Migrate DOS to CE

This unique software migration service from DecisionPoint Systems enables legacy DOS mobile applications to run natively on WinCE® and Windows Mobile® computers. Using this service reduces the costs and risks typically associated with moving to a new mobile hardware platform. Cost savings include:

Lost application functionality

Expensive and time consuming user training costs

Backend integration issues

Costs related to delayed deployments

The Successful History of Mobile Computing in Your Operation

As a longtime user of DOS-based mobile computers, you have come to realize the benefits of providing information to your front line decision makers:

Improved customer service

Improved productivity

The applications you are running have been honed over the years to fit hand-in-glove the way you do business. Things work well and there is no compelling reason to change this.

Wireless network security has emerged as a significant concern in the enterprise, especially for companies such as retailers who have operations in very public places like retail stores.

There are also new applications and technologies you would like to layer into your operations at the proper time. Things like new enterprise software applications including manager's dashboard, voice-over-IP (VoIP), and video are just a few examples.

Your Challenge Going Forward

Supporting DOS-based mobile computers is getting harder by the day. The manufacturers have long discontinued manufacturing them. Repairs are harder to make. The DOS operating system has little technical support anymore. Fact is, mobile handheld computers running Microsoft WindowsCE® and Windows Mobile® have become the new standard.

How Migration Benefits Users

Migrating your existing applications instead of throwing them away or re-writing them has several benefits for users of DOS-based mobile handheld computers:

Reduces implementation time of new Windows Mobile-based handheld computers.

Eliminates any possible business disruption due to the introduction of new technology.

Provides a cost-effective way to implement new wireless LAN security requirements.

Reduces support costs by preserving the same application source code.

Delivers faster user response times by running existing programs on new, faster hardware.

Eliminates the pain and risk of rolling out new hardware with a "big bang" all at once.

Delivers flexibility by introducing the new devices only where needed and when ready.

Freedom to retire DOS devices when ready.

Uses Original Program Source Code for Migration

DecisionPoint DOS-to-CE adds switches into the source code which allow the same source code to be compiled for deployment either on a DOS device or a WinCE/Windows Mobile device. There is still only one set of source code to support, just like before.

Utilizes the original ‘C' source code used for the current application as the basis for the migrated application.

Preserves All The "Look and Feel" of the DOS application

Designed to make the original application run identically on new WinCE/Windows Mobile mobile computers. This includes everything down to screen layouts, keyboard and function key mapping, and peripheral interfaces.

Preserves Single Set of Source Code for both DOS and WinCE/Windows Mobile deployments.

Q: How can you gracefully move your existing DOS applications from the DOS hardware you are running today to the WinCE-based mobile computers of tomorrow without pain and risk?

A: Don't rewrite your existing DOS applications. Save time and money by migrating them seamlessly and risk-free using DecisionPoint's software migration service.

How It Works
Customer provides DOS source code to DecisionPoint.

DecisionPoint reviews source code and provides proposal for migration.

DecisionPoint migrates DOS application to WinCE or Windows Mobile, preserving DOS code.

DecisionPoint delivers new WinCE/Windows Mobile application and returns modified source code.

Customer loads migrated applications and deploys!

Hardware Independent

The service is available for any native C application written for Symbol (Motorola) DOS devices. The migrated application will run on any WinCE or Windows Mobile-based device.

Requirements

DOS-based applications must be ‘C'-based with program source code available to DecisionPoint.

Next Steps