SAIC Rolls Out PDA Technology for Military Field Units

By the time the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) ends on December 5, Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) will have rolled out its newest PDA technology. SAIC's newest venture will provide a talking- PDA version of the military's most complex manuals for use by troops in the fields of battle. SAIC Vice President and division manager Bryan Cole expressed his belief that wearable and embedded training devices represent the future of training and instruction for both governmental and business organizations. In a statement released by SAIC, Cole said, "Unlike the days when people had to travel to a few select sites to receive the training they needed, [these devices] puts the ability to train in the palms of their hands." The announcement follows recent studies by Sage Research Group that revealed mobile access to CRM and training solutions were in demand and by Avantgo that suggested that PDAs could aid in CRM implementation acceptance. As the U.S. government and military looks for ways to improve the effectiveness of its forces, more and more technology is being tested for integration into a soldier's standard equipment. According to an editor at NASA Tech Briefs magazine, NASA and other government agencies have been testing equipment for the next generation of military hardware for the past several years. The wearable PDA that SAIC has designed is reportedly capable of delivering detailed military manuals complete with images, animation, and video, as well as display detailed maps of a region. Following the events of 9/11, and stemming from the nation's current war on terrorism, more and more companies are applying technology designed for consumers into military and homeland security related areas.