Integration of PDAs to Integration of PDAs to MultiValue DatabasesMultiValue Databases

Nathan RectorNathan Rector

Natec SystemsNatec Systems

About the SpeakerAbout the Speaker

Nathan Rector, Owner of Natec SystemsNathan Rector, Owner of Natec Systems Consultant since 1992, user since 1989Consultant since 1992, user since 1989 Writes ‘Tech Tips’ in Spectrum MagazineWrites ‘Tech Tips’ in Spectrum Magazine On-site TrainingOn-site Training Custom ProgrammingCustom Programming

MV BasicMV Basic Visual BasicVisual Basic Custom ApplicationsCustom Applications

ObjectiveObjective

Introduce PDA to MultiValue EnvironmentIntroduce PDA to MultiValue Environment Different PDAsDifferent PDAs Methods of exchanging informationMethods of exchanging information Development toolsDevelopment tools

Types of PDAsTypes of PDAs

PalmPalm - Palm OS- Palm OS– Palm m100Palm m100– Palm IIIPalm III– Palm VPalm V– Palm VIIPalm VII

Pocket PCPocket PC - Windows CE- Windows CE HandSpring HandSpring - Palm OS- Palm OS Symbol Symbol - Palm OS and Windows CE- Palm OS and Windows CE

Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE) Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE) PalmPalm

Advantages:Advantages:– PricePrice– More Existing softwareMore Existing software– SimplicitySimplicity

DisadvantagesDisadvantages– SimplicitySimplicity– Programming Languages (no longer relevant)Programming Languages (no longer relevant)

Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE)Palm vs Pocket PC (WinCE)Pocket PCPocket PC

Advantages:Advantages:– Windows FunctionalityWindows Functionality– Programming Languages (no longer relevant)Programming Languages (no longer relevant)

Disadvantages:Disadvantages:– PricePrice– ComplexityComplexity

ApplicationsApplications

Warehouse InventoryWarehouse Inventory Retail Order EntryRetail Order Entry Sales Force Contact ListSales Force Contact List AppointmentsAppointments General OrganizationGeneral Organization Production Floor Notes/DirectorsProduction Floor Notes/Directors

Data Integration MethodsData Integration Methods

““File Link”File Link”– Hot Sync/IntelliSyncHot Sync/IntelliSync

Palm DesktopPalm Desktop OutlookOutlook MS AccessMS Access Custom ConduitCustom Conduit ActiveSyncActiveSync

““File Link”File Link”

Palm – SupportedPalm – Supported– Included in the Hot Sync ManagerIncluded in the Hot Sync Manager

Pocket PC – Not SupportedPocket PC – Not Supported

Palm DeskTopPalm DeskTop

Palm – SupportedPalm – Supported– Included with your PalmIncluded with your Palm

Pocket PC – Not SupportedPocket PC – Not Supported– Requires MS Office to get similar functionsRequires MS Office to get similar functions

OutLookOutLook

Palm – SupportedPalm – Supported– IntelliSyncIntelliSync

Pocket PC – SupportPocket PC – Support– ActiveSyncActiveSync

MS AccessMS Access

Palm – SupportedPalm – Supported– Satellite FormsSatellite Forms

PocketPC – SupportedcPocketPC – Supportedc– ActiveSyncActiveSync

ConduitsConduits

Palm – SupportedPalm – Supported– Create your own conduit to access MultiValue Create your own conduit to access MultiValue

Data directlyData directly

Pocket PC – Not SupportedPocket PC – Not Supported

ActiveSyncActiveSync

Palm – Not SupportedPalm – Not Supported– Use ConduitsUse Conduits

Pocket PC – SupportedPocket PC – Supported– Works with Office onlyWorks with Office only– Complete Desktop FilesComplete Desktop Files

Development ToolsDevelopment Tools

Window CEWindow CE– Visual C++ for Windows CEVisual C++ for Windows CE– Visual Basic for Windows CEVisual Basic for Windows CE

PalmPalm– C++C++– Visual Basic (AppForge VB Add-in)Visual Basic (AppForge VB Add-in)– NS-BasicNS-Basic– CodeWarriorCodeWarrior– Satellite FormsSatellite Forms

Application DesignApplication Design

Small screenSmall screen Limited processingLimited processing Batch modeBatch mode Tap touchTap touch How will it be used?How will it be used?

– Data entryData entry– Inquiry/Access only?Inquiry/Access only?

Users to be using?Users to be using?

PDA File DesignPDA File Design

How fast do you need to syncHow fast do you need to sync Minimum data requiredMinimum data required

– SizeSize– Speed of syncSpeed of sync– PDA ProcessingPDA Processing– Updating MV SystemUpdating MV System

New/Updated DataNew/Updated Data Deleted DataDeleted Data

Good/Bad Screen DesignGood/Bad Screen Design

Good for viewingGood for viewing Easy accessEasy access

Hard to enter new dataHard to enter new data Requires skill by userRequires skill by user

Good/Bad Screen DesignGood/Bad Screen Design

Easy viewingEasy viewing Easy marking of doneEasy marking of done

Easy to change basic Easy to change basic informationinformation

QuestionsQuestions

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Integration of PDAs to Integration of PDAs to MultiValue DatabasesMultiValue Databases

Nathan RectorNathan Rector

Natec SystemsNatec Systems