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The Company
Since 1967, Birkel Electric has provided full-service industrial and commercial electrical contracting services throughout the St. Louis area and has been a customer of Sonim Technologies since January 2020.

The Challenge
As a commercial and industrial electrical contracting company with over 90 electricians, Birkel Electric needed mobile devices that not only provided reliable connectivity, but that were rugged enough to meet the demands of their industry.

“I was receiving at least two calls per month that an employee’s phone was not working,” said Kathy Davidson, Office Manager at Birkel Electric. “Our old phones would not hold a charge, the speakers were not working, screens would go blank, battery easily died, and one drop off a ladder and it would break in 15 pieces. It was a perpetual challenge to keep the devices running.”

The Solution
After realizing that their previous rugged devices weren’t doing the job, Birkel Electric contacted their representative at Sprint in search of a more rugged and reliable smartphone. Sprint provided them with a Sonim XP8 to test out for one week. By the end of that week the Birkel Electric team was sold, they placed an order, and never looked back.

“I will attest to the fact that in the six months we have had these devices, I have not received a single call from our employees regarding a phone problem,” Davidson said. “That is huge to our company. If I could give it 100 stars I would.”

The Benefits
By switching to the Sonim XP8 Birkel Electric was able to increase their team’s productivity, in turn saving time and money. “It is important for the phones to work due to the need of communication between employees, job foreman, office, supply houses etc.,” said Davidson. “When the communication stops, it costs us money.”

In addition to the benefits of now having the industry’s most ultra-rugged smartphone, Davidson explains the positive experience she had with Sonim’s customer service team.

“We unfortunately had an employee who passed away and his child wanted to keep her dad’s phone. I was searching the internet for a Sonim phone as a replacement thinking I could find a refurbished one and transfer the number. I came across the Sonim site and sent an email to the customer service asking if they would sell phones direct, giving a brief summary of my situation. We corresponded several times and Sonim offered to replace the phone at no charge. I was in total disbelief that a company would have the compassion to help us. This is the type of customer service others should strive for! Sonim has raised the bar.”

For more information on Sonim’s devices please visit https://www.sonimtech.com/products/devices/

The SonimXP8 is ultra-rugged, ultra-smart and ultra-loaded with tough features, productivity tools and unrivaled support that delivers communication you can count on. Built to perform in extreme environments, the XP8 is as durable as it gets.

Change your view of what rugged can do by reviewing the following XP8 features in this infographic:

• SonimWare applications
• Rugged Performance Standards
• SonimCare and 3-year comprehensive warranty
• XP8 compatible accessories

SonimWare: Sonim’s comprehensive software that puts the Ability in Durability

Today we announced the launch of SonimWare, our Enterprise Mobility Software designed to help customers more easily deploy, manage and support mobile devices in the field. Available on the ultra-rugged XP3, XP5s and XP8, SonimWare removes common mobility impediments and simplifies and enhances the enterprise and user experience. It enables device provisioning, management and support, while providing a comprehensive set of advanced control capabilities for devices.

SonimWare is made up of several components to seamlessly enable enterprise mobility: Sonim SCOUT, a free, intelligent software solution for device configuration, management and support; Sonim Scan, a 1D/2D barcode scanning application that turns Sonim smartphones into flexible scanning devices; and Sonim CLOUD, a web-based administration console.

“Over the last two years, Sonim has introduced a number of software applications, utilities and tools, based on customer input, to meet the needs across a range of mission-critical applications for enterprises and agencies,” said Sonim CMO John Graff. “By encapsulating all this functionality as part of our SonimWare Enterprise Mobility Software, we are making it easier for our customers to understand the full value of the rugged mobility solution made available by Sonim. SonimWare provides the flexibility to customize devices across the organization to fit each user’s needs, and provides additional productivity features to users including managing contacts, restricting calls and blocking access to certain apps and features.”

