Sybase iAnywhere, Mobile Handheld PDAs and Mobile Software Applications

The attached newsletter from Sybase iAnywhere and Gartner includes many different case studies of companies that have implemented enterprise mobile solutions for use on mobile handheld PDAs. One of the articles is on MobileDataforce's customer Janssen-Fritzen. They used MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Suite to customize a wireless work order system for use on mobile handhelds that run on Windows Mobile.

Sybase-iAnywhere-Newletter-V1.pdf

QuickBooks and Mobile Handheld PDA Software Applications

MobileDataforce provides mobile business applications for use on handheld PDAs that are integrated with QuickBooks. These applications are highly popular with field service technicians and contractors that use QuickBooks in their office and work orders in the field. Mobile applications include:

• Mobile Service Tickets, Work Orders, Service Requests, etc.
• Mobile job estimates
• Mobile time tracking
• More

MobileDataforce provides a wireless work order management system called FieldSync that integrates mobile handheld devices with QuickBooks. Work orders can be wireless dispatched to the field service technicians, once they are completed they can be directly synchronized with QuickBooks in the office. MobileDataforce offers both off-the-shelf mobile business applications and customized mobile business applications to fit their customer's specific requirements.

For more information please visit their website or contact by email.

Best Places to Live and Launch - A Mobile Software Company

For those of you interested in articles about best places to live and start a business >

CNN's website covered the best places to live and launch this week. Boise, Idaho was listed at #19, we were #2 on Forbe's list last month. Fortune Magazine's Small Business Edition also published an article this week on MobileDataforce and Boise's quality of life.

MobileDatafore develops mobile software solutions for PDAs, iPhones, handhelds and Smartphones.

Buy vs. Building Mobile Software Applications for Handheld PDAs

Several times a month companies call me to discuss the merits of buying a mobile software platform , to develop software for mobile handheld PDAs, with a development environment vs. attempting to build their own. My first answer is you can build it! MobileDataforce did. It tooks us 4.5 years and over 40 engineering-man-years to develop the PointSync Mobility Platform. It can certainly be done by others. The key questions are:

1. How much time do you have to develop the mobile software application?
2. How many software engineers do you have available to develop the mobile application?
3. Do they have any experience designing, developing and deploying enterprise quality mobile applications?
4. What is your development budget?
5. It is hard to develop your very first mobile application...are you patient...is the business unit sponsoring the project patient?
6. Are your software developers mobile application security experts?
7. Do you have software developers that eat, sleep and breath synchronization?
8. What are the time to market requirements. Are you losing business or money by not having the mobile application done?
9. Who is going to support the mobile application after the original developers leave the company?
10. Who is going to document the mobile application and know how it works?
11. Who will pay to update the mobile application next year when the available handheld devices require an OS upgrade and changes to the application?

Again, any smart group of software engineers can, given enough time and budget, develop a working mobile application. The real questions - is this your core business and is this the best use of your time and budget? Especially since a relatively low cost mobile software platform and development environment already exists and can be purchased and downloaded in an afternoon.

The following link goes to another blog article with a list of "buy vs. build" articles.

MobileDataforce Achieves Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Status

Boise, Idaho - March 18, 2008 – MobileDataforce, a leading provider of mobile business applications for PDAs and handheld computers, announced today that it has earned Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner program, the highest level of partnership available. As a Gold Level partner MobileDataforce has demonstrated expertise in the use of and integration of enterprise mobile software applications with Microsoft technologies. As a partner of the highest level MobileDataforce will receive a great deal of benefits, which includes software, training, support, and access to many assets available only to Microsoft Gold Certified Partners.

“Achieving the Gold Certified Partner level represents a lot of enterprise mobile software implementations,” says MobileDataforce CEO Kevin Benedict. “Our mobile business applications integrate with a large number of different Microsoft platforms and business applications. Achieving the Gold level will give our customers additional confidence in our abilities to mobilize their existing business processes and field service automation needs.”

Gold Certification is the highest level of partnership available to Microsoft Partners who integrate with Microsoft products. Currently MobileDataforce integrates enterprise class mobile business applications with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP, AX, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Windows and Windows Mobile. The PointSync Mobility Platform has been Microsoft tested and certified.

About PointSync Mobility Platform:

PointSync Mobility Platform is an enterprise class mobile software platform used to rapidly design, develop, and deploy critical business mobile applications. It is architected to provide database centric mobile applications with bi-directional synchronization, connectivity, security, and enterprise database integration all within one product suite.

About MobileDataforce:

MobileDataforce is a global leader in the development of enterprise class and business critical software solutions for use on mobile handheld computers including Smart Phones, Tablet PCs, PDAs, and laptops. MobileDataforce has offices in Europe, North America, and Australia to support their ever expanding customer base and sales channels. Privately held, MobileDataforce has been mobilizing business solutions since 2000. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.mobiledataforce.com/.

