at multiple levels inside military and government organizations is also simplified with rugged tablets, as access card readability allows users to access only the information they are cleared to see. Closed networks allow for safe, secure data transmission and communication. Tablets designed to work only within a secure network are a better choice than consumer grade since they cant be reconfigured to default and treated as new.
Consumer Repackaging Not Sufficient
Consumer grade tablets are not sufficient for use in the field for many reasons, no matter how the actual physical tablet is repackaged for a more rugged look. Issues include the following:
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Insufficient ruggedness that addresses only drop and impact scenarios
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Feature mismatch, and inability to mesh fully with other devices and protocols
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Office to field failure, with lack of sunlight reading or water resistance
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Short life cycles, as upgrades and changing tech cause obsolescence
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Low levels of security that even use in a closed network may not resolve
Rugged tablets allow for device customization at the hardware, operating system, and application levels. Custom hardware and software results in a mobile device that takes the hard knocks and continues to perform with stellar marks for mobility and security.