As we approach the end of 2024, we want to take a look back at the year that’s passed, and the successes that we’ve had as a company.
GRiD is happy to say that it has had the most successful year in its 30-year history, as we continue to provide best-in-class rugged devices to NATO and its allies.
Here in this blog we list just a few of the notable takeaways from 2024.
New technology
GRiD prides itself on developing solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs and developing best-in-class technology, and this involves keeping on top of industry and technology trends and tailoring our systems to meet these.
This year GRiD developed its own ruggedised and removable configuration of Viasat’s new Data At Rest Cryptography (DARC) drive, which gives GRiDCASE laptop and tablet users significant flexibility in how they store and protect sensitive data at rest.
DARC drive’s predecessor is known as the Viasat Eclypt data at rest encryption drive, and has been the industry standard for users wanting to protect data and information at the most stringent security levels in the UK, including Secret and Top Secret level. It is now reaching its end of life, so is being replaced by the DARC solid-state drive.
DARC’s M.2 form factor requires it to plug directly into a motherboard using an M.2 slot that uses the PCIe bus. Therefore, separating the sensitive data on the drive from the computer – such as during repairs or transporting the computer from secure facilities – requires disassembly by an expert technician.
GRiD has therefore developed an innovative solution to help customers overcome this challenge, which will provide GRiDCASE laptop and tablet users a quick and easy way to remove the DARC drive when required, without the need to open up the computer.
We also have new developments in the works that we will launch in the new year – including a new addition to the GRiDCASE laptop family – which we are excited to share with you soon.
GRiD’s wins
We have had a very successful year in terms of orders, including for vehicle displays from a NATO customer for its army’s Leopard 2 third generation main battle tank (MBT).
The contract was for the supply of a large number of GRiDCASE 2530 rugged tablets for the MBT, which have now been successfully delivered to the customer.
We also delivered vehicle displays to the Brazilian Army, as well as systems that will support air defence programmes, plus devices for various UK MoD programmes such as Falcon.
GRiD recertifies for ISO 9001
GRiD is pleased to have this year once again achieved its ISO 9001 quality management standard after its latest recertification audit. This is an internationally recognised quality management standard and is something that GRiD prides itself on achieving and maintaining ever since its first certification in 2001.
One of many standards that we adhere to, it shows the commitment that GRiD has to quality management.
Customer insights
GRiD works with its customers to develop bespoke solutions that will meet their specific needs, and this is only possible with the engineering expertise and industry knowledge that enables the team to stay ahead of new technology and requirements as they emerge.
We want to share these insights to help inform our customers on goings-on in the industry via our blog series, which in 2024 included guides on the MIL-STD-1553 data bus, operating systems for military computers, and additive manufacturing, to name just a few.
We also offered insights into specific applications including night vision and ground-based air defence, providing context on how rugged computers are used in support of these operational scenarios, as well as outlining the considerations that need to be made when selecting the most suitable computer.
Looking towards 2025
We are very proud of what we have achieved in 2024, in particular how we have managed to continue supporting customers despite operational and economic challenges, which is a testament to our agility and responsiveness, as well the processes that we have implemented over our 30-year history.
We have many exciting developments planned for 2025 that we look forward to sharing with you, and want to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued support, and wish everybody a very peaceful festive period and a Happy New Year!