Visiting MobileDataforce and Talking Mobile Software, PDAs and Handhelds

There are significant benefits gained from visiting MobileDataforce in Boise, Idaho. A recent visit by a team researching our enterprise mobility software platform, PDAs, Handhelds and mobile application development expertise included a fly fishing excursion to the South Fork of the Boise river. Many fish were caught and fun had by all!!!

By the way did you see that Boise is #2 on Forbes Magazines new best places for business and careers!

Mobile Applications, Handhelds and PDAs and Hog Feeding

Last month I watched an episode of "Dirty Jobs" that was about a pig farmer outside of Las Vegas that fed his pigs the food scraps from area casinos. I admit this is one of my favorite shows on TV now days, and this was one of my favorite episodes. The pig farmer had a great sense of humor and Mike Rowe got completely covered in food scraps and slop. How does this relate to mobile software applications, handhelds and PDAs? We received a call yesterday from a company wanting to implement a mobile handheld PDA software application for the drivers of trucks hauling food scraps to hog farms. Imagine my excitement!!! They wanted to integrate GPS data capture into the handheld software applications so they could track the location and status of each truck. My mobile software developers were all over this...like a pig at a......

QuickBooks, PDAs, Smart Phones and Handheld Computers

MobileDataforce provides mobile work order software to a lot of small to medium sized services companies with field service technicians. Many of our customers are using QuickBooks for their accounting software. As a result, MobileDataforce has integrated a variety of different mobile applications for PDAs, handhelds and Smart Phones directly with QuickBooks.

Using MobileDataforce's integration with QuickBooks, field service technicians can download parts and services lists, dispatched work orders, customer lists, inventory and more to the handheld computer. When work orders are completed, the handheld computer can wirelessly update the information directly into QuickBooks. This makes for a very efficient administration process.

Gartner & Sybase Discuss Mobile Software, PDAs and Handhelds

In this just released newsletter, Gartner and Sybase discuss enterprise mobile software applications, PDAs, Handhelds and mobile computing and a number of case studies on mobile applications from around the world. I particularly like this newsletter because it highlights MobileDataforce :-)

Mobile Data Collection on Handheld PDAs in Africa

MobileDataforce has just completed a mobile software application for use in AIDs research throughout Africa. This mobile software application for use on handheld PDAs and smartphones will be used to gather research data in AIDs clinics (and then it will be wirelessly synchronized with research databases throughout the world). The data will be studied and analyzed to help develop strategies to fight the spread of AIDs.

MobileDataforce is involved in many very interesting and large mobile software development projects around the world, but there are times when a project has a greater purpose than just good business.

EPA Underground Inspection Forms for use on Mobile Handheld PDAs

MobileDataforce has just finished developing a mobilized version of the EPA's (environmental protection agency) underground tank inspection form for use on tablet pcs. This same mobiel software application could also be used on a mobile handheld PDA. This mobile software application was developed for a region in the state of Washington.

This mobile inspection application has over 400 data fields and allows the underground tank inspector to draw diagrams in the application and to wireless synchronize the inspection data and drawing back to a database in the office.

This mobile software application was developed for a Tablet PC, which was the customer's preference because of the large numbers of data fields and desire to draw diagrams depicting problem areas identified during inspections.

MobileDataforce mobilizes paper forms daily. We help our customers convert their paper processes to mobile software applications that can synchronize to office database application or accounting systems remotely from the field. We support rugged mobile handheld computers, Tablet PCs and laptops.

MobileDataforce can quickly convert paper forms to mobile software applications by using the mobile development environment called the PointSync Mobility Platform.

Mobile Handheld PDA - Socket Mobile Announces Antibacterial Handheld Computer

OK, I must admit that I had not considered the fact that I was buying a mobile handheld PDA infected with bacteria. I guess ignorance is bliss. However, now that I know I can buy a handheld computer that is an "Antibacterial Handheld Computer" I will no longer have bliss.

In the past I just wanted a nice, fast and dependable handheld computer with a good screen and lots of memory. However, going forward I will add to my list of wants a handheld computer that includes - antibacterial additives that gradually releases microbe-fighting metal ions upon becoming moist or wet.

Socket Communications, Inc., dba Socket Mobile, Inc., an innovative provider of mobile productivity solutions, recently announced a new line of products to be built with an antibacterial plastic targeted toward healthcare and other markets that involve hygiene-sensitive environments. The first product combination to debut in the new line is the SoMo 650 handheld computer and docking cradle, which will be on display at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference and exhibition in the Socket Mobile booth #1312. SoMo 650 handheld computer product demonstrations will also be taking place in the Cisco booth #6251 in conjunction with its recently attained Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) 4.0 certification.

