Enterprise & developer mobile software news: Sept. 18 - Oct. 13, 2006

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DataMirror released PointBase 5.5, its "zero administration" SQL92/99 JDBC-compliant Java relational database. PointBase 5.5 includes DataMirror PointBase is available in two versions: PointBase Embedded for server and web application development and PointBase Micro, a compact database written for use in handhelds. DataMirror's Transformation Server for Mobile is also available for bi-directional data synchronization between corporate back-end databases and mobile environments for enterprise mobility applications. New features in PointBase 5.5 include the ability to alert users in real time, and a secondary copy of data to support operations in the event of system failure. In the event of system failure on the production system, Transformation Server for Mobile automatically re-routes mobile users to synchronize with the secondary PointBase Embedded enterprise database. For more information, see datamirror.com.

iSkoot introduced a Java-based thin client phone application and a network server for enabling dual-mode phones (supporting both GSM/CDMA and WiFi networks) to connect with VoIP services, such as Skype, GoogleTalk, AIM, Microsoft Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. iSkoot's - provides a popular application for dual-mode phones. For details, see iskoot.com.

In GIS news, ESRI announced a version 7.01 of ArcPad and ArcPad Application Builder, ESRI's software for mobile GIS and field mapping applications. ArcPad allows field workers to capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display geographic information. Users can also incorporate data input from GPS receivers, range finders, and digital cameras in the data collection process. Improvements in the latest version include: ArcGIS 9.2 support, load speed improvements of 25–50 percent on various devices, faster drawing of features, a custom datum configuration tool, support of multiple lines in label expression fields, and the addition of Korean and Czech language packs.

The development framework for building custom ArcPad applications for mobile GIS, called ArcPad Application Builder, has also been updated. More samples are available in the help file including a datum transform sample and a camera extension sample. In addition, the object model has been updated with new constants and a new Click Action property for the IMAGEBOX control. For details, see esri.com. Existing ArcPad users can upgrade to ArcPad 7.0.1 for free by downloading the evaluation file.

Trimble announced its Business Center Software that enables surveyors to access Trimble R-Track satellite-receiving technology on their desktop. Accordng to Trimble, the software allows users to import GNSS field data for processing and export to the design software of choice. The software also processes baselines to generate sub-centimeter results, and performs data reduction, computation, QA/QC and network adjustments. It also provides field error correction tools, visualization tools, and spatial data management capabilities. For details, see trimble.com.

Remoba released version 6.0 of iPhonebook, its company contacts application for small and medium businesses. According to Remoba, the single-device application enables employees in remote locations unlimited access to company and personal contacts from any mobile phone. Version 6.0 adds administrator capability, which enables the company to segregate corporate member access into work groups and give the individual member contact visibility to his associated work group as well as corporate management and key customers. This new corporate feature ensures all employees have the latest contact information. iPhonebook offers two-way synchronization from desktop to phone, and from phone to desktop. For details, see remoba.com.

Vision Objects announced that its MyScript embedded handwriting recognition application is now available for 70 Asian, Cyrillic and Latin-based languages. In addition to MyScript Lingo, a set of 16 language packs developed for applications requiring recognition of natural cursive handwriting, Vision Objects now provides MyScript Letra, a pack of resources specifically designed for mobile devices. MyScript Letra recognizes hand-printed and isolated characters in 70 different languages. MyScript Letra can be integrated into small footprint platforms using a touch screen and stylus-based interfaces. It recognizes language-specific sets of characters including upper and lower case, accented characters, digits, punctuation marks and even individual and country specific writing styles. For more information, see visionobjects.com.

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