Panasonic has announced the next generation of Panasonic COMPASS, its suite of enterprise management tools for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged tablets and handheld devices running the Android operating system.
The latest additions to the Complete Android Services and Security package include a new proprietary rapid configuration tool, enhanced security updates for up to 10 years after device deployment, as well as a Mobile Enterprise Application Platform and an application submission portal to certify new applications for Panasonic Android devices.
Rob Blowers, General Manager of Engineering and Project Management at Panasonic Computer Product Solutions Europe said, "our latest research shows Android tablet and handheld adoption for business use continues to grow although direct feedback from some of our customers suggests there is a still a concern specifically around security. However, with 60 per cent of device buyers saying Android is still being integrated into their organisations, the number of devices is expected to continue to rise over the next three years. Panasonic COMPASS 2.0 offers businesses everything they need to configure, deploy and manage their Panasonic rugged Android tablets and handhelds securely. It is designed to give businesses the confidence to take advantage of the flexibility offered by an Android operating system with the reassurance that Panasonic's devices are business-ready for applications, management and security."
Panasonic COMPASS consists of five essential elements for enterprises operating Panasonic Android rugged devices:
1. COMPASS Custom To enhance the user's experience straight out of the box and to provide devices with a company identity, COMPASS Custom offers multiple levels of Android Operating System (OS) customisation. These options range from changes to the basic look and feel of the OS, to a custom kernal with specific drivers, through to full access to the build environment.
2. COMPASS Air Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA) technology can be used for firmware updates, security patches, system application upgrades, and driver fixes using data connectivity. Updates are sent to Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices twice per year, as a standard, free-of-charge service for all devices.
Advanced FOTA is a chargeable service for organisations that require more control over updates. IT Managers decide when and which policies to deploy, and to which devices. Advanced FOTA also includes access to the Panasonic Software Component Management Object (SCOMO) feature which enables similar control over software components.
3. COMPASS Manager COMPASS Manager offers a number of different staging and remote device management tools, including Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) or Mobile Device Management (MDM) software licensing and certification.
4. COMPASS Security COMPASS Security is the complete lifecycle assurance and management solution for TOUGHBOOK Android devices, ensuring the mobile estate is fully protected and device performance optimised. COMPASS Security gives IT administrators the choice of how to deploy updates – locally or remotely via MDM, FOTA or Advanced FOTA – and continues well after product End of Life. The standard service provides on average 2 updates per year, continuing for 1 year after product End of Life. The premium service provides support for up to 3 years after product end of life and can be extended for up to 5 years, with more frequent patches, including support through OS transition, where applicable.
5. COMPASS for Enterprise
A range of tools for simplifying and ensuring enterprise devices are optimised for business use.