Evaluating Handheld Computing Devices For Support Of DoD Operations

The U.S. military was one of the earliest adopters of handheld computers, and is today one of the largest users of the devices. DoD personnel all over the world use wireless handheld computers to take inventory of supplies and equipment, record inspection and maintenance data, manage shipments and support other military operations. Many of these activities take place in remote locations that require specialized, ruggedized mobile computers. While the handheld computers need to be specialized, they also must be standardized to meet the DoD's specific and demanding information technology (IT) requirements, including the "Gold Disk," Information Assurance (IA) security standards, DoD 8100.2 specifications and DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGS).