Full offline and online capability

Successful mobile applications must be able to work effectively and comprehensively offline, while also having the ability to work online, in either a batch or real time setting. The reason is that field based mobile applications (and sometimes at the enterprise as well) have a nasty way of dropping connections, just like cell phones. Coverage might also be expensive, spotty, or non existent in many locations.  Murphy's Law applies - a connection failure will always happen at the worst possible moment. Users never forget when this happens, and it doesn't take long for them to lose confidence in mobility, and the initiative will fail. Time and money are lost. 

Jargon Software mobile applications work with complete program flexibility and functionality offline because we utilize standard Javascript on the mobile device whether disconnected or not. All Jargon mobile applications provide store and forward technology built right in so that data can be stored while offline. Synchronization with the back office can occur as often or as seldom as required, and, because of our efficiency in data transmission at slower speeds dramatically lowers communications expense overhead.

Store and forward capability works well with relatively low volumes of data kept on the mobile device. Many times this limitation is not sufficient for the mobile task at hand. For example, storing a complete product catalog of 10's of thousands of items along with description, price and images can be problematic. When the amount of data gets large, effective methods must be used to select and retrieve this information, or else severe performance degradation will result.  To this end, Jargon mobile applications include an embedded SQL database. Mainframe like capacity is now possible on mobile devices because they use SD memory cards, just like digital cameras. An 8 GB SD card is common.

Initial set up and pre-loading of large mobile databases can be time consuming. Jargon mobile applications include features to quickly preload these mobile databases and then move them into position on the mobile device, resulting in huge savings in time. 

Synchronization is used for partially connected mobile applications, those that run offline and online. Host synchronization goes both ways, from the mobile device up to the back office system (example: uploading sales orders), and also from the back office system down to the mobile device (example: updating pricing information on the handheld). 

Jargon mobile applications accomplish synchronization without the need for expense messaging or mobile middleware. We utilize open standards to do this, so we can connect with most all back office solutions. There is no need for intermediate "mobile" databases on the host which must be separately processed into the back office system. 

Data communications expenses can add up, so synchronization is designed to be efficient at slow connection speeds so that both money and time can be saved. The data can be secured (using SSL) as desired and when desired by the organization and/or end user. 

Any facet of any screen in any Jargon mobile application is can be easily and comprehensively changed. This is accomplished using our visual layout and development  tool. This is the application behind  mobile applications that allows them to grow and change as your needs grow and change.  I.T. staff are focused on the the back office systems that run the business, and usually have little experience in working with mobile applications, bringing them up quickly and reliably. The Jargon framework makes it possible for these people to become productive in mobility in the shortest amount of time. Savvy end users can make good use of this customization ability.  

When mobile applications are customized, extended, or any any way changed, these changes must copied to each mobile device in the field. The greater the number of mobile devices in the field, the more profound this problem becomes.

Jargon mobile applications work with screens (forms) just like web browsers work with web pages. When a mobile application is enhanced or extended, it's re-cached to the mobile device just like a web page is refreshed on your desktop. 

The process is fast and transparent, as are web pages, and for the same reason. The language behind the scene in every web page is HTML, and it's concise and compact and easy to transport. The language behind Jargon mobile applications is XML which is even more open than it's HTML cousin, and meant for more general use. XML is what eliminates mobile application deployment overhead. 

Jargon mobile applications do not require proprietary mobile databases on the host into which the mobile data is stored.  There is no need to store this data to later be transferred to your back office system. Jargon mobile applications work directly with your back office systems, all the while enforcing the same security  used by web pages that utilize your back office information, such as online order entry or customer order status. 

The fewer redundant databases, the more straightforward the data strategy, and Murphy's Law will visit less often. All this means fewer chances for processing problems. 

Synchronization in Jargon mobile applications does not require and proprietary mobile or messaging middleware. No special software is needed on the host. We utilize standard services provided by modern host systems and back office environments. 

This results in saving time and money, the time needed for learning, setup, and configuration of additional middleware, and paying the usual hefty price for these products. 

Bar code scanning can make data entry much faster in the mobile world. Inexpensive hardware solutions exist that can be plugged into many modern mobile devices, as well as being integrated into the body of the unit, or tethered onto it. A typical use is to read the item number from a piece of merchandise, or item in inventory.

