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White Paper on PCS Palm Pilot/Palm OS
/ Pocket PC Software Development & Programming Services
Overview
of PCS Services
PCS designs, programs and
integrates custom software applications for any device that runs under the Palm
OS (Palm operating system) and Pocket PC OS for mobile data collection. This
would include all Palm Computing
devices such as the Palm III, Palm IIIx, Palm IIIe, Palm V, Palm Vx, m100, m105,
m130,
m500, m505, m515,i707 wireless and Palm VI and all Pocket PC pda devices. This would also include the
IBM WorkPad
group of similar Palm Computing devices, Symbol
SPT 1500, 1700, 1733, 1734 and 1740, Kyocera pDQ Smartphones, TRGpro,
Tungsten T, Zire, HandEra
330, Sony CLIE' PDA, Samsung I300 pda phone, and all Handspring Visor
handheld devices. Generally
speaking, any application designed and written for one device will run on all
Palm OS devices. The exception
being applications that require barcode scanning will need the Symbol SPT line
of Palm OS handhelds. Pocket PC devices
would include the Casio pda, HP Jornada and Compaq iPAQ. PCS does not
sell hardware of any type and will refer clients to companies that
do. If asked, PCS will help guide the
client to the best handheld platform, whether the Palm or Pocket PC, that best
suits the proposed project.
Most mobile data collection projects are
broken down into two distinct but necessary components: the handheld and the
desktop or server.
The Handheld
The screens on the handheld are, more often
then not, mirrors of what already exists on paper forms or on the desktop.
For example, if a user is filling out a paper form that includes name,
address and phone number they would want the handheld to provide the exact same
function. If a user is having to
pick from a list of possible choices on a paper form then, again, that user
would want a similar function on the handheld.
PCS will design the screens of the Palm OS/Pocket PC device to reflect the exact
requirements of the client / end user. This
means that the original form or forms are analyzed so that each section of the
form can be filled out on the Palm OS/Pocket PC device with the greatest speed and
efficiency. Palm and Pocket PC pda screens can be
somewhat different but functionalities are very similar.
- When
a user starts the application, if requested, a “splash” screen or
introductory screen will pop up. This
is usually a screen with a corporate logo or an information screen
describing what the application is about or does.
Of course, a splash screen is not required to run any application and
is designed only at the request of the client.
- The
paper form is reviewed to determine what order the fields are generally
filled in and then try to mirror that approximate order on the handheld.
This is where the similarities between data on paper forms and the
same data on the handheld ends. Fields
on the handheld can contain validations that allow or disallow data entry or
can provide the user with data ranges or error messages.
Fields that are filled in on the handheld can also be programmed to
jump to whole new screens for “drilling” down for more detailed
information. For example, an
inspection program for a building might include a field that checked off
what type of office is being inspected.
Then that would jump to the type of room in that office.
That might jump to the part of the room, which would then jump to
what was right or wrong about that part of the room, and on and on etc.
Depending on what the user fills in or checks off could now determine
if the data is ok or needs to be flagged for further inspection.
- The
paper form is analyzed to determine where are the most appropriate places to
use check boxes, fill in fields, radio buttons (check boxes that allow only
one choice), drop down pick lists, drop down menus, lookup lists, notes,
graphics etc. The central idea
here is to make the entry of data as fast and easy as possible.
Generally, the less manual writing the end user does the better, in
terms of speed, accuracy and ease of use.
- On
larger, more complex forms / applications it is sometimes best to design an
index screen that allows users to easily jump back and forth to any part of
the application.
- Sometimes
it is more efficient to design a screen or screens that shows or holds the
data, or parts of the data, that is captured in the main part of the form.
Very often these screens show captured data in logical and easy to
study columns. These screens
make it unnecessary for the user to go back and review the whole form for
what was entered.
- Special
graphics can be programmed that have “hot” spots.
For example, if a graphic depiction of a part of the human anatomy,
say the arm, was displayed, the user could touch a part of the arm and get a
blown up screen with more detail. Other
times a user may request the ability to make graphic drawings or make marks
over a fixed graphic screen.
- PCS
can design and program applications that require barcodes, time stamps,
special data searches, modem communications – including the wireless Palm
VII or Pocket PC - and printing.
- Every
program is “optimized” for speed of data entry and data transfer
(HotSync).
- Some
applications require more memory on the Palm, or memory
expansion.
PCS, it is important to note, designs all
handheld applications to the exact specifications of the client.
Because all applications PCS designs and programs are “custom”, very
little, if any, compromise is necessary in the final product.
The Desktop / Database / Server
Most applications PCS designs and programs
are, for the most part, not stand-alone. This
means that the applications are designed from the outset to collect information
and transfer that information, both ways, to a desktop or server database and
back to the handheld seamlessly. The
means of data transfer, by way of HotSync,
can be through the standard wired cradle, wired modem or wireless. Once data is
safely uploaded to the client’s database information can be processed and
printed in the usual manner. PCS provides the following services for the
desktop/database/server:
- PCS
develops the conduit / HotSync / Active X controls to allow for the seamless
transfer of data back and forth from the handheld to the desktop/
database/server. This means
that when the Palm OS/Pocket PC device is dropped into it’s cradle and the HotSync
button is pushed all data that is slated to be transferred to the desktop
database does so and all data from the desktop database slated to be
transferred back to the handheld also does so. PCS works with software
packages that deal with multiple handheld users, such as Satellite
Forms Server or Palm's Hotsync Server.
