In the market for… rugged smartphones

Earlier this year, Bryan Bassett, senior research analyst at IDC, predicted that by 2023, three million rugged mobile devices will ship annually. “The number of rugged mobile devices being shipped worldwide is increasing, as enterprise organisations look to mobilise larger segments of their workforces with more durable and more capable devices,” he said.

This increased demand is being felt across the radio communications industry. John Curtis, vice-president of sales at Samsung, said: “Many organisations, including the public sector, are in the midst of technology refreshes, and looking to automate and digitise manual systems and workflows. Rugged mobile products can play a key role, as they provide a central device that enables seamless, secure access to software and apps while in the field.”

Andy Wilson, managing director at Syndico, recalled a recent visit to a well-known restaurant chain, where the waiter was using a consumer smartphone to take orders. The device didn’t even have a protective case and, noting the hard floors in the restaurant, curiosity got the better of Wilson. He asked what happens if the device is accidentally dropped on the floor. The waiter joked that it would smash into a thousand pieces! How did they know this? Because it happens regularly.