Motorola Releases Rugged Business Phones

	Motorola's ruggedized MC55 EDA line (click for larger image)

Motorola announced a pair of Windows Mobile smartphones that are aimed at enterprise users who need a rugged electronic digital assistant.

The MC55 EDA line is not as sleek as some other smartphones, but it makes up for that with its combination of connectivity and productivity features. The MC5590 is meant for businesses that need handsets that generally stay indoors, as it's Wi-Fi only. For voice connectivity, the handset is capable of making VoIP calls over a wireless WAN or wireless LAN, and it can support a softphone client for integrating into an IP PBX. The MC5577 has most of the same features as the MC5590, but it's also capable of making cellular calls.

Both handsets use a Marvell XScale processor and are powered by Windows Mobile 6.1. The handsets can receive push corporate e-mail, as well as edit documents. Both feature a 3.5-inch touch screen, but only the MC5574 has a full QWERTY keyboard for sending e-mails and messages.

The latest MC55 handsets also have Bluetooth and a microSD slot for expanding memory, and can get about six hours of talk time. The handsets are also compatible with Motorola's ecosystem of accessories, including a bar-code scanner, digital camera, and a 2-D scanner.

"The MC55 illustrates Motorola's ability to help mobile workers work without boundaries, with robust connectivity to mission-critical business applications in a compact business-class device," said Bob Chen, VP of Motorola's mobile computing division, in a statement.

The MC55 line is available worldwide through Motorola PartnerSelect members and Motorola sales, and price will depend on the volume ordered. The handsets come with a comprehensive service plan that covers damages and includes support.

Smartphones are increasingly allowing enterprises to boost the productivity of its mobile workforce, but questions still remain about security. InformationWeek wrote a report on how to lock down sensitive data when it's on the move, and the report can be downloaded here.