MobileDataforce in China Working on Mobile Inspection Software for Moible Computers, PDAs and Handhelds

We had customers from China visit our office last week in Boise, Idaho to receive additional training on designing, developing and deploying mobile software solutions for handheld PDAs, mobile computers and Tablet PCs. The PointSync Mobility Platform will be used to develop quality assurance inspection software and the mobile software will be deployed both in Asia and in North America..

MobileDataforce Australia Launches New Website for Mobile Software and Handheld PDAs

Our team in Australia has launched a new MobileDataforce website for our customers and business partners down under. We are involved in some very interesting mobile software projects in Australia and in New Zealand. These applications are designed to be deployed on mobile handheld PDAs for use in the field.

Rugged environments and remote locations require special mobile technologies that allow for disconnected working environments and specialized synchronization capabilities.

Getting Started on a Mobile Software Development Project for Handheld PDAs and Smartphones

What does it take to get a mobile software application for a handheld PDA or smartphone developed? The quick answer is just time and money, but the long answer follows:

1. Draw a picture or diagram of the various players, software systems, buildings, vehicles, etc., that will be involved in the system. It helps everyone to see where the data starts, where it is collected, edited, synchronized used and stored.
2. List the business processes involved in the system (i.e. work orders, asset tracking, inventory, inspections, accounting, payroll, invoicing)
3. List who will be using the system
4. Ask an expert to draw out and detail how the enterprise application works and interfaces with third party software
5. Identify how each person involved will access the information (i.e. mobile handheld computer, desktop application, web application, etc.)
6. What reports do they need to have? Are they dynamic, or are they standard reports?
7. What database application(s) does the mobile application need to interface with?
8. Provide a database schema for the database where the data will be stored?
9. Make an expert, that knows your database application, available so the development team can quickly get their questions answered
10. Pick your mobile device or handheld computer early so the development team knows screen sizes, button configurations, bar code, RFID, GPS etc., configurations
11. Have a person available to review and test the work each step of the way.
12. Don't ask the mobile application to do all of the same things as an enterprise software application. Be careful to use the mobile software application in the right manner with an understanding of the limited screen size, processor speed and memory available on mobile devices.

Microsoft, Palm and MobileDataforce Recorded Webinar

Microsoft, Palm and MobileDataforce combined to record a webinar detailing how our mobile solutions for handheld PDA and smartphones work together to help small to medium sized companies mobilize their workforces. You can also register to try a Palm Treo 750 (running Windows Mobile) with the PointSync Mobility Platform for a 30-day trial.

Africa & Mobile Handheld PDA and Smarphone Applications

I am continually surprised by the wide variety of business processes and geographical locations where our mobile software applications are being used. We are regularly helping with large mobile software projects in Africa. Who would have predicted that? Here are some sample applications:

• Mobile tax assessment application
• Mobile water deliver application
• Mobile clinical supplies and supply chain logistics application

All of these customized mobile software applications were developed using the same mobile software development platform called the PointSync Mobility Platform by MobileDataforce for use on handheld PDAs and Smartphones.