Panasonic working with Microsoft to build new handheld devices for enterprise

Panasonic has today announced at the National Retail Federation 2014 expo that it's currently working with Microsoft to introduce enterprise-class mobile hardware using Windows Embedded 8 Handheld. This collaboration will enable the company to further expand its product portfolio with new handheld devices for businesses, rocking Microsoft's enterprise features.

Windows Embedded 8 Handheld is the latest generation of Microsoft's platform for business mobile devices, based on Windows Phone 8. What this means is customers will be able to utilise enterprise-grade security and manageability, as well as full Windows Phone 8 app compatibility, opening up solutions such as Dynamics AX, Lync and Office.

Panasonic Logo

Garrett Clarke, Senior Product Manager of Windows Embedded Handheld at Microsoft, commented the following on the announcement:

"Our collaboration with Panasonic to deliver Windows Embedded 8 Handheld devices is a key element in delivering the power of Windows Phone 8 to enterprises in handheld devices designed for industry specific scenarios. From security and manageability to application compatibility across devices, the Windows Embedded 8 Handheld platform combined with Panasonic’s innovative device portfolio and tools will support end to end integrated solutions for enterprises as they drive their businesses into the future."

Panasonic will look to release hardware for a wide range of retail applications, including mobile POS, supply chain and operations management and customer service. The company also showed off its 7-inch Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet running Windows 8.1 Pro, touted as the thinnest and lightest 7-inch full Windows tablet available (with a wide variety of retail apps, including mobile POS).

Source: Yahoo!

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.