of its Information Anywhere® Suite's Afraria® management and security solution for the Panasonic Toughbook® U1, the first rugged ultra mobile PC (UMPC) to integrate the new low power Intel® Atom™ processor. The U1 reinvents handheld computing by integrating robust features previously only available on a full size Toughbook PC in a rugged UMPC form factor that can be used anywhere.

“Sybase iAnywhere continues to lead the mobile device management and security space through its comprehensive, unique approach of proactively protecting mobile workforces from increasing security threats,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The combination of Sybase iAnywhere’s Afaria management and security solution and the U1 enables companies to turn walking workers into knowledge workers equipped with an ultra-mobile computing solution within a rugged package for maximum durability for the environment in which they work.”

Afaria, a core component of the Information Anywhere suite, provides comprehensive management and security capabilities to ensure that mobile data and devices are up-to-date, reliable and secure. With Afaria, IT has the level of control and visibility required to proactively manage and secure multiple device types, applications, data and communications critical to frontline success, regardless of the bandwidth available. Additionally, with the new release of the Toughbook U1, Sybase iAnywhere will extend its longstanding support of Panasonic's Toughbook line with its industry-leading mobile and embedded database, SQL Anywhere®. This will provide mobile workers with extensive data management and exchange technologies that enable applications for frontline environments without onsite IT support.

“We are very pleased to continue our strong partnership with Panasonic and ongoing support of its successful line of Toughbook PCs,” said Bernie Prusaczyk, senior director, channel sales, Sybase iAnywhere. “Both companies have made it a priority to fulfill specialized customer needs in various vertical market segments and together we share the common goal of increasing mobile field worker productivity through highly functional, reliable and secure solutions.”

Unlike most handhelds, the Toughbook CF-U1 operates on the full-function Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems, giving users unprecedented remote access to feature-rich software applications in the field. The CF-U1 features a thumb-friendly and always-accessible backlit QWERTY keyboard that makes data input fast and easy. State-of-the-art Panasonic LCD technology enables sunlight viewability with low-power, white LED backlighting. Its fanless all-weather design also reduces noise, weight and eliminates points of failure; its twin, long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries enable battery replacement without disrupting operation; and its magnesium alloy chassis delivers protection from bumps and drops of up to 4 feet. The solid state drive contributes to reliability, while also expanding the CF-U1’s operating temperature range.

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic Toughbook U1 UMPC will be available worldwide in August, 2008. In the United States, the base U1 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

Sybase Information Anywhere Suite's Afaria management and security solution for the Panasonic Toughbook® U1 is immediately available.