Windows 11 and Procurement Dominate at the Emergency Technology Show

There was a sense of urgency at this year’s annual Emergency Technology Show for the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK team, as looming Windows 11 migration, and a multitude of procurement challenges kept blue-light decision makers busy.

written by: Will Holmes, Business Manager for Public Sector at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK

Windows 11 Leads the Agenda

As we predicted, the approaching deadline for migrating to Windows 11 – before Windows 10 reaches end-of-life – was part of nearly every conversation I had in Birmingham. With budgets always tight, fleet and IT managers are under tremendous pressure to minimise disruption when replacing or upgrading devices, whilst ensuring that frontline crews can take advantage of the security and performance advantages that Windows 11 offers.

With many yet to start or complete the move, it’s only natural they are concerned about the security, monetary, and software compatibility issues that could arise from using out-of-support software.

This is where Panasonic TOUGHBOOK offers comprehensive support for emergency services customers making the transition. This maximises operational readiness, and security, whilst minimising costs.

Changing Public Sector Procurement

The Procurement Act 2023, enforced in February 2025, has been designed to create a simpler, and more flexible procurement process. It gives authorities greater freedom to design procurement processes that fit their exact needs. This also increases organisations’ reporting obligations around accountability and transparency during the procurement process.

However, many in emergency services are still navigating what is proving to be a complex transition process. They are simultaneously trying to educate themselves on how to ensure compliance with the new regulations, whilst operating best-of-breed solutions on the frontlines.

It was evident at the Emergency Technology Show that this complexity is leading to longer procurement cycles, as decision makers proceed cautiously. This is coming amidst technological deadlines and operational challenges, such as the migration to Windows 11, creating a perfect storm of competing priorities and challenges to overcome in a short period of time.

This is where investing in fit-for-purpose solutions for lengthening procurement cycles is worth their weight in gold. Where public money is concerned, it’s crucial to choose a future-proof solution that will maximise return on investments, whilst minimising total cost of ownership.

Customised Solutions Instead of Hardware

In 2025, the number of tailored, in-vehicle emergency services solutions exhibited on the Panasonic stand – and others – was greater than I’ve seen in recent years. This indicates a continuing trend; decision makers are exploring ways to solve specific problems with tailored solutions, instead of simply purchasing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.

This is why Panasonic focused exclusively on demonstrating in-vehicle solutions with our docking partners. It enabled visitors to visualise exactly how rugged TOUGHBOOK devices – such as the G2 EMS, and 33 2-in-1 detachable tablet – would look and operate in situ. This enables end users to quickly and easily access the data they need in the field.

For those personas within local authorities who are not normally at the forefront of deployment decisions, I sensed that viewing our solutions firsthand was a big advantage. This is where Panasonic’s vehicle integration services sparked thought-provoking discussions around recent deployments, such as those with The AA and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Whether emergency services teams need access to vital ePCR software, or an added layer of security with fingerprint readers, seeing really is believing when it comes to Panasonic’s emergency services solutions.

A Different Way of Doing Things

Whilst most of the discussions focused on Windows 11, many were also curious to learn more about our partnership with Red Hat.

Amidst recent high-profile cybersecurity incidents, operational resilience and continuity is top-of-mind. Therefore, the defence-level security offered by TOUGHBOOK – the only rugged device certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux – is a compelling proposition for rapid decision-making and data access during incidents.

A One-Stop-Shop in Emergency Services

Our position within the dedicated Emergency Technology proved extremely helpful for visitors. This allowed them to seamlessly move between Panasonic’s stand and its partners – such as Motorola, Centerprise, SCC, and CDW – to discuss a range of topics and solutions that will make a real difference to their day-to-day operations.

No other event offers the access to such a broad spectrum of blue-light decision makers like the Emergency Technology Show does. From longstanding partners to fleet, procurement, and IT managers – and students entering the industry – the annual event features the who’s who in emergency services technology.

Roll on 2026!

Find out more about Panasonic’s emergency services solutions

Windows 11 and Procurement Dominate at the Emergency Technology Show

Windows 11 Leads the Agenda

Changing Public Sector Procurement

Customised Solutions Instead of Hardware

A Different Way of Doing Things

A One-Stop-Shop in Emergency Services

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