The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Partnership for Response and Recovery (PaRR) program needed to deploy mobile computers that could withstand the bumps, drops, vibrations and harsh environmental conditions encountered in disaster areas. The new mobile solution needed to improve the information collection and reporting process by allowing data to be entered and shared faster—under any conditions. FEMA deployed Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers to its field inspectors. As a result, when hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters have struck, Toughbook mobile computers enabled FEMA personnel to respond more quickly and efficiently in coordinating relief efforts between agencies, so that victims received assistance sooner.

In 2003, a coordinated approach to national security was put in place when respondingto disasters and emergencies, both naturaland man-made. And, as a result, FEMA became part of the Homeland Security Department. Together, the new group developed programs that focused on Preparation & Prevention, Disasters & Emergencies and Response & Recovery.

FEMA's Partnership for Response and Recovery (PaRR) program manages and performs housing inspections in areas struck by disasters. To respond to the public's needs swiftly, PaRR inspectors have to be able to collect and report information gathered at the disaster site as fast as possible. FEMA can then quickly evaluate the data needed to provide grants to primary residents whose houses have been damaged, many of whom don't have adequate insurance.