Developments in mobile computing, communication, data transfer, and modular electronics are converging. Visionary manufacturing, software, telecommunications, integration, design and instrumentation companies are starting to work together. What triggered this revolution? With rapid advances in computer technology, it is now possible to put powerful hardware and software applications into a small hand-held package. As a result of such advances, anyone who needs to create a dedicated instrument can now take a huge leap forward by combining powerful off-the-shelf mobile computing platforms with readily available PC card technology, or by embedding their own custom hardware. Combined with the latest open architecture, robust mobile operating systems and a multitude of software providers creating vertical applications, the cost savings and time to market that can be achieved have never been better. Until now, the dilemma was to either face the cost of design and manufacturing a complete instrument (including the enclosure) from scratch, or try combining a laptop PC with off-the-shelf PC card technology. Unfortunately, neither option satisfies both the cost and performance/ fit for purpose requirements of today's mobile instrumentation marketplace.
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