Have you
ever wondered how information specialists in Afghanistan are able to store,
manage, and communicate data to field units so that they can act on that
strategic information? Or, have you ever wondered how researchers in the Arctic
are able to manipulate meteorological data at the Pole? The technology that
allows this computing and management of data in exteremely severe conditions is
known as a rugged server.
A rugged
computer or server is specifically designed to operate in extremely harsh
conditions and rugged environments. They are built to withstand extreme
vibrations if they need to be used on heavy machinery or need to be built to
withstand the casual drop or mishandling.
Or, they
may be designed to withstand meteorological conditions, such as extreme
temperatures, execessively wet or excessively dry environments. A rugged
computer is engineered to withstand everything from underwater use for
underwater welders and ship builders, to civil engineers in Dubai working on
large scale construction projects.
Typically
this involves a design process that starts with a thorough examination of the
type of conditions the computer will be used in. This includes thinking about
how environmental conditions will effect not only the outer casing of the
server, but also the inner components, and need for cooling, or other
requirements. Typically, most ruggedized servers will share the same robustness
of design.
The most
common environment and industries where a rugged computer, be it a laptop,
tablet, or PDA, are used are in public safety and utilities, field sales and
service, manufacturing and production, military, and transportation. You may
also noticed rugged computers in hospitals and in some cases even in retail
locations.
They are
gaining popularity among agricultural companies, as well. Rugged computers have
also been in recreational use by individuals for over a decade in the form of
GPS devices for hunting and geo-caching.
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