Integration of PDAs to MultiValue Databases Nathan Rector Natec Systems
About the Speaker Nathan Rector, Owner of Natec Systems Consultant since 1992, user since 1989 Writes ‘Tech Tips’ in Spectrum Magazine On-site Training Custom Programming MV Basic Visual Basic Custom Applications
Objective Introduce PDA to MultiValue Environment Different PDAs Methods of exchanging information Development tools
Types of PDAs Palm - Palm OS Pocket PC - Windows CE Palm m100 Palm III Palm V Palm VII Pocket PC - Windows CE HandSpring - Palm OS Symbol - Palm OS and Windows CE
Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE) Palm Advantages: Price More Existing software Simplicity Disadvantages Programming Languages (no longer relevant)
Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE) Pocket PC Advantages: Windows Functionality Programming Languages (no longer relevant) Disadvantages: Price Complexity
Applications Warehouse Inventory Retail Order Entry Sales Force Contact List Appointments General Organization Production Floor Notes/Directors
Data Integration Methods “File Link” Hot Sync/IntelliSync Palm Desktop Outlook MS Access Custom Conduit ActiveSync
“File Link” Palm – Supported Pocket PC – Not Supported Included in the Hot Sync Manager Pocket PC – Not Supported
Palm DeskTop Palm – Supported Pocket PC – Not Supported Included with your Palm Pocket PC – Not Supported Requires MS Office to get similar functions
OutLook Palm – Supported IntelliSync Pocket PC – Support ActiveSync
MS Access Palm – Supported PocketPC – Supportedc Satellite Forms ActiveSync
Conduits Palm – Supported Pocket PC – Not Supported Create your own conduit to access MultiValue Data directly Pocket PC – Not Supported
ActiveSync Palm – Not Supported Pocket PC – Supported Use Conduits Works with Office only Complete Desktop Files
Development Tools Window CE Palm Visual C++ for Windows CE Visual Basic for Windows CE Palm C++ Visual Basic (AppForge VB Add-in) NS-Basic CodeWarrior Satellite Forms
Application Design Small screen Limited processing Batch mode Tap touch How will it be used? Data entry Inquiry/Access only? Users to be using?
PDA File Design How fast do you need to sync Minimum data required Size Speed of sync PDA Processing Updating MV System New/Updated Data Deleted Data
Good/Bad Screen Design Good for viewing Easy access Hard to enter new data Requires skill by user
Good/Bad Screen Design Easy viewing Easy marking of done Easy to change basic information
Questions
Integration of PDAs to MultiValue Databases Nathan Rector Natec Systems