Jargon mobile applications utilize all modern bar coder scanner hardware. Mobile applications can operate both by scanning on a product by product basis, or "supermarket style" in which items are rapidly bar coded with preset quantity details. 

Catalog images

Creative use of images has transferred the Internet Web from a bland, text only world, to the marketing powerhouse that it is today. In this same fashion, a visual component makes the field sales experience more personal, and professional. A handheld PDA does not intrude in  the sales rep's customer relationship. The customer is excited to see what they are purchasing, and are impressed by the organizations attention to customer service. 

Jargon mobile applications are designed to work with images in a dynamic fashion, restructuring the screen in response to the size and shape. Details of image management, such as automatic transfer up to the host and down to the mobile device and bulk image loading are built in every Jargon mobile application. 

Signature Capture

Signature capture is important to confirm orders, purchase orders, deliveries, inspection results, etc. Signature capture built  into all Jargon applications. All aspects of signature capture are included, from signature acquisition to storage on the mobile device, as well as transfer and delivery to back office applications. 

In some field situations, printed transaction documentation is important. To this end, Jargon mobile applications support all of the popular print options available in the mobile world. Sales invoices, receipts, purchase orders, and confirmations can be efficiently produced in the field. 

IR printing means using the IR (infrared) port on the mobile device to drive a mobile printer. It works just like a typical TV remote control. You must point the mobile device directly at the printer for the connection to work. 

In some field situations, printed transaction documentation is important. To this end, Jargon mobile applications support all of the popular print options available in the mobile world. Sales invoices, receipts, purchase orders, and confirmations can be efficiently produced in the field. 

Serial printing means using the serial port on the mobile device to connect to a mobile printer. This is the same port that connects when the device is in its cradle. An inexpensive cable is used to accomplish the task. 

In some field situations, printed transaction documentation is important. To this end, Jargon mobile applications support all of the popular print options available in the mobile world. Sales invoices, receipts, purchase orders, and confirmations can be efficiently produced in the field. 

Bluetooth is a wireless connection to the mobile printer, but does not have the restrictions of an IR connection. The mobile device does not need to be pointed directly at the printer. Bluetooth provides the most flexibility and ease of use. 

Still Image capture

Field inspections and buyers on purchasing trips are two good uses for image capture. Flaws can be documented, new product purchases can be imaged to ensure delivery is what was intended. 

Jargon mobile applications build this functionality into mobile applications. This means it's easier and faster to learn and use for the end user, that person in the field who must get the job done, and not waste valuable time.

All aspects of still image capture are handled, from acquisition (snapshot) to storage on the mobile device, as well as transfer and delivery to back office applications. 

Video image capture is similar to still image capture except that the images are moving, i.e. video clips. This is handy to document sequences of events. 

All aspects of video capture are handled, from video acquisition (roll the camera) to storage on the mobile device, as well as transfer and delivery to back office applications. 

Audio capture is similar to video capture except that the images are moving, i.e. video clips. This is handy to document verbal notes in field inspection situations.  

All aspects of audio capture are handled, from audio acquisition to storage on the mobile device, as well as transfer and delivery to back office applications. 

RFID  technology is an evolutionary path for bar code scanning technology. It allows more intelligence to be placed on the merchandize tag. Like Bluetooth, one does not need to point the device at the tag in order to read it. One could simply walk by a rack of clothes with an RFID mobile device in one's pocket, and it would automatically inventory everything on the rack.

GPS

GPS (Global Positioning System) allows one to find their location anywhere on earth by utilizing a constellation of communications satellites in orbit about the Earth. By comparing the change in position, speed and direction can be measured, as well as height above sea level. 

Using GPS with mobile technology provides a way to document location. It's the new way to ensure a security guard reaches all his stations, not with keys and key stations, but with mobility. 

Speech recognition

In an ever more mobile world, mobile devices become complex, and offer features once not dreamed of. handheld mobile devices with cameras and microphones beg a groundbreaking user interface in order to squeeze even more efficiency from mobility operations. We feel that this technology will emerge over the next few years.