Teklynx claims that the IDEAM CE application development environment requires no programming to create powerful mobile applications. Capabilities are said to include:
- Interface tools -- Designers can drag and drop user interface fields for check boxes, list boxes, buttons, frames, drawings and text by selecting the item from a menu
- Controls -- Designers can drag form controls, such as name, location, behavior on entry, validation, file locations, error handling, etc. directly onto the form. Control behavior is configured using a Windows standard properties page
- Pocket PC previews and simulations -- The package includes a "universal Microsoft Pocket PC simulator" that lets designers preview the look and feel of the application on a Windows PC during the development process
- Device support -- The package supports a wide range of popular barcode scanners and 2-D imagers
- Windows/database services support -- IDEAM CE provides access to a range of services including device network configuration and administration, upload/download support, and ODBC, dBase, and FoxPro database support
According to Teklynx, IDEAM CE applications run on "virtually any Pocket PC." Certified Pocket PC data terminals for RF LAN and cradle-supported communications include those from Casio, HHP, Intermec, Progenie, Psion, and Symbol. Intermec and Progenie data terminals are also supported for GSM/GPRS mobile applications.
Teklynx describes IDEAM Server as a Windows-based, "configurable, multi-tiered middleware server" that uses an ActiveX interface to manage communication to database management systems, custom enterprise applications, and ERP systems. The server software provides a standard administration platform for configuring, monitoring, and managing all of the components of a data collection system, including portable data collection devices, fixed readers, wired and wireless printers, and mobile computing platforms, the company says.
"IDEAM CE, when coupled with IDEAM Server, creates a single data collection environment that extends from remote sites to the enterprise," said Tony Ferrara, Teklynx data collection product manager. "It leverages established wireless technologies, advanced graphical development tools and the latest in enterprise-level integration. It's ideal for inventory, warehouse, manufacturing, field service, healthcare and other industries; anywhere that requires remote data collection and enterprise integration."
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