Periodically, we ask industry leaders in the rugged computing and communications market questions about their products, their views, and their opinions on trends, emerging technologies and a variety of other issues.

RuggedPCReview: Tell us about Getac, its product line-up, and its overall market position in 2020.

Rick Hwang, Getac: To begin with, Getac stands out from the crowd as a manufacturer focusing purely in rugged solutions. Getac offers the broadest range of truly rugged laptops and tablets ranging from seven-inch to 15.6-inch sizes, most of them powered by Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. Getac also offers rugged mobile servers. These high-end devices aren't just products; they're the basis of comprehensive solutions that let Getac's customers achieve business outcomes.

Originally formed as a joint venture with GE Aerospace in 1989 to provide defense electronic products, Getac today offers rugged notebooks and tablet PCs not only for the military but also for the automotive and process industries, public safety and emergency services, and utility, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, and natural resources, transportation, and logistics customers. Its parent company, MiTAC-Synnex Business Group reported annual revenue of US$40 billion in 2019.

Getac introduced the Getac Select program in 2019. The Getac Select® program is tailored for industry needs. It combines preconfigured rugged devices, software, accessories and professional services into a series of solutions that are optimized for individual applications and user groups. Each solution draws on extensive customer feedback and Getac's deep industry experience to create a particularly advantageous combination of products and services that can't be found anywhere else as a single offering.

For example, solutions designed for the oil and gas industry are intrinsically safe with ATEX & IECEx Zone 2/20 certification. Getac also offers devices that are ANSI/UL certified which can be used in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.

RuggedPCReview: How can technology help in the current global pandemic?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Technology has an important role to play in helping to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Research shows that the virus can live for days on some surfaces, and cleaning devices is exceptionally important. This means it's critical to have laptops and tablets that can be comprehensively cleaned without compromising exposed electronic parts.

Getac notebooks and tablets include port covers and doors, which can be closed to seal the device and prevent water or cleaning fluid ingress. The next-generation Getac UX10-IP (in which the IP stands for Infection Prevention) is purpose-built for the unique needs of emergency medical services and other healthcare professionals, as well as for businesses where devices are shared and need to be cleaned to prevent the spread of diseases. The UX10-IP features fully sealed buttons and ergonomic design makes frequent cleaning fast and simple.

Getac technology also helps reduce the risk of infection spread by allowing massive deployment without physical contact. Getac partners with Microsoft to support and provide Windows Autopilot, a cloud-based service to preconfigure, reset, and recover computing devices. Enteprise customers with Microsoft Azure Active Directory Premium accounts can deploy this service on their Getac rugged computers. This overcomes the time-consuming process required to load custom enterprise configuration files to endpoint devices. Getac takes care of device registration and deploys hardware devices directly to the appointed locations. This means users can get up and running without ever coming into physical contact with the IT team, and frees up IT professionals' time for strategic infrastructure planning.

RuggedPCReview: How do you foresee the rugged computing industry over the next five years?

Rick Hwang, Getac: The rugged computing industry is moving from a product focus to a solutions focus. Getac Select® is a clear example of this, providing complete industry-specific solutions from hardware and software to services and consulting.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G connectivity will combine to make mobile devices even more integral to daily tasks across a wide range of occupations. Getac offers for example 5G-compatible products that let AI applications be applied at the edge, leading to faster and more responsive productivity.

Another example of new technologies applied to our solutions would be the recently announced integration of LiFi technology to rugged mobile devices. This milestone made Getac the first manufacturer to bring integrated LiFi technology. This innovative approach has several benefits over RF-based technologies including improved privacy and security, superior connection quality and extremely low latency. As a result of the combination between LiFi and rugged devices unlocks new application for Automotive, Defense, Manufacturing and Public safety industries.

RuggedPCReview: What sets Getac apart from its primary competition and what specific value propositions does Getac offer?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Getac has more than 30 years of rugged innovation history with more than 300 full-time engineers dedicated to designing products to meet the challenges of the mobile worker and support customers end-to-end through the scoping, planning, development, deployment, and maintenance stages.

• Fully rugged laptops certified to stand up to rain, dust, shock, vibration, salt fog and withstand temperatures from -29°C to +63°C (-20°F to 145°F).

• Expertise in magnesium alloy and impact-resistant polymer manufacturing lets us build a rugged computer that can withstand a up to six-foot drop, bumps, and other impacts while operating.

• Laptops and tablets are water resistant up to IP67, which means they are protected in water.

• Unique Bumper-to-Bumper warranty with accidental damage as standard. No waiting for estimates and approvals, and no surprises like additional labor or parts costs.

Getac is vertically integrated and transparent in the supply chain and controls some of our devices' key components. Getac makes its own motherboard, batteries and LCM modules. It produces co-polymer mechanical components and owns its magnesium alloy factory.

