Mobile & Wireless UPDATE, Pocket PC Edition, July 11, 2002

Mobile & Wireless UPDATE, Pocket PC Edition,—brought to you by the Windows & .NET Magazine Network
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July 11, 2002—In this issue:

1. POCKET PC PERSPECTIVES

2. INSTANT POLL

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

4. RESOURCE

5. NEW AND IMPROVED

6. CONTACT US

1. POCKET PC PERSPECTIVES

(contributed by Steve Milroy, [email protected])

In the June 27 edition of Mobile & Wireless UPDATE, Pocket PC Edition, I looked at Pocket PC Phone Edition, which has begun to enter the market in the last couple of months. Pocket PC Phone Edition is a consumer device intended primarily for individuals or knowledge workers within an organization. However, consumer Pocket PC devices probably aren't suitable if you're designing and developing specific mobile line-of-business (LOB) applications for your organization.

Mobile LOB applications offer specific functionality such as mobile field-force automation, mobile delivery automation, and sales force automation. These types of applications typically feature advanced functionality, including barcode scanning, mobile printing, and signature capturing. Therefore, when you develop applications, you can target only one device because of the specific drivers necessary to operate peripherals. Additionally, because mobile LOB applications are often used in hazardous conditions, they're typically subjected to device shock (dropping), temperature extremes, dust, and moisture. As a result, consumer Pocket PC devices never truly live up to expectations as a successful mobile solution.

My team and I have seen many companies attempt to deploy mobile LOB applications on consumer Pocket PC devices. These solutions almost always fail because of limited battery life or because the devices require replacement after one drop. Therefore, we always deploy mobile LOB applications on ruggedized devices, which are built specifically for the task and include integrated peripherals that further eliminate points of failure.

Many vendors provide ruggedized devices or solutions that let you ruggedize existing devices. The options for ruggedizing existing devices aren't particularly impressive, but if you already have a large investment in consumer Pocket PC devices, these options are a reasonable alternative to purchasing ruggedized devices. The two primary vendors of ruggedized Pocket PC devices are Symbol and Intermec, both of which have devices that feature the Pocket PC 2002 OS. The companies' ruggedized devices offer many similar features, including the following:

In addition to the ruggedized features, these devices also come with peripherals that differ from those of their consumer counterparts. The following peripherals can be either directly integrated into the device or add-on modules.

The reliability and flexibility of ruggedized devices make them a popular platform in the mobile applications industry. In the next Mobile & Wireless UPDATE, Pocket PC Edition, I'll look more closely at Symbol and the various ruggedized solutions that the company offers. See you then.

2. INSTANT POLL

The voting has closed in Windows & .NET Magazine's Mobile & Wireless Solutions nonscientific Instant Poll for the question, "What are your thoughts about Pocket PC Phone Edition?" Here are the results (+/-1 percent) from the 53 votes:

34% I can't wait to buy one!38% I'm cautiously optimistic that it will be cool19% I don't see how the technology will benefit my environment9% I actively despise the concept

The next Instant Poll question is, "Have you upgraded to Pocket PC 2002?" Go to the Mobile & Wireless Solutions home page, and submit your vote for 1) Yes or 2) No.
http://www.mobile-and-wireless.com

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

(brought to you by Windows & .NET Magazine and its partners)

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4. RESOURCE

Atlanta, Georgia
September 10 through 12, 2002
At the Conference & Expo on Mobile & Wireless Security, you'll witness live demonstrations of the latest wireless technologies, including Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) standard, 802.11, and Bluetooth. You'll learn real-world solutions for thwarting wireless vulnerabilities and protecting your data from intruders. You'll also evaluate wireless authentication options, including biometrics, public key infrastructure (PKI), smart cards, and digital certificates. For a PDF file containing registration information, go to the following URL.
http://www.misti.com/includedfiles/brochures/mws02A.pdf

For other upcoming events, check out the Windows & .NET Magazine Event Calendar.
http://www.winnetmag.com/events

5. NEW AND IMPROVED

(contributed by Carolyn Mader, [email protected])

Advanced Merchant Solutions announced Pocket Verifier Professional, software that can capture a customer's signature on a PDA screen to transmit to transaction servers. The mobile merchant no longer has to file and store customer signatures but can recall the receipt with the customer's signature from an Internet-enabled computer. Pocket Verifier Professional supports the Pocket PC platform. For pricing, contact Advanced Merchant Solutions at 714-449-0211.
http://www.merchantanywhere.com

Global Star Software released PDA Power Utilities, a travel aid collection for your PDA that includes WorldMate, DateMate, IOUMate, and Contacts Pro. WorldMate converts world clocks, maps, and currencies. DateMate is a calendar-enhancement tool. IOUMate lets you keep track of debts. Contacts Pro adds power and one-handed operation to your address book. PDA Power Utilities supports both Pocket PC and Palm and costs $29.99. Contact Global Star Software at 905-795-9880.
http://www.globalstarsoftware.com

6. CONTACT US

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