"Calls for patient safety to drive health IT investments is among the top 10 issues facing the healthcare industry today," said Bob Zink, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Socket Mobile. "As more mobile devices make their way into sterile environments, it is important to take into consideration the effect that will have on patient safety. Our focus on and dedication to the healthcare industry has driven us to build an antibacterial product line to assist in the industry's efforts to make patient safety first and foremost in order of priority."

The new antibacterial product line incorporates the use of an antibacterial additive that gradually releases microbe-fighting metal ions upon becoming moist or wet. In conjunction with the traditional cleaning and sterilization procedures used on similar data collection equipment in the healthcare and hospitality industries, devices built with antibacterial plastic provide an additional layer of protection against the multiplication and spread of potentially harmful bacteria and microbes, giving organizations the opportunity to enhance the safety of medical staff, patients, workers and visitors. In addition, the antibacterial plastic reduces, or in many cases eliminates, the need for and dependence on protective skins or shells that can become expensive over time as a consumable-type accessory.

Mobile Sales, Orders and CRM on Handheld PDAs

My team has a lot of experience helping our customers develop world class mobile sales and mobile delivery software applications for use on handheld PDAs that use Windows Mobile. These projects include:

• Mobile sales orders - take orders in mobile locations
• Tracking the delivery of products to retail grocery stores
• Collecting in-store marketing information
• Collecting product price information
• Proof-of-delivery
• Water bottle delivery solutions to homes/businesses
• Post-delivery inspection applications (check product for shipping damage and get customer signature)
• Mobile retail planagrams (detail the shelf location of products and the re-stocking amounts)

If you would like to brainstorm about how to develop custom mobile software or mobilize your sales, delivery or CRM solutions please contact us at MobileDataforce.

Mobile Handheld PDAs in the Healthcare Field

MobileDataforce is working on a significant number of interesting mobile software projects for handheld PDAs in the healthcare services, pharmaceutical and medical logistics markets. The following links point to blog articles that describe some of these mobile software applications:

• Home Heathcare Services


• Mobile Clinical Trials Software


• Mobile Patient Monitoring


• Board of Pharmacy Mobile Software


• Mobile Software for Orthodics


• Clinical Research


• Medicine Logisitics, Transportation and Delivery

MobileDataforce Team Photos 2008

MobileDataforce has more than doubled in size in the past year. We are fortunate to have been invited to participate in some very large and interesting mobile software development projects in many different areas in the world.

We want to thank our many mobile software customers for your faith and confidence in our enterprise mobility solutions for handheld PDAs, smartphones and industrial handheld barcode scanners. You have challenged us with the complexity of your IT environments and we have learned much as we have helped you achieve your ROIs!

Inc. Magazine on MobileDataforce's PDA, Handheld and Mobile Software Blog

Inc. magazine's online technology website published an article this week on the subject of - this blog (the one you are now reading).

http://technology.inc.com/internet/articles/200803/blog.html?partner=rss-alert

This very blog is used as an example of a company's CEO communicating with customers, partners and other parties interested in mobile software solutions.

Thanks for reading!

Make More Sales by Using Mobile Handheld PDAs and Smartphones

I often talk to potential customers about the cost savings that can be achieved by mobilizing business processes and deploying them to mobile handheld PDAs or smartphones, however, for many of our customers increasing sales is also a key motivator. Let's talk about how mobile software applications on PDAs can help increase sales:

• Mobile applications can prompt service technicians to renew service contracts
• Mobile applications can prompt service technicians to offer additional and complimentary services. For example: Plumbers can offer to conduct a water conservation inspection in the house while they are there repairing the toilet. The inspection can identify various ways the customer could conserve water by replacing shower heads, toilet tanks, etc.
• Mobile applications can prompt service technician to offer products related to the needs of the customer. Plumbers could talk to customers about water filtration systems, and other products.
• Mobile applications can prompt service technicians to sell extended product warranties
• Mobile applications can prompt service technicians to identify various service and product needs that were noted while on site with the customer. This information can be shared with the sales team for follow-up.

These are just a few examples of how mobile software applications on handheld PDAs and smartphones can intelligently remind and prompt field service technicians to help increase the sales of products and services.

MobileDataforce provides a wide range of both mobile software applications and custom mobile software development services.

Handheld PDA Research Tools in the Emergency Department

MobileDataforce is working on many mobile healthcare related projects these days. One of our customers forwarded the following article to me yesterday. It shows objective data on the value and benefit of using handheld mobile devices for data collection.