SonimWare capabilities include:

• Device Provisioning and Deployment: enables IT administrators to customize and deploy large numbers of devices from office workers to field workers who have different needs.
• Application Management: allows enterprises to customize and optimize device screens, keeping things simple for users and allowing access to only those apps which are work or productivity related.
• Enterprise Security: as part of Google’s Android Enterprise Recommended program, Sonim meets a set of strict requirements, including regular security updates. Additional SonimWare utilities can be used to secure and/or lock down devices, and limit access to apps and device features.
• Productivity and Safety Tools: built on the enterprise-grade Android operating system, Sonim devices deliver ease-of-use and have access to a global ecosystem of support for many applications. SonimWare productivity utilities include contact transfer, BLE connect, call screening and stealth mode.
• Remote Diagnostics and Support: enables field workers to self-diagnose and troubleshoot issues and get the most out of their rugged device.

Key features:

• Setup Wizard enables fast, efficient setup, deployment and customization.
• App Updater allows for quick, easy and remote application updates so users are equipped with the latest tools.
• Kiosk Mode customizes device screens to optimize usage to apps and features that are productivity related.
• SafeGuard offers enterprise control over which apps and features are used and ensures those used are work-related.
• Contact Transfer allows device contacts ​for voice calling and text messaging to be managed over-the-air.
• Call Screening blocks unwanted incoming calls and messages and restricts outgoing calls and messages to contacts.
• MDM Helper easily manages and controls device features critical to enterprises.
• Remote Support enables Sonim to offer immediate and comprehensive device guidance in real-time.
• SonimCare enables quick and accurate self-diagnosis through functionality tests, and troubleshooting tips and tricks.
• Stealth Mode allows quick and easy control over notifications, sounds, display and LED when entering quiet environments.
• Remotely lock or factory reset lost devices.
• Block operating system updates until they have been tested (and approved by the enterprise).
• Deploy custom configurations for device hotspots and ensure the hotspot is launched on device boot.

To learn more about SonimWare Enterprise Mobility Software, click here.

The Company
The South Walton Fire District’s Beach Safety Division has been a Sonim customer since 2019. The Beach Safety division was established in 2006 and services 11 Public Regional Beach Accesses across 26 miles of beach in Walton County, Florida. Currently, the Beach Safety Team consists of nine full-time command staff and 65 – 80 seasonal staff. In addition to Emergency Medical Services, the South Walton Beach Safety Division is constantly monitoring the water conditions and weather forecast to provide the most accurate and timely water and surf information possible.

The Challenge
In a dynamic outdoor environment, it’s crucial that lifeguards have reliable and durable communication. David Vaughan, South Walton Fire District’s Beach Safety Director, had repeatedly seen significant equipment failure in the saltwater environment that his team consistently operates in.

“Every other phone we had previously tried would go down within months of the first seasons use,” said Vaughan. “This was a major issue when it came to communication operations. We not only needed to find a lifeguard proof phone, but we also needed technological capabilities to gather and analyze data and provide real time communications with sophistication.”

As the EMS provider for South Walton County, the Beach Safety Division was also seeking a smart phone with EMS related GPS mapping that allowed them to effectively respond to emergencies in a timely manner; Push-to-Talk reliability; and volume and alert features for rescue and EMS incidents.

The Solution
After speaking with an AT&T representative and conducting research on Sonim products across multiple departments, the Beach Safety Division decided on the Sonim XP8. “The XP8s have performed consistently for two full seasons,” said Vaughan. “The phones take a beating daily and have performed very well overall. We like most that they are still in service and have made equipment warranty issues and replacement devices a secondary in-season concern. We recently had a tourist fish out a Sonim device lost on a JetSki patrol in mid 2019. We dried the device off and turned it on to find it fully functioning after a year of being underwater.”

The Sonim XP8 is built with industry-leading Rugged Performance Standards in mind. It’s waterproof, has a military 810G rating, Non-Incendive Class I, II, III, and Div 2 ratings, and can cancel background noise with 100dB+ speakers making it the perfect ultra-rugged device for lifesaving situations and outdoor conditions.

Dedicated OneTouch Push-to-Talk capabilities included with every XP8 is a necessary feature for quick emergency communication. The ability to power remote speaker microphones without additional batteries is also a crucial feature for the public safety industry. Large, tactile, and intuitive PTT, SOS, volume buttons, and controls make communication easy and error-free.

