Panasonic and Qualcomm Team Up to Offer Gobi On All New Toughbook Notebooks
- Qualcomm's New Global Mobile Internet Solution, Combined with Panasonic-developed Software Interface, Allows for Seamless Connection Management to 3G Broadband Internet -
SAN DIEGO and SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook(R) computers, today announced it will offer Qualcomm's new Gobi(TM) global mobile Internet solution in its entire line of rugged laptops. Toughbook mobile computers featuring the multi-mode Gobi solution can take advantage of high-speed mobile Internet services offered by leading network operators in virtually all parts of the world.
In addition, two of Panasonic's Gobi-enabled, fully rugged laptops, the convertible tablet Toughbook 19 and flagship Toughbook 30 notebook, have received certification from Verizon Wireless for use on its CDMA2000(R) EV-DO network.
With Gobi-enabled Toughbook portable computers, mobile workers benefit from the worldwide high-speed data capabilities of multiple cellular broadband networks, while IT managers can streamline their operations by leveraging a single hardware and software solution for all of their nationwide and global branch office locations.
The combination of the embedded Gobi solution and Panasonic's Carrier Selection Application software enables Toughbook laptops to operate on both CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS) wireless networks and allows seamless network selection within a single device. Gobi's software-defined modem saves IT managers from having to physically remove notebooks from the field to make changes, which simplifies operations and management of field assets and helps maintain business continuity. Should a network change become necessary, Panasonic's connection manager software's intuitive "point-and-click" interface enables field workers to connect seamlessly to new mobile broadband networks in geographic areas where their usual wireless service provider might not offer coverage.
"Adopting Gobi as the sole 3G mobile broadband technology for our new products allows Panasonic to provide our customers with reliable and innovative wireless connectivity," said Victoria Obenshain, director, wireless strategy, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "In addition, the certification of our fully rugged Toughbook notebooks on the Verizon Wireless network reflects our successful integration of Qualcomm's Gobi radio and our newly developed Carrier Selection Application designed to optimize the customer mobile broadband experience. Our expertise, combined with the experience of Qualcomm and our operator partners, will result in a new era of freedom and flexibility in mobile data access."
"For mobile and enterprise users, the need for widely available access to the Internet has become critical to productivity. Gobi technology allows for flexibility and efficiency in managing global mobile broadband access," said Mike Concannon, senior vice president, product management, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "Toughbook rugged laptops with embedded Gobi technology will offer IT managers and mobile workers the benefits of flexible service options, global roaming and a growing base of Gobi-compatible mobility software, such as Panasonic's Carrier Selection Application."
The Gobi-enabled Toughbook 19 and Toughbook 30 laptops will be available exclusively through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide beginning in October 2008. Panasonic anticipates it also will secure Gobi certification from Sprint. The company plans to introduce Gobi technology into all of its mobile computing products by the end of the first quarter of 2009.
For more information about Gobi, please visit http://www.gobianywhere.com.
About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook(R) line of notebook computers for fifteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial-strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to business-rugged thin-and-light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users-from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses-rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and is a 2008 FORTUNE(R) 500 company. For more information, please visit http://www.qualcomm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of Gobi components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed with which Gobi-enabled Toughbook computers become commercially available, the extent and speed with which Panasonic introduces additional Gobi-enabled products, change in economic conditions of the various markets that Qualcomm serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in Qualcomm's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007, and most recent Form 10-Q.
Qualcomm is a registered trademark and Gobi is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA USA). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Qualcomm Contacts:
Carla Vallone, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies
Phone: 1-858-651-8557
Email: qctpublicrelations@qualcomm.com
Emily Kilpatrick, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com
John Gilbert, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: ir@qualcomm.com
Panasonic Contact:
Aida Causevic, Cohn & Wolfe
Phone: 1-415-365-8537
Email: aida.causevic@cohnwolfe.com
SOURCE Qualcomm Incorporated
Released September 10, 2008