Wildlife Trust Scientists Rely on Panasonic Toughbook Computers to Stay Connected in Tough Conditions

Panasonic's donation of rugged Toughbooks allows scientists worldwide to acquire field data to assist with their research linking ecosystems and human health.

SECAUCUS, NJ, and NEW YORK - February 27, 2007 - Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, today announced its support for Wildlife Trust, the premier international organization working to understand the links between ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Through the donation of rugged and reliable convertible tablet PCs, Panasonic is enabling the important work of Wildlife Trust field scientists around the world.

Wildlife Trust is a pioneer in Conservation Medicine, an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies the relationships between human and animal health and environmental conditions. Wildlife Trust scientists and their partners were responsible for discovering the true reservoir of the SARS virus, a key factor in halting the disease's spread. Wildlife Trust scientists are currently working on projects that range from preventing the spread of Avian influenza to integrating research into feasible management and planning decisions for manatee sanctuaries.

Scientific fieldwork requires reliable computers designed for mobility. Researchers need durability, connectivity, a long-lasting battery and a daylight-readable screen, all features standard to the rugged Toughbook. The Toughbook CF-18 convertible tablet, though certified to military environmental testing specifications, weighs less than 5 lbs., making it an easily managed and lightweight field computer.

"The work we do every day expands the boundaries of human understanding of nature's complex interrelationships. Because our work takes us into extreme environments, we also push the envelope when it comes to mobile technology," said Dr. Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust. "We've learned that not every computer is up to the task of field work. Wildlife Trust scientists have experienced hardware failures, poor screen readability, and insufficient battery life. By contrast, Panasonic's reliable mobile computers allow our teams to focus on conducting research, not managing information technology."

"The challenges faced by Wildlife Trust scientists in the field are similar to those faced by our Fortune 1000 and government customers every day," said Marca Armstrong, marketing director, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Alone against the elements, downtime is not an option. We are honored to be able to aid in Wildlife Trust's scientific mission by providing the reliable tablet PCs that keep them connected."

For more information about Panasonic Toughbooks, visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook.