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Q: How are you guys managing or blocking porn on the field systems? I have one employee that has infected his computer three times to the point that it’s useless. Management has suggested we look at software that will provide content filtering for the field systems. Suggestions?
Jim Gaba
Technology Manager
Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc.

A: Using McAfee’s Total Protection (Saas), comes with Web Filtering feature. We were previously using Symantec Endpoint, yet with so many users remote and away from the domain it made it updates difficult.
Jeff Sowell
Project Engineer
Charter Construction

A: We use ScanSafe. All Internet traffic is routed to them first. On the laptops we use the ScanSafe Anywhere + product.
Jerry Humble
Director, IT
Penhall Company

A: We own Websense subscription and set it up at our field offices on W2003 or W2008 server. We use it integrated with Cisco PIX or ASA firewall (entry level units)
Bruce L. Roberts
Network Administrator
J.F. White Contracting Co.

Q: We do not utilize tablet technology in the field and are exploring various hardware/software technologies for a pilot project coming up. I'm interested in hearing testimonials from others with project personnel (superintendents) using tablets on the job as well as field software such as Vela systems. We utilize thin client technology (Citrix) and have the majority of our project information and apps centralized there. With a tablet and a mobile broadband connection, my gut says that jump alone will make our superintendents more productive by giving them access to the info they need in the field vs. just at their laptop in the trailer. I've had some in-depth discussions with Vela and do see the niche market they have created, too, but wonder if we really would benefit from that technology quite yet. Any feedback of your real world experiences would be appreciated.
Ben Stromberg
Knutson Construction Services

A: We have 12 HP tablets in the field with cellular Internet connections. We also have 40 BlackBerrys that tether a data connection to the PM/Sup laptop. While these Internet connections are slower than DSL/cable, they work great with Citrix. Sups report crew time and dailies using this technology. We find sups and PMs handle e-mail more quickly and stay caught up more easily. Using Citrix, all job information is available from the jobsite, jobsite trailer, truck, hotel, etc. The HP tablet has a three-year warranty. In the last four years, we've had one service request declined. It was a cracked screen in the shape of a size 11 boot so I don't blame HP on that one. The HP tablet is more expensive than a laptop and less than a toughbook.
Daniel Maginot

A: We currently use HP 6910p laptops w/internal 3G via AT&T for our field folks. New, each ran approximately $1,200. There have been several w/busted screens & other damage so my plan (when spending is possible) is to deploy the following ruggedized tablet from 2Go PC: Click here

The base price is $549 for a 10" convertible netbook running Win XP (1GB RAM, 160GB HD) but the OS, RAM & HD can be upgraded. I spec-ed one on their site w/ Win7 Home Premium, 2GB, 64GB SSD, & DC inverter which brought the price to $877. The 3G option must be purchased separately but I’m told it runs approx $70 for the TMobile model & that other carriers are also supported. Tethering w/a smart phone would likewise be an option. The product manager for this product is John Tucker (jtucker@CTLCORP.com). Customers ordering 15 or more units are eligible for a 7% discount on the total order. The product was designed for kids so it should hold up on a job site.
Matt Dolan
Young Contracting