Kevin Benedict is a TCS futurist and lecturer focused on the signals and foresight that emerge as society, geopolitics, economies, science, technology, environment, and philosophy converge.
Wal-Mart and Mobile Handheld PDA Solutions - Symbol MC50
Appforge Users - What are the Choices?
- Use .NET to develop mobile applications and a mobile application platform
- Use a "rapid application development solution for mobile environments" like MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Platform.
MobileDataforce® PointSync is a complete mobility platform, used to rapidly design, develop and deploy business critical mobile applications to the field force. The PointSync® Mobility Platform is an enterprise class solution architected to provide database centric applications with full bi-directional synchronization and security for use on handheld computers, Smart Phones, Tablet PCs and Laptops.
It really depends on if your interest is a cool IT development project, or if you simply want the mobile application done so you deploy and start using it. If your interest is really the completed project, not the development experience, then using the PointSync Mobility Platform is likely going to get you deployed in the field in a fraction of the time and with a lot less cost and effort.
If you would like a personal demonstration of the PointSync Mobility Platform click here.
Mobile Software Solutions and Breakfast in Boise
Otterbox and the iPAQ Handheld PDA Drop Test
Question - What does MobileDataforce do with old HP iPAQs?
Answer - We place them in a variety of rugged Otterbox cases and drop them to see if these handheld PDAs will break.
Details: We dropped the HP iPAQ many times from 8 feet. We used 2 different Otterboxs and we could not break the iPAQ inside. We then used a rugged iPAQ case from HP. The rugged case shattered, but not the iPAQ. So if you had a large number of HP cases, the iPAQ would be fine.
TDS Ranger & Trimble Ranger Rugged Handheld Computer
Although one of the larger rugged handheld computers, the shape is very agreeable to the grip and the weight is reasonable. One of our customers is currently using this device in the context of mobile autobody services.
Unscientific Analysis of the Mobile Software Market for Handheld PDAs
Handheld Computers & Rugged PDAs Everywhere
When you walk the halls of MobileDataforce you will see desk's covered with PDAs, rugged handheld computers, bar code scanners, cradles, satellite domes, etc. On a pass a few minutes ago I saw the following:
- Intermec CN3
- Psion Teklogix's WorkAbout Pro (different sizes)
- Socket SoMo (and Socket Bar code Scanner)
- Symbol MC70
- Palm Treo 750 (700, 650...)
- HP iPAQ
- Dell Axim
- Symbol 9000
- T-Mobile MDA
- Samsumg
- Casio
- Mobile Mapper CE
- Itronix Duo-Touch
- TDS Nomad
- Mobile Printers of all kinds
A paradise of mobile gadgets, Windows Mobile applications,cradles and cables that we are testing or deploying at sites around the world.
Two weeks ago one of our senior engineers had a Psion Teklogix WorkAbout Pro on his desk. It was sent to us from a customer in the UK, shipped from the Netherlands and manufactured in France. It contained a specialized RFID radio in it that we configured to work with the PointSync Mobility Platform. This solution was going to be used on RFID enabled "wheelie bins" or large trash containers. What could be more fun?For those of you pondering how to choose the right hardware for your company's needs, please follow this link and download the document called, "Selecting Appropriate Handheld Computers."
Enterprise Mobile Software Solutions, Buy vs Build
- http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/buy-vs-building-enterprise-mobile.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/more-on-buy-vs-building-mobile.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/more-on-buy-vs-building-mobile_06.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/07/buy-vs-building-mobile-solutions-for.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2007/06/off-shelf-mobile-applications-vs.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/buy-vs-building-mobile-software.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/reusable-mobile-frameworks.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/mobile-solutions-consultants-nightmare.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/01/enterprise-mobility-framework_12.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/03/rad-tools-for-mobile-applications.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/05/choosing-your-erp-mobile-client.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/06/mobile-solution-that-took-24-man-years.html
http://www.mobiledataforce.com/ceoblog/2006/10/mobile-software-platforms-and.html
New WorkAbout Pro Rugged Handheld Computer from Psion Teklogix
The second generation WORKABOUT PRO, more rugged and more feature-rich than its predecessor, enables you to significantly change the wireless handheld device in the field, as your work requirements evolve over time. Psion Teklogix is leveraging existing expansion modules from our first generation WORKABOUT PRO, which are fully compatible with the second generation, providing our customers and partners additional investment protection. The new WORKABOUT PRO supports a variety of field installable expansion modules including scanners, imagers, RFID modules, Wireless LAN (WLAN) Wireless WAN (WWAN) radios, and more. Psion Teklogix takes flexibility to the next level by offering a Hardware Developer’s Kit (HDK) that allows you to develop your own custom expansion modules to address your unique business needs. Some recent developments include expansion modules that take fingerprints, read cattle ear tags, and scan passports.
MobileDataforce has seen many of these devices deployed in rugged conditions with excellent results.
Intermec CN3 Handheld PDA with Card Reader
MobileDataforce is testing a new Intemec CN3 handheld PDA with an attached card reader for one of our clients. It feels nice and balanced in my hand and seems to be a very viable hardware solution for our clients.
Our client wants to perform inspections out-of-doors with this windows mobile device and also charge for services, process a credit or debit card transaction and print invoices and receipts from a mobile printer.
Interviews with Kevin Benedict
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Futurist David Espindola’s new book has just been released, "Soulful: You in the Future of Artificial Intelligence." Alex Whittin...
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I had a great time participating in the filming and development of a 10 minute film on digital twins recently. Last week was its premier at...
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In this deep dive with Munich Re (Groups) cybersecurity expert Bob Parisi, we learn how the insurance and reinsurance industry develops poli...