Prospective, randomized evaluation of a personal digital assistant-based research tool in the emergency department

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 2008, 8:3doi:10.1186/1472-6947-8-3

Published:
18 January 2008
Abstract (provisional)

Background
Personal digital assistants (PDA) offer putative advantages over paper for collecting research data. However, there are no data prospectively comparing PDA and paper in the emergency department. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the performance of PDA and paper enrollment instruments with respect to time required and errors generated.
Methods

We randomized consecutive patients enrolled in an ongoing prospective study to having their data recorded either on a PDA or a paper data collection instrument. For each method, we recorded the total time required for enrollment, and the time required for manual transcription (paper) onto a computer database. We compared data error rates by examining missing data, nonsensical data, and errors made during the transcription of paper forms. Statistical comparisons were performed by Kruskal-Wallis and Poisson regression analyses for time and errors, respectively.

Results
We enrolled 68 patients (37 PDA, 31 paper). Two of 31 paper forms were not available for analysis. Total data gathering times, inclusive of transcription, were significantly less for PDA (6:13 min per patient) compared to paper (9:12 min per patient; p<0.001). color="#006600">Conclusions
Using a PDA-based data collection instrument for clinical research reduces the time required for data gathering and significantly improves data integrity.

Marcel P.J.M. Dijkers Ph.D. FACRM
Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine
Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Clinical Research Projects and Mobile Handheld PDA Solutions

This article discusses the use of mobile handheld PDA solutions (Palm Treos) in a clinical research environment.

Company Overview:
Craig Hospital is a non-profit spinal cord and brain trauma rehabilitation and research hospital. Based in Denver Colorado, Craig Hospital has been treating brain and spinal cord trauma patients since 1956 and has treated over 25,500 patients.

Research Challenge:
Craig Hospital recently received a government grant to perform research on 8 different forms of rehabilitation in order to understand what techniques are most effective for each of the 8 disciplines. Craig Hospital teamed up with 5 other research hospitals (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Shepherd Center, Mount Sinai, Carolinas Rehabilitation, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital) in order to make the findings representative of spinal cord injury rehabilitation practices nationwide. The data needed to be collected and sent to a main database at an outside location to be analyzed. ISIS/ICOR (International Severity Information Services/Institute for Clinical Outcomes Research) was the organization selected to perform the data analysis and to maintain the database to which all collected information was to be sent. The problem was that the hospitals and patients were all in different geographic locations, and the patient care happened in a mobile working environment which made the collection and secure synchronization of the research data to a central database a challenge.

MobileDataforce Solution:
MobileDataforce created a mobile handheld application for each of the 8 different types of rehabilitation. Each healthcare provider was issued a handheld HP iPAQ HX 2190 PDA running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system and asked to record rehabilitation progress with each of their patients in the study. There were approximately 250 mobile devices across the 6 hospitals.

By using a mobile software application rather than using paper forms Craig Hospital was able to:

• Save data entry time
• Save the costs of shipping and storing paper forms
• Ensure data accuracy through the use of data validation features
• Pre-load patients’ names and information onto the mobile device to save time and ensure accuracy
• Speed up research and analysis by downloading data directly from the handheld devices to the central research database

By selecting MobileDataforce’s PointSync Mobility Platform and professional services, Craig Hospital obtained a complete enterprise mobility platform and an experienced mobile software development team. MobileDataforce developed 8 mobile clinical research software applications that allowed for the 6 hospitals to capture information quickly, in real time, from all across the United States and synchronized it into one central research database. This allowed for research and analysis to be conducted on the data in near-real time.

MobileDataforce implemented software security features to ensure patient privacy and compliance to industry rules. MobileDataforce also helped Craig Hospital select the appropriate mobile handheld devices for their data collection requirements.

Conclusion:
Craig hospital was able to collect research data on 8 different rehabilitation disciplines from 6 different hospitals across the country and synchronize the data into one centralized database using the PointSync Mobility Platform from MobileDataforce, http://www.mobiledataforce.com/. Craig Hospital saved time and ensured data accuracy by designing a custom mobile application for clinical research with the help of MobileDataforce. MobileDataforce assists organizations around the world mobilize business and field data collection processes. For additional information please visit our website at: http://www.mobiledataforce.com/.

You can find more information on these studies here.

MobileDataforce's Office and International Visitors

In the past few months MobileDataforce has attracted some very interesting customers and visitors from all around the globe to look at our mobile software for handhelds and PDAs. Last week in our office we hosted Mayor Dave Bieter of Boise, and just this morning we had a visitor from the French government. A few months ago we hosted visitors from the UK , the Netherlands and the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy.

MobileDataforce has also been interviewed by Fortune magazine, Forbes magazine, Inc. magazine and VAR in the past 4 weeks. Many of these interviews focused on quality of life and fast growing high tech companies in the inter-mountain region of the USA.

Our office is right on the Boise river and it is a very attractive destination for fisherman, mountain bikers and skiers. If you are a fishing fan - this Idaho Fishing Guide is a great place to learn about fishing in and around Idaho.