- PCS
designs tables on the handheld
to interact with tables in the desktop database. For example, a large table of item numbers or prices
that are stored in tables on the desktop database can be modified and
HotSynced to the handheld and these same tables can have data modified on
the handheld and transferred back to the desktop database.
Data in the desktop database will change to reflect the new data
coming from the handheld.
- Very
often a client will have a special software database developed especially
for their particular industry.
PCS can integrate data from the handheld directly into these software
packages. This then leverages
the power of a powerful industry specific database with a powerful custom
industry / client specific handheld software.
- PCS
can design special PC desktop interface screens that are connected to the
backend database. This allows
users to view data, in a user-friendly manner, that has come off the
handheld before it is transferred to the database / server. Some examples of
these screens may be viewed on the PCS website under EMS.
- PCS
can develop web-based databases for storage of data coming off the handheld.
A web based database can allows users anywhere in the world to transfer or
access data from a central site.
A “turnkey” solution to mobile data
collection is a seamless interaction of the handheld with the
desktop/database/server. PCS can
provide the complete package.
If you or your company/organization have
reached the point where you are considering using a Palm OS or Pocket PC device for field
data collection then PCS would like to hear from you.
The following are some of the areas of interest PCS would like to discuss
with you:
- What
do you wish to do? What are
your goals for this project? How do you envision this project / application
developing? We will discuss these with you and give you our opinions.
-
What type handheld do you wish to use, the
Palm OS or the Pocket PC or both. Generally, the cost for developing an
application is the same for either platform. There can also be savings
for developing for both platforms.
- How
many users do you envision using the application / handhelds?
PCS charges no runtime or royalty fees.
Every application development is a one-time cost.
Custom software development costs are more cost effective when
distributed among multiple users.
- What
is your database system? Is
your database system an industry standard like, say, Oracle, IBM DB2,
Sybase, MS Access, MS FoxPro etc. Has
your database been developed specifically for your industry, i.e., not one
of the above? Do you wish us to write a backend database for this
application? Will the Palm OS or Pocket PC application be synced to a stand alone
PC or a server? What type of server?
- How
do you wish to transfer (HotSync) data – by standard wired cradle,
landline modem or wireless? Do you wish to use the
Palm Treo 650, VII or
Palm V or Pocket PC with OminiSky? Wireless software
applications / development.
- Will
you be needing extra development for, say, printing from the handheld or
bar-coding?
- What
is your timeframe for completing this project and/or going through testing?
- Do
you wish to use the developed software internally or to resell it?
- What
are the most appropriate and efficient development tools to use on your
particular project.
- Do
you have any paper or electronic form (s) that we could look at to get a
better feel for the work flow and data collection process?
- Do
you wish to have signature (s) capture as part of the application?
- Do
you wish to have an opening "splash" screen or corporate logo
etc. ? see example below... (courtesy On-Time-Rx)
- Do
you have any screen layouts or screen designs prepared, i.e., any
graphic examples of what you would like the screens on the PalmPilot or
Pocket PC to look
like. see example above (courtesy On-Time-Rx)
PCS will discuss
these issues, and any others that you feel are necessary, to help you get
a firm understanding of what this development process is all about.
In most cases, we will request that the client send us a “bullet”
list or “statement of work” of just how they would like the application to
work, including the points listed above. PCS
will be happy to sign any NDA (non disclosure agreement) or send you one of our
own if you do not have one. We will
be happy to set up a conference call between our developers and your group to
discuss the specifics of your proposed project and to cover in more detail that
which has been answered, and any points that have yet to be addressed.
With mutual agreement PCS will provide, within a few days, a verbal price
and time quotation. If acceptable
PCS will provide a written statement of work including a price and time
quotation.
In most case, PCS requires a 45% deposit to
begin work (check, Visa, Master Card, Discover, AX), 45% upon beta delivery and
the balance upon final software delivery and acceptance. After final
payment has been received all source code is turned over to the client.
PCS guarantees code it has developed, excepting any modifications by the client,
for six (6) months.
Most effective software projects require a
certain degree of interaction between the client and the development staff.
A developer or developers are assigned to each client and will send out
regular software updates for review and testing.
The client will be able to review the progress of the software
development, thereby helping to enhance the finished product.
Click Here for PCS Project History and References
(pdf document)
Also See...
PDA
Programming, Satellite Forms Server and Why
Palm?
 
We accept VISA , MasterCard, and Discover/Novus
*PCS does not
sell Palm OS or Pocket PC devices or peripherals
Please Contact Us at:
(702) 838-0093
or
info@pcspalm.com
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Copyright
2007 Pen Computer Solutions, Inc. Las
Vegas, Nevada (702) 838-0093
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