San Mateo, CA – Sonim Technologies, maker of the world’s toughest smartphones for extreme environments, has created a communications and information platform for first responders and public safety agencies who face mission-critical situations every day. To date, nearly 100 Android application developers and accessories vendors have joined the newly formed Ultra-Rugged Developer Network. As a result, several pilot programs with police and fire departments have successfully launched across the United States with more planned over the course of 2015.
“It is critical that as FirstNet becomes a reality and as such the use of broadband becomes more and more prevalent, smartphones, applications and accessories must work together toward the common of goal of serving first responders. At Sonim, we are taking the first steps in creating an open consumer-off-the-shelf platform of new and vibrant solutions,” said Bob Plaschke, CEO of Sonim.
Traditionally it has taken years for public safety applications to come to market, with this new platform, applications can be developed and deployed as quickly as first responders think them up. The Sonim solution begins with ultra-rugged smartphones, paired with accessories to allow for more effective and efficient communication and integrated with value-added applications.
“Sonim has put in the time and resources to build a complete end-to-end solution that provides first responders nationwide with a plan for best communication practices, utilizing the latest FirstNet-ready technology,” said Colin McWay, President of Mutualink. “Their new rugged smartphones are purpose-built for extreme work environments, but what really separates Sonim is their initiative and investment in understanding what it takes to deliver an ecosystem that includes the network, the device and multi-agency, multimedia collaboration applications.”
From a software development perspective, Sonim is taking the necessary steps to open their platform and offer resources to the best-in-class app developers who focus on public safety. The platform offers Sonim’s Sentrify Android API extensions which include features such as “do not disable GPS” and “do not force quit an app.” These types of features allow applications to run the way developers intended them to run. A user in a demanding environment will not have to worry that their applications will fail in mission-critical situations.
“The idea of integrating devices, applications and accessories for public safety, isn’t a new one. What makes what Sonim is doing different, is that they have created a truly open platform built on the very latest technologies to empower first responders and get them ready for a world where FirstNet is a reality,” added Michael Helfrich, CEO of Blueforce Development.
Sonim’s current application and accessory partners include:
Developers can start making their apps ultra-rugged by visiting http://developers.sonimtech.com.
About Sonim Technologies
Sonim Technologies (http://www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of mission-critical solutions designed specifically for workers in extreme, hazardous and isolated environments. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business-process applications and a suite of industrial-grade accessories, collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability and safety on the job site. Sonim's industry-leading, 3-Year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., and offers its products with mobile operators around the world.
About Mutualink
Mutualink, Inc. has developed an interoperable communications platform that enables community-wide multimedia sharing of radio, voice, text, video, data files and telephone communications in a secure environment. Mutualink’s system is currently deployed by hundreds of public and private entities worldwide, including homeland security and defense installations, NATO Special Operations Forces, police and fire departments, schools and universities, transit authorities, hospitals, shopping malls, casinos, and more. Mutualink is a privately-held company headquartered in Wallingford, CT, with R&D facilities in Westford, MA and Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and Defense Services office near Washington, DC. For more information please visit www.mutualink.net.
For More Information & Further Inquiry:
Beth Clay, Mutualink, Inc.
Phone: (203) 774-3474
Email: BClay@mutualink.net
Candice Perodeau, Rainier Communications
Phone: (508) 475-0025 x112
Email: mutualink@rainierco.com