SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonim Technologies, maker of the world's toughest smartphones for extreme environments, today launched its Ultra-Rugged Developer Network, a superior platform for developers to enhance the reliability and usability of apps in extreme work environments.

The platform is targeted at best-in-class app developers who focus on rugged-workforce productivity and safety. It offers Sonim's Sentrify Android API extensions on the company's recently launched XP6 and XP7 models, the most open and programmable ultra-rugged LTE Android smartphones.

Sentrify APIs available to developers from the Sonim Ultra-Rugged Developer Network provide the following capabilities:

• Do not uninstall an app;
• Do not disable GPS;
• Auto restart after crash;
• Do not force quit an app.

Additional APIs will also be available to control the Yellow Application Key as well as for Sonim's proprietary XPand Interface, which allows partners to integrate hardware extensions and accessories directly onto both XP6 and XP7.

"Police and fire departments, oil and gas companies and logistics and transportation providers have told us that consumer apps and BYOD approaches do not meet their needs for the management and reliability of mission-critical apps for their workforces," said Jay Maniar, Sonim's Senior Director of Corporate Development.

"Our Ultra-Rugged Developer Network provides the resources, APIs and support for developer partners to build ultra-rugged apps that — when combined with our devices — will not fail and will be easy to use in the most extreme situations," he said.

The XP6 and XP7 are essential components of Sonim's solution for people who work in extreme environments. Both devices come equipped with dedicated hard buttons that enhance worker productivity. These include push-to-talk, a feature that cuts connection time and creates a safer and more productive work environment with near instant two-way communication at the touch of a button.

The Sonim XP6 and XP7 meet Sonim's Rugged Performance Standards, achieving IP68 and IP69 ratings and going far beyond MIL-SPEC certifications.

Smartphone features that provide peace of mind to enterprises and their workers include an extra-loud speaker up to 103 decibels, which is significantly louder than the Samsung Galaxy S5 at 66 decibels; noise cancellation; a powerful 4,800 mAh battery that's more than twice as big as an iPhone 6 battery; the ability to withstand a drop of 6.5 feet onto concrete and being submerged in 6.5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Both devices also have a screen that can be viewed in direct sunlight — a critical feature for everyone working outdoors.

In addition, the XP7 is outfitted with a large-glove touch screen that can be used easily with dirty or wet work gloves. The XP6 provides a numeric keypad in addition to a touch screen providing the best choice for workers familiar with Land Mobile Radio (LMR) devices.

A robust suite of industrial-grade accessories, such as remote speaker microphones, car kits and headphones, complete the solution.

Sonim's initial partners in the Ultra-Rugged Developer Network include:

Cisco Systems IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) for push-to-talk

"Cisco and Sonim have worked together to optimize the Cisco Instant Connect application for the dedicated PTT button, extra loud audio and range of PTT audio accessories. Our solution is being tested by a large U.S. DOD agency and is also targeted at public safety agencies, manufacturing, oil and gas and utilities globally," said Pankaj Srivastava, VP of Software Solutions and Platforms at Cisco.

MSA, the global leader in safety products that protect people and facilities

MSA's ALTAIR 5X Multigas Detector is widely used by field workers in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, as well as the utility and telecom industries.  "With a Bluetooth connection through an intrinsically safe Sonim device, gas alarms can now be delivered with GPS positions through Sonim's cloud directly to industrial control rooms," said Thomas Muschter, Vice President of Global Product Leadership at MSA.

Associate PLEDGE from PortNexus limits unsafe use of mobile devices for enterprise drivers

"PortNexus is proud to partner with Sonim on bringing a best-in-class distracted driving agent to industrial enterprises. Utilizing Sonim's Sentrify Enterprise Runtime platform, we allow enterprises to ensure our application cannot be disabled or uninstalled – a critical aspect in limiting unsafe driving," said Steve Jones, CEO of PortNexus.

Actsoft's Comet Suite takes the guesswork out of managing fleets and mobile employees

"Serving industrial enterprises is the cornerstone of our business and our customers finally have an ultra-rugged device that can keep up with mobile workers. Combining Sonim's industry-leading battery and Sentrify's Auto-Restart after Crash API, Actsoft allows enterprises to track fleets through multiple shifts without worrying about battery life," said Trent Cherin, Vice President of Technology at Actsoft.

MTech effectively optimizes service for the hospitality industry

"Having worked with Sonim for many years, our HotSOS Rex platform allows hospitality organizations to work smarter and provide better service. While not 'traditionally rugged', the hospitality industry takes advantage of key features on the Sonim smartphones, including the dedicated push-to-talk button and the extra-load audio," said Luis Segredo, President, MTech division of Newmarket International Inc., an Amadeus company.

Drakontas team collaboration tool DragonForce empowers teams to share information in real-time

"DragonForce provides teams a common operating picture allowing them to plan, communicate and act more quickly, safely and effectively. Pairing our application with an ultra-rugged device like XP7 creates a solution that truly meets the needs of our law enforcement customers," said James Sim, President of Drakontas.

Developers can start making their apps ultra-rugged by visiting http://developers.sonimtech.com.

ABOUT SONIM TECHNOLOGIES
Sonim Technologies (http://www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of mission-critical solutions designed specifically for workers in extreme, hazardous and isolated environments. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business-process applications and a suite of industrial-grade accessories, collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability and safety on the job site. Sonim's industry-leading, 3-Year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., and offers its products with mobile operators around the world.

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SOURCE Sonim Technologies