US : AT &T and Psion Teklogix have announced that Psion Teklogix' WORKABOUT PRO is now available for use on AT&T’s BroadbandConnect and EDGE networks. The WORKABOUT PRO is the first UMTS/HSDPA-enabled rugged device to be introduced in North America.

Under this alliance, sales teams from both AT&T and Psion Teklogix will sell the mobile computing device to customers throughout the U.S. Using the WORKABOUT PRO, mobile employees can collect and interact with data no matter where they are by leveraging the AT&T BroadbandConnect network, which is based on the global 3G standard and currently is available in more than 165 major metropolitan areas across the U.S. Field forces and mobile staff can forgo timely visits to their corporate offices to download information or submit orders because the solution allows them to transmit data while on the move. The joint solution helps companies increase worker productivity, achieve greater operational efficiency, and it provides enhanced flexibility to end users.

“With the AT&T-powered WORKABOUT PRO, our customers now have an industrial-strength solution for their mobile workers that gives users fast, 3G-grade access to a wider array of higher bandwidth applications while withstanding the rigors of a variety of harsh environments,” said Laura Johnson, senior director-Enterprise Solutions, for AT&T’s wireless unit. “This will allow their employees in the field to get more done more quickly, which translates into a higher level of customer service.”

The new solution enables companies to extend even more of their back-office systems and technologies throughout their mobile workforce. Having the opportunity to conduct business transactions at the point of activity gives organizations a significant competitive advantage. In addition, AT&T’s UMTS/HSDPA network provides the data flow and speeds required to conduct mobile communications beyond the four walls.

"Teaming with AT&T supports our overall strategy to expand our roster of rugged mobile computing solutions in the U.S. market," said Ron Caines, president, Americas at Psion Teklogix. "Having an exclusive arrangement with AT&T for the WORKABOUT PRO provides our customers with greater options and ensures that we meet their specific mobile computing needs."

The WORKABOUT PRO combines flexible ergonomics and user-friendly interfaces in one rugged wireless device. With an IP54 rating, the WORKABOUT PRO is sealed to withstand rain and dirty conditions, and it is also rated to resist 26 drops from four feet onto concrete. Along with an unparalleled degree of modular customization and flexibility options, the WORKABOUT PRO can be tailored to any user’s unique needs.

In addition, the WORKABOUT PRO offers a range of simultaneously supported radio options, including WWAN (GSM/GPRS/,EDGE/,UMTS/HSDPA), WPAN (Bluetooth®), WLAN (802.11b/g) and GPS. It is also available with either a Microsoft Windows CE.NET 4.2, Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 SE or Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 operating system. Combined with Psion Teklogix’ many bar code scanning options and portable printing solutions, the WORKABOUT PRO allows enterprise users to run advanced applications both within and beyond the four walls.

AT&T’s 3G BroadbandConnect network is on the global standard for wireless GSM. BroadbandConnect provides average downlink data speeds of 400 – 700 Kbps with bursts to more than 1 Mbps, and uplink speeds can reach 384 Kbps. This gives users the ability to download a 1MB file in about 15 seconds on average. When traveling outside the BroadbandConnect coverage area, the WORKABOUT PRO seamlessly enables service on AT&T’s nationwide* EDGE network, which is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along some 40,000 highway miles.