In addition to providing lifeguards with the durability and connectivity necessary to do their jobs, the XP8 can be paired with SCOUT, Sonim’s proprietary device-provisioning and management application that is included in each XP8, to allow lieutenants and officers to manage and control their team’s devices more efficiently. Sonim also partners with an assortment of worker productivity focused applications that make it simple for teams to get the most out of the device.

The Benefits
By providing a durable and feature-rich smartphone solution, the XP8 increased the Beach Safety Division’s productivity and helped them continue to focus on the safety of beach goers. “We are very, very pleased with our Sonim experience thus far,” said Vaughan. “The removable batteries, available repair components, and warranty are really crucial. We consistently try to gear up our crews with tools that help them excel and Sonim has just quietly become part of that culture.”

Sonim understands that serving, protecting, and providing for others demands a smart device you can rely on. Backed by our comprehensive 3-year warranty, the XP8 is the ultra-reliable, ultra-rugged smartphone that’s built to provide those who serve with the smart communication they need, regardless of situation or environment.

Contact a Sonim representative today to learn how you can equip your team with an XP8.

This new handsfree mobile solution helps public safety and frontline workers stand up to COVID-19.

Sonim Technologies and IASUS Concepts have teamed up to provide public safety and frontline workers battling COVID-19 with a complete hands-free communications experience on Sonim’s XP8 and XP5s handsets.

“With the increased use of PPE in public safety and healthcare due to COVID-19, hands-free communications solutions are essential to help frontline workers make it through the day,” said Tom Wilkinson, CEO, Sonim Technologies. “This combined with the ability to thoroughly and properly disinfect your mobile devices and accessories is essential to reduce the spread of this virus and other pathogens.”

The IASUS STEALTH Bluetooth Throat Microphone is the world’s first and most advanced of its kind. Unlike regular microphones, throat mic’s convert audio signals from vibrations on the neck, which make it the ideal communication system when wearing full-face and N95-rated respirators. The microphone has a fully modular system with a variety of headset options and a special “lights out” STEALTH mode for tactical missions. It can also be safely and quickly released from neck.

With the SNIPER PRO II Heavy Duty Wired Throat Microphones, first responders can communicate handsfree with integrated Push-to-Talk (PTT) support on the XP8 and XP5s, while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The large dome PTT button can be worn under clothing or protective gear and activated easily with gloves. For more precise PTT control, there is an optional finger PTT that can be fitted inside the glove for quick access and virtual “handsfree” activation.  Both PTT options were designed to be used without compromising the ability to use both hands simultaneously, ideal for tactical and mission critical operations.

The STEALTH PRO II like the STEALTH, also enables communication when wearing full faced and N95 respirator masks, now standard issue to all EMS and medical workers.

Following are key features demonstrating compatibility with Sonim’s XP8 and XP5s:

• Sonim’s SecureAudio interface allows the SNIPER PRO II Wired Throat Microphone to be physically secured to and powered by the XP8 and XP5s, features that are only found on Sonim devices.
• Ability to pair the STEALTH Wireless Throat Microphone via Bluetooth 5.0 BLE to XP8/XP5s.
• Fully charged, the IASUS/Sonim solution enables 10 hours of talk time and 250 hours of standby.

The current Coronavirus outbreak is making mobile hygiene critical to frontline workers. To minimize the risk of contamination, Sonim devices and the STEALTH and SNIPER PRO II microphones can be rigorously cleaned and sanitized with bleach and isopropyl alcohol as needed.

“IASUS is pleased to be an official accessory partner of Sonim,” said Carl Foo, managing director, IASUS Concepts. “Sonim products are engineered for extreme communication conditions as are IASUS bespoke headsets. Combining the two creates the perfect ultra-duty total solution.”

For more information on Sonim ultra-rugged devices, visit: www.sonimtech.com. To see the IASUS throat microphones and Sonim devices in action, click here.

RAM Mounts Launches a new powered and keyed locking cradles for Sonim’s rugged handsets.

Sonim Technologies and RAM^® Mounts have teamed up to launch spring-loaded powered and locking cradles compatible with the XP8 and XP5s ultra-rugged handsets. This solution is ideal for public safety, transportation and field service installations to ensure devices are at the ready at a moment’s notice.

