"The US government is the world's largest purchaser of IT products. FOSE continues to be a showcase for the latest in technology offerings for the government - and in particular, products that meet the government's demanding requirements for scale and security," said Wyatt Kash, editor in chief of Government Computer News. "With so many quality submissions, we struggled to narrow down the 2008 GCN 'Best of FOSE' winners, suggesting once again, the degree of technology innovation that companies are focusing on for public sector applications."
During FOSE, April 1-3, 2008, GCN's editors and technology analysts reviewed more than 100 products including the General Dynamics Itronix GoBook MR-1, which was showcased at the Ridgeline Technology booth. Winners were chosen based on four criteria: innovation, usability/applicability to government, relative performance based on specifications and value.
"We are not surprised that the GoBook MR-1, a key component of our rugged computing solutions portfolio, was selected as a winner in the Best of FOSE awards," said Melissa Payton, director of sales and marketing, Ridgeline Technology. "The GoBook MR-1 is ideally suited for our government customers who need computing devices that can adapt to a variety of usage scenarios, whether in helicopters, transport planes, and combat vehicles or deployed on a battlefield. Our partnership with General Dynamics Itronix helps us provide our customers with innovative, best-in-class solutions they can rely on for their mission critical activities."
"The ultra-mobile, lightweight GoBook MR-1 is designed to serve users in virtually all conditions and operating environments where portability may be crucial to getting the job done, or even survival, making it ideal for government use," said John Schneider, Business Unit Director at General Dynamics Itronix. "The fact that the GoBook MR-1 has been recognized by GCN's Best of FOSE Awards proves that it truly is built with innovation, reliability and the end user's requirements at the forefront."
About the General Dynamics Itronix GoBook® MR-1
Rugged from the ground up, the GoBook MR-1 ultra-mobile notebook combines the power of Windows® XP or Vista® with exceptional durability, performance, multi-wireless capability and outdoor screen clarity in a compact form factor. The GoBook MR-1 is a two-pound, full-function rugged notebook measuring 4.3 inches by 6 inches, allowing users to work on a portable, lightweight, reduced-footprint machine wherever duty takes them and without sacrificing any of the features of a full-size rugged notebook. An Intel® Core Solo 1.2 GHz processor gives the GoBook MR-1 the power to leverage multi-threaded applications and boosts overall speed and performance. The GoBook MR-1 is built to manage multiple, embedded wireless radios including simultaneous WLAN, PAN, GPS and WWAN, with seamless roaming for uninterrupted coverage. To accommodate the varied needs of government users, the GoBook MR-1 is engineered with stackable expansion module architecture for flexibility in integrating additional functionality. The MR-1 also features unparalleled outdoor viewability with the new patent-pending DynaVue™ touchscreen display technology developed by General Dynamics Itronix.
About Ridgeline Technology
Founded in 2005, Ridgeline Technology is headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA. Ridgeline is a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) and HUBZone-certified company offering dependable alternatives to government and enterprise organization's computing requirements including power management, scalable storage, and security protection. For more information visit www.ridgeline-tech.com.
General Dynamics Itronix Expands Channel Partner Program to Deliver Best-in-Class Rugged Mobile Computing Product Solutions and Services
ACES Channel Program Designed to Help Resellers Increase Revenue and Market Share
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - General Dynamics Itronix has introduced the ACES Channel Program to offer greater support for resellers of its rugged computing products and services. The company has established a global network of resellers and distributors located across North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
Designed to help computer resellers increase revenues and market share in the rugged computing market, the ACES Channel Program delivers an array of new elements to General Dynamics Itronix business partners. An enhanced deal registration program now offers volume incentive discounts. A significant investment has been made in a lead generation program to increase the number of qualified leads for its partner network. The company's warranty and service programs have been simplified, making them easier to understand and easier for partners to sell. Marketing support has been expanded via a comprehensive marketing toolkit, a new and enhanced partner web portal and company store.
Business Partners Voice their Support
General Dynamics Itronix partners were introduced to the ACES Channel Program at the company's annual Business Partner Summit in March 2008.
Robert Urben, business development manager for BlueStar, a leading distributor of mobility products, said, "The General Dynamics Itronix ACES Channel Program provides us with the right resources to meet our customers' needs for reliable, innovative rugged computing solutions. We look forward to continuing our distribution partnership and enhancing our collaboration with General Dynamics Itronix, which will help us more effectively meet the growing demand for rugged mobile computing solutions."
Christina V. Rother, group vice president for CDW-G, a leading provider of information technology (IT) solutions to governments and educators, said, "CDW Government Inc. (CDW-G) and General Dynamics Itronix have developed a successful relationship over the years and one firmly anchored in the shared philosophy that the customer comes first. The new ACES Channel Program is the next logical step in both the expansion of our engagement with General Dynamics Itronix and continued focus on serving the diverse needs of our customers looking for rugged computing solutions."
Steve Kendry, sales manager, Click-Into, a provider of innovative technology solutions for government and business in Canada, said, "General Dynamics Itronix is a valued partner when it comes to offering customers such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police rugged computing solutions they can count on to support their mobile workforce requirements. With the ACES Channel Program, we look forward to continuing our partnership and delivering the best in quality products and service to an expanding customer base."
Dave Matson, vice president of sales for Telos Corporation's Secure Networks Group, which has provided innovative IT solutions and services to the federal government for more than 30 years, said, "General Dynamics Itronix has put together a solid channel partner program from end to end, which makes doing business with them efficient and straightforward. Our partnership enables us to position and sell products seamlessly to customers such as the U.S. Air Force, who demand absolute reliability and assurance that their mobile computing equipment can withstand the rigors of military use."
The ACES Channel Program is designed to provide comprehensive pre- and post-sales support for all Dynamics Itronix rugged computing solution. Elements include:
- Lead referrals and sharing
- Strategic sales support
- Technical and sales training
- Dedicated channel sales manager and inside sales support
- Pricing discounts
- Deal registration
- Demo equipment
- Technical and services support
- Marketing support
"We recognize that our valued channel partners play a significant role in our company's growth and long term success," said John Schneider, a business unit director for General Dynamics Itronix. "With the newly introduced ACES Channel Program, we are committed to an even stronger relationship with our partners by offering greater support through an aggressive lead referrals program, discount incentives and comprehensive marketing tools. We view our partners as an extension of the General Dynamics Itronix team and by giving them our full support we can all be more successful in driving best-in-class rugged computing products and services."
About General Dynamics Itronix
Based in Spokane Valley, Washington, General Dynamics Itronix is a world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing solutions for mobile workers, offering a full range of field computing systems including laptops, ultra mobile notebook PCs and tablet PCs. The company distinguishes itself in the market through technological innovation, superior implementation capabilities, and exemplary customer support services. General Dynamics Itronix maintains facilities in England, France, Canada, and Taiwan. General Dynamics Itronix is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.gd-itronix.com.
About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
