Wildlife Trust :: Press Release

Wildlife Trust Scientists Rely on Panasonic Toughbook Computers to Stay Connected in Tough Conditions

Panasonic's donation of rugged Toughbooks allows scientists worldwide to acquire field data to assist with their research linking ecosystems and human health.

SECAUCUS, NJ, and NEW YORK, NY, February 27, 2007 -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, today announced its support for Wildlife Trust, the premier international organization working to understand the links between ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Through the donation of rugged and reliable convertible tablet PCs, Panasonic is enabling the important work of Wildlife Trust field scientists around the world.

Wildlife Trust is a pioneer in Conservation Medicine, an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies the relationships between human and animal health and environmental conditions. Wildlife Trust scientists and their partners were responsible for discovering the true reservoir of the SARS virus, a key factor in halting the disease's spread. Wildlife Trust scientists are currently working on projects that range from preventing the spread of Avian influenza to integrating research into feasible management and planning decisions for manatee sanctuaries.

Scientific fieldwork requires reliable computers designed for mobility. Researchers need durability, connectivity, a long-lasting battery and a daylight-readable screen, all features standard to the rugged Toughbook. The Toughbook CF-18 convertible tablet, though certified to military environmental testing specifications, weighs less than 5 lbs., making it an easily managed and lightweight field computer.

"The work we do every day expands the boundaries of human understanding of nature's complex interrelationships. Because our work takes us into extreme environments, we also push the envelope when it comes to mobile technology," said Dr. Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust. "We've learned that not every computer is up to the task of field work. Wildlife Trust scientists have experienced hardware failures, poor screen readability, and insufficient battery life. By contrast, Panasonic's reliable mobile computers allow our teams to focus on conducting research, not managing information technology."

"The challenges faced by Wildlife Trust scientists in the field are similar to those faced by our Fortune 1000 and government customers every day," said Marca Armstrong, marketing director, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Alone against the elements, downtime is not an option. We are honored to be able to aid in Wildlife Trust's scientific mission by providing the reliable tablet PCs that keep them connected."

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its ToughbookÂ® line of notebook computers for fourteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to semi-rugged and business-rugged thin and light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users - from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses - rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.

Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in the metropolitan New York area, Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

Media Contact:
Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469