The combination of Sonim handsets and RAM Mounts support safe and productive transportation, providing increased accuracy of vehicle and driver data, simplified vehicle inspections and critical driver information for compliance with mandates established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“The Sonim RAM Mounts solution helps facilitate compliance to Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulation, which requires every commercial truck operating on U.S. highways and roads to have an electronic logging device to record hours of service,” said John Graff, CMO, Sonim Technologies.

Following are key features demonstrating compatibility with Sonim’s XP8 and XP5s:

• Single-handed docking, locking, and charging of phone
• Phone screen accessible while in the cradle holster
• Access to buttons and accessories like microphone attachments
• 2-hole AMPS mounting pattern compatible with RAM^® B and C size bases
• Backed by 3-year warranty on phone cradle and lifetime warranty on mount

In addition, the current COVID-19 outbreak is making mobile hygiene critical to frontline workers. To minimize the risk of contamination, Sonim devices and RAM^® Mounts can be cleaned and sanitized with bleach, isopropryl alcohol, and other disinfectants as needed—critical for high-touch use cases such as school and public transportation.

Sonim’s ultra-rugged RDK provides quick connectivity to cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, LMR, and Satellite systems.

The RDK-3 is an all-in-one, portable communication solution designed to provide emergency and public safety teams with reliable access and connectivity, in even the most dangerous and remote mission-critical situations. Housed in a rugged carrying case, the RDK-3 contains four Sonim XP8 Android smartphones, Cradlepoint wireless router, 15.6 Ah battery and a Bluetooth enabled battery monitoring system to maintain power in emergency situations. Cellular, GPS and Wi-Fi antenna create a 300-foot “connectivity bubble,” establishing reliable communications wherever the RDK is deployed.

“Wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters pose communication challenges for first responders ranging from limited or no access to a network to lack of expertise required to set up network connectivity, “ said John Graff, CMO, Sonim Technologies. “The RDK-3 can be transported easily to remote locations and deployed quickly by first responders without the need for extensive training or IT experience.”

Following are key features of the RDK:

• Compatibility with leading Push-to-Talk (PTT) applications
• Mobile operator agnostic
• Supports public safety networks, including FirstNet
• FirstNet Ready® Cradlepoint wireless router provides a Wireless Wide-Area Network (WAN) that can intelligently route traffic across LTE (two SIMs) or satellite links, and Wi-Fi connectivity for XP8 handsets, PCs, tablets and other equipment
• Optional intelligent failover to reliable satellite capability via Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) enables communication when no other coverage is available
• Bridge PTT and LMR communications with the optional JPS Interoperability Solutions RSP-Z2 Gateway, which provides a direct connection for up to 2 land mobile donor radios, to manage and control LMR communications from XP8 handsets (RDK-3i only)
• Extend coverage and range with optional Rajant Kinetic Mesh® BreadCrumbs®

The RDK-3 has been deployed in hospitals, power plants, and with state and federal agencies throughout the U.S. It is ultra-rugged and human-portable, with wheels for easy handling and transport. The RDK-3 includes a battery monitoring system, external power options and PoE LAN ports for external devices.

To see the Sonim RDK-3 in action, watch this video. For more information on Sonim RDK, visit: https://www.sonimtech.com/products/RDK/.

The TRICS microphone is compatible with both land mobile radio and Sonim’s XP8, XP5s, and XP3 handsets. 

Sonim Technologies has partnered with Savox to launch the Tactical Radio and Intercom Controller System (TRICS®) for enhanced situational awareness, compatible with Sonim’s XP8, XP5s and XP3 handsets. 

TRICS is compatible with up to four devices, including radios, smartphones/LTE devices, intercoms, and Sonim handsets. TRICS is designed for military special forces, tactical teams, and first responders working in mission critical operations. 

“Interoperability between land mobile radios (LMR) and LTE cellular handsets is a key need for mission critical communications,” said John Graff, CMO, Sonim Technologies. “The TRICS RSM provides a single interface to support both a land mobile radio and Sonim handset. Sonim and Savox are providing an inherently safe and reliable communications solution to meet this need.” 

