Page 1: Introduction

Mobile Data Studio is an integrated system for managing mobile computing, including designing projects, running them in the field, communicating wirelessly, collecting and using the data. This Skills tutorial describes what Mobile Data Studio can do, and how to use it to develop and run powerful business applications without the need for programming.

Mobile Data Studio has two broad operational areas - 'server', being a Windows desktop or laptop PC, or Windows server, and 'client' mobile devices, being Windows Mobile, Android and Apple iOS operating system devices.

Printing: The Mobile Data Studio Skills tutorial is presented as a series of dynamic web pages; However, the pages can be printed using web browser Print Preview to adjust until the margins are correct for paper.

Pocket PCs, Smartphones and Tablets - Windows Mobile, Android and Apple

Pocket PC is the term used to describe the touch screen pocket-sized computers that run the Microsoft Windows Mobile (Windows Mobile 6.5, 6.1, 6, and 5) Pocket PC and Smartphone operating systems, and a cut-down version of Microsoft Office programs. Windows Mobile Pocket PCs are often deployed as 'ruggedised' devices for field use in mining, environmental programs and defence, examples are Trimble Nomad, Intermec and Motorola Symbol devices. Windows Mobile Smartphones evolved from Windows Pocket PCs, a contemporary example is the HTC HD2. For information on Mobile Data for Windows Mobile Smartphones and Pocket PCs, see page 7 of the Skills tutorial.

Android is a new operating systems for mobile devices and has been deployed to Smartphones, Tablets and Netbooks. The Android operating system has achieved remarkable growth because of it's open nature and adoption by many manufacturers of mobile devices. Examples of Android mobile devices are the HTC Desire (a Smartphone), the Samsung Galaxy Tab (a Tablet) and the Toshiba AC100 (a Netbook). An excellent converged mobile device, a Smartphone with a 5.3 inch screen, is the Samsung Galaxy Note. For information on Mobile Data for Android Smartphones, Tablets and Netbooks, see page 8 of the Skills tutorial.

Apple iOS is the operating system for the popular Apple iPhone (shown above), iPad and iPod Touch. Apple has led a renewed interest in the larger screen Tablet PC with the iPad. CreativityCorp has developed a Mobile Data for Apple iOS client which is available from the Apple 'App Store'. For information on Mobile Data for Apple iOS iPhone, iPad and iPod, see page 9 of the Skills tutorial.

Smartphones, Tablets and Pocket PCs have a number of attractive features for mobile computing compared to notebook and laptop computers:

no platform needed for operation, truly mobile
no time wasted to 'boot up' computer
program starts up where it was shut down
relatively low cost compared to notebook computers

Mobile Data Studio - a development and applications system combined!

Software for mobile devices is usually developed in complex C++, Java, Xcode and Visual Basic coding languages. Generally, applications developed in these languages by skilled programmers must either be fairly general in their scope to cater for diversity of client requirements, or specifically customised at considerable cost.

Mobile Data Studio uses a creative approach to overcome limitations of coded applications developed by programmers:

design of applications (called 'Projects') doesn't require programming skills
applications can either be modified by others using Mobile Data Studio, or 'locked'
applications are designed for Smartphones, Pocket PCs and Tablets, not compromised adaptations of software from other platforms
application specificity, flexibility and low cost development are a unique 'trifecta' provided by Mobile Data Studio

For Smartphones, Tablets and Pocket PCs to achieve their potential, a versatile development and applications medium was needed, Mobile Data Studio fills that need. The Mobile Data Studio system deployment is simple and effective:

Purchase or Trial downloadable software via the Internet
Run on desktop to Design information management applications for mobile devices. Applications or 'projects' are designed without the need for programming skills
Install projects/applications to Smartphones, Tablets and Pocket PCs
Collect information in 'sessions' using Smartphone, Tablet or Pocket PC
Send information to mobile devices, either wirelessly (TCP/IP) or by ActiveSync and Mobile Device Center
Synchronise information from mobile devices to desktop/server, either wirelessly via the mobile telephone system, WiFi, or by ActiveSync
View and export information/data for analysis using common tools (eg Microsoft Excel) or into HTML for printing. Information can also be sent through ADO and XML to powerful database systems such as Access, SQL Server, Oracle, SAP, MySQL and other systems
Support for Data Script (VBScript) on server to fully automate data processing from and to the mobile device client, and to execute additional processes

ANDROID and APPLE NOTE: the popular and exciting Android and Apple iOS operating systems don't support all of the point functions in Mobile Data Studio that apply in Windows Mobile. Exceptions are identified on pages describing Adding Point Functions. However, don't be deterred by some differences, the experience of Mobile Data for Android and Mobile Data for Apple iOS is very satisfying.

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