Getac works closely with its partners to deliver a fully integrated eco-solution that includes excellent hardware, mounting solutions, vehicle power solutions. Getac is also a strategic Microsoft partner. Getac co-develops and co-creates with its docking partners. It also offers installation services. Getac also co-works directly with the Intel and Microsoft and has very secure sources for key components and software.

Getac designs its own products from the ground up and manufactures them in its own factories. Through its global branch offices, and more than 1,600 distribution, reseller, ad technical support partners worldwide, Getac helps customers reduce the total cost of ownership and increase efficiency.

Getac uses an internationally recognized, independent testing, engineering and evaluation laboratory to certify that its products meet or exceed the MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461G and IP ratings.

RuggedPCReview: Some customers choose "tablets in a case" over inherently rugged devices. How do you see that?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Devices that are born to be rugged are infinitely more reliable and offer a lower total cost of ownership compared with consumer tablets. A VDC Research report from 2018 says that Getac's rugged laptops and tablets are 2.9 times less likely to fail than consumer devices. This, combined with Getac's unique Bumper-to-Bumper warranty, means users have peace of mind that their device will not let them down.

Getac's born-rugged devices include certifications such as ATEX, ANSI/UL (optional with additional seals, protected port designs, etc.), and IECEX, making them eminently suitable for use in harsh and dangerous environments. Consumer devices aren't similarly certified.

Getac devices fully stand up to rain, dust, shock, vibration, and some have an optional salt fog certification. They're not affected by extreme temperatures as consumer devices are, and they're built to be easy to use in any environment, including full sunlight and damp conditions.

Getac devices include enterprise security including the latest Microsoft authentication tools, Intel Authenticate, optional vPro®, TPM2.0, Bitlocker and optional fingerprint reader, RFID, smart card or Windows Hello Webcam that serve different verticals including defense.

With a new charger and added rear camera, plus hot-swapping batteries for limitless power, Getac fully rugged devices offer a computing solution that consumer devices just can't compete with.

RuggedPCReview: There is confusion over the terms "semi rugged," "rugged," "fully rugged," "ultra rugged," "enterprise rugged" and several others. What are your definitions, and what do they mean for your customers?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Getac's devices are all built to be rugged from the ground up. Getac offers semi-rugged devices that have a slightly lower drop rate and IP ranking of IP53 versus IP65 and higher for fully-rugged devices. Fully-rugged devices will stand up to rain, dust, shock, vibration and, optionally, salt fog. They are certified to a higher level and can withstand operation in hazardous and hostile locations.

For example, our newly launched, fully rugged laptop, the B360, sets a powerful new benchmark for innovation in the rugged computing industry. Engineered for survivability in extreme conditions, the B360 will stand up to rain, dust, shock, vibration, and has an optional salt fog certification. This fully rugged laptop is MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G and IP66 certified to withstand temperatures from -29°C to +63°C (-20°F to 145°F) and a six-foot drop while operating. The B360 meets ANSI/UL 121201, CSA C22.2 NO. 213 standards for class I Division 2 hazardous locations, giving confidence to those in hostile environments.

For us, terms such as "ultra-rugged" or "enterprise rugged" do not provide any additional information to users.

RuggedPCReview: How do you see the respective roles of Windows and Android in the rugged tablet markets?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Both are good platforms, with Windows gaining the edge because of its enterprise security. Android continues to grow quickly, however. Windows tablets are familiar to most users and compatible with most applications. Windows offers tablet mode and standard mode, the deployment and setup process is fast, and there is strong support from Microsoft.

Android, meanwhile, is improving its security capabilities and offers a lightweight, easy to adapt system. It uses the same platform as non-rugged mobile devices, making it familiar and easy to use.

RuggedPCReview: Getac used to offer rugged handhelds, but not anymore. Does the massive global smartphone market (i.e. everyone is familiar with handhelds and Android") present (new) opportunities for Getac?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Getac customers overwhelmingly request larger screens to accommodate more complex tasks that benefit from having more screen real estate available. Getac's seven-inch tablets penetrate in the handheld market.

RuggedPCReview: Wireless connectivity — PAN, LAN, WAN — is ever more important in rugged computers. How does Getac address the need for reliable, seamless wireless connectivity?

Rick Hwang, Getac: Getac provides end users with exceptional connectivity with fast WLAN Wi-Fi 6, which is three times faster than previous generations. Users also have a choice of latest-generation Bluetooth 5.1, WWAN 4G LTE and GPS. Some new Getac machines are fully engineered for 5G. Getac's advanced technology lowers power consumption while delivering high speed connectivity.

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Rick Hwang is President of Rugged & Video Solutions Business Group at Getac. He held prior executive and management positions at Intel, Gemtek Technologies, and Intrinsic Software Corporations. Mr. Hwang holds an MBA degree in International Marketing from Baruch College.