Army acquires ruggedized combat computer tablets
Notebook-maker Getac is partnering with Trivalent to offer NSA-certified security on combat tablets.
The U.S. Army has ordered nearby 10,000 new F110 G3 rugged computer tablets designed to transmit combat-relevant information in high-threat environments.
The notebooks are made by Getac, a firm which has announced a partnership with Trivalent, which makes security software.
By partnering with Trivalent, Getac hopes to offer enhanced security technology to the Army through a NSA-certified data protection technology. The software incorporates Data Alchemy, a program designed to render the data unusable by any unauthorized party.
Trivalent uses an encryption and shredding approach as a way to secure storage on a device or in the cloud.
The move to acquire Getac tablets is part of a Pentagon-wide effort to acquire and integrate more quickly commercial technology. The idea, DOD developers explain, is to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and ensure that government developed products are not obsolete by the time they become operational.
The F110 offers what could be an interim solution to fill a temporary void for the Army, because the service has several tablet-like technologies in development over the next few years. One of them is called “Nett Warrior,” a hand-held display for commanders in combat showing moving digital maps, graphic icons and other fast-changing battlefield data.
Nett Warrior uses an emerging Army technology known as Joint Battle Command – Platform, a next-generation force tracking systems for both vehicles and dismounted units on the move; it represents the developmental trajectory sought by the Army which seeks to integrate advanced software for its emerging systems. The idea is to develop systems based on IP standards so they can quickly be upgraded as innovations occur.
In keeping with the commercial tech emphasis, the Army has chosen the F110, a mobile tablet which uses 4GB of RAM, Windows 10 and an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. It also uses a smart card and barcode reader along with a fingerprint scanner and GPS technology.
The F110 also features an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display with LumiBond 2.0, which allows for a sunlight-viewable touchscreen panel that can be operated with gloves on.