The following are key features of TRICS that are compatible with Sonim’s XP8, XP5s and XP3: 

• Sonim’s SecureAudio interface allows the wired TRICS to be physically secured to handset. 
• Wireless TRICS can seamlessly connect to Sonim handsets via Bluetooth. 
• A range of headsets and hearing protection available to support different mission types.
• The user can combine radios, smartphones, other LTE devices and vehicle intercom systems to ensure mission appropriate communication channels. 
• Compatible with leading Push-to-Talk (PTT) applications. 

TRICS is a versatile and flexible communication system geared towards high risk mission critical operations. It includes dynamic audio routing, enabling users to choose the best audio options for the mission to ensure the level of situational awareness required. TRICS’ voice amplifier function allows communication while wearing protective gear like respirators or CBRN suits. It is completely software controlled, allowing customer specific configurations to fit the user requirements. A voice prompted menu offers ease of use and quick adjustment. Mute/silent buttons allow for discrete use and silent approaches. 

“Savox TRICS meets the communication demands of special missions. It is an easy-to-use system, specially designed according to MIL standards, keeping in mind the various communications needs, tools and channels, and special communication requirements of the users,” said Sami Paihonen, CTO, Savox Communications. “TRICS broad compatibility also reduces the overall gear and weight carried on the body of users.” 

To see the Savox TRICS in action, click here. For more information on Sonim ultra-rugged devices, visit: www.sonimtech.com. 

Over 99% of mobile devices are contaminated with potential pathogens. At Sonim, we’re committed to delivering solutions that can be sanitized to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

COVID-19 is making it more important than ever to prioritize sanitation. While masks and hand washing are important steps to keeping each other safe, it’s also important to remember to disinfect one of our most used accessories, our mobile devices.

Mobile devices can transmit pathogens if not cleaned and disinfected properly. Research has proven that, even in a hospital environment, over 99% of mobile devices are contaminated with potential pathogens. At Sonim, we’re committed to delivering solutions that support and serve those who serve us — that includes solutions that can be safely sanitized to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Only Sonim’s ultra-rugged mobile devices can be sprayed, submerged, and rigorously cleaned in soap and water or harsh chemicals, like isopropyl alcohol or even bleach, to ensure they are fully disinfected, and no pathogens are transferred.

When comparing smart phones, it’s important to determine whether your phone can simply be wiped down, or if it can be fully disinfected. Over the last few years an increasing number of other mobile device brands have evolved their Ingress Protection rating to IP-68, meaning they are resistant to dust (the “6”) and to water submersion for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter (the “8”). Thus, you might think when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting these devices, it is not a problem to wipe or spray a cleaner directly onto the device. However, the instructions for cleaning that same water-submersible device will say, “only use a damp cloth,” “avoid getting moisture into openings,” and “do not use household cleaners, aerosols, or solvents… as they may damage the device.”

All Sonim devices can be easily disinfected and under-go a rigorous four-step chemical-resistance test that includes:

1) Applying chemical agents such as isopropyl alcohol, bleach and water mix, dishwasher detergent, Benzalkonium Chloride, glass cleaner, acetone, and gasoline directly to the Sonim device.

2) Each chemical outlined above is placed on the Sonim device for up to 24 hours.

3) The device is put into an over set at 50 degrees Celsius for two hours.

4) The device is then inspected for any improper operation or damage.

Beyond our internal testing, many of our customers have successfully subjected their own Sonim devices to several other jaw-dropping experiments that further prove the durability of our devices. Examples include:

• A full immersion of the Sonim XP8 in hydrogen peroxide for one hour with no impact on operation.
• A full immersion of the Sonim XP8 and XP5s in jet fuel, with the goal of seeing how many hours the devices would last. The Sonim devices lasted several days, fully immersed and fully operational while competitive products only made it a few hours.
• Running a Sonim device through a regular dishwasher cycle.

If sanitization and communication are critical in your industry, it’s important to have a device you can count on. Sonim sets the bar for rugged devices, providing your team with ultra-reliable communication tools that serve their job, health, and safety every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn how you can equip your organization with a Sonim device.