Developing Mobile Software for the Pocket PC
As in most application design and development, what gets presented to the user is very
important and should be planned thoroughly. Now that the application has to be presented
to the user on a much smaller level, even more consideration should be taken. The Pocket
PC environment is robust enough at this point to provide very functional applications to
users and an aesthetically simple User Interface will make the difference between happy
users and unwilling users.
Synchronizing Data with the Desktop
Windows CE and the Pocket PC provide a lot of database functionality with versions of
Access and SQL Server available for developers. Microsoft has made ActiveX Data
Object (ADO) available to developers and these programming components allow
database enabled applications to be developed very rapidly.
Storing data in a database on the Pocket PC isn’t as much an issue as getting data off of
the Pocket PC and back into the enterprise. To address this problem, there are a couple of
different ways data in a database can be replicated with a computer or server in the
corporate network. Using a product called ActiveSync, (delivered with every Pocket PC)
an Access database can be easily setup for replication between the Pocket PC and a
computer or laptop. Replication occurs bi-directionally, in that data modified on the
computer or laptop moves to the Pocket PC and data modified or added on the Pocket PC
moves to the computer or laptop. This built-in functionality provided out-of-the-box
allows very powerful applications to be developed quickly and easily.
Developing with GIS and GPS in Mind
When working with energy organizations, GIS and GPS enabled applications come to the
top of the list very quickly. Enabling field users with GPS and GIS tools on a lightweight
mobile device is a goal of every IT department and a number one item on every user’s
wish list. Obviously, a fully featured multi-user GIS application isn’t really a possibility
in the field, but it probably isn’t required either. More than likely, users need view,
update, delete, and add capability in the field and aren’t really going to be using the same
complex data maintenance applications that are used in the office. Web (or wireless)
based applications are a solution, but wireless connectivity isn’t always available in
specific areas, so the only real viable solution in this case is a stand-alone application that
can provide users with the required functionality. Several GIS vendors have already
provided mobile Pocket PC-based tools that can be used in the field.
GPS services are also becoming available on these miniaturized devices and the
development tools are also offered for integrating these services into custom applications
easily and efficiently. Using a GPS receiver in combination with a Pocket PC allows an
application to make accurate positional calculations and use this type of data in a variety
of ways. Determining the distance from the current location to a device in the field, or
plotting the best course between the current location and another location becomes a
reality when GPS is combined with GIS.
Simplicity and Functionality
The key to developing applications for the Pocket PC is to remember that simplicity is a
mobile user’s best friend. Providing a fully functional application that is difficult to use,
even in the best conditions, is more of a nuisance to the mobile user then an assistance.
Keeping the user’s environment in mind when designing the application is very important
and should be taken into consideration when planning how things will fit together.
Working in adverse conditions outdoors, high light or heat, windy or cloudy weather, all
impact the user’s appreciation for the ease in which he or she interacts with the
application. If a user struggles to complete tasks or has trouble entering data, then the
experience will not be good and the user will be unhappy.
