I recently read a very interesting article in Computerworld that described the ways the rules for enterprise software applications are changing.  Computerworld offered 3 new rules for enterprise software to be successful.  These included:

1. Make it appealing – Enterprise software must be user-friendly and work well on all commonly used browsers and mobile devices.  According to Gartner analysts, business strategies for application development need to consider three user groups: B2B, B2E (employee) and B2C (consumer).
2. Make it transparent – Real-time data is more important than ever before.  Employees that have access to up-to-date information have a competitive advantage.  In addition to real-time data, users are also interested in having information presented in graphical form with tables and charts.  These analytic tools help users discover trends and improve decision-making.
3. Update it often – Employees expect and want frequent updates to the applications they use. And with the increasing use of cloud-based software, updates are easier than ever to push out to users.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about enterprise software applications.

Mobile field inspection solutions enable you to manage your assets more efficiently by eliminating the need to travel back and forth between the field and the office. Empower your employees with mobile devices that transmit real-time information to your back office database and other employees. Mobile Epiphany’s industry-leading software integrates into any business process, so regardless of industry we can create workflows for any asset and any task. See for yourself, check out this great new video.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about end-to-end mobile field inspection and asset tracking solutions.

On Monday, I provided a brief definition of cloud computing and its expected growth as reported by Gartner.  As a follow-up, today I’d like to take a look at the key benefits that cloud computing solutions offer.

1. Cloud-based solutions don’t require any upfront capital equipment purchases.
2. Maintenance and updates are automatically taken care of by the service provider.
3. Cloud computing solutions are easy to implement.
4. Cloud computing is highly-scalable.  As your applications grow, you can add capacity as needed.
5. Reduce overall hardware and IT support costs by outsourcing. 

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cloud-based mobile applications.

A common and growing trend for businesses across all types of industries is to make the move to cloud computing.  In fact, a recent study conducted by Gartner reported that the cloud computing market is expected to reach $150 billion by 2013.

So what exactly is cloud computing?  Cloud computing delivers applications via the internet, which are accessed from web browsers and desktop and mobile apps, while the business software and data are stored on servers at a remote location.  According to InfoWorld, cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real-time over the Internet, extends IT’s existing capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cloud computing solutions.

I recently came across this great site called StatCounter that provides metrics on mobile trends within the United States.  What I found interesting was the chart below that shows the top 8 mobile operating systems.  Check it out.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions.

In our Sept. 21st post I announced the release of the Grapevine Push-to-Talk Android client.  The Grapevine Android client has recently been updated with new enhancements, including:

• Display event / pending messages counters in the notification area (number of pending messages shown in circle)
• Support for moving Grapevine to the microSD card
• Option to bring Grapevine to the foreground on incoming messages
• Notification option for all unanswered calls

The Grapevine Android client is interoperable with the Windows Mobile and Blackberry clients. This fulfills the needs of customers requiring instant communications between field workers equipped with rugged Windows Mobile devices and managers with consumer devices.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Grapevine Push-to-Talk.

On Monday it was announced that Grapevine Push-to-Talk, DecisionPoint’s cloud-based Push-to-Talk software, is now certified on the Panasonic Toughbook U1 ultra mobile rugged PC.  The Panasonic Toughbook U1 is a cross between a tablet form factor and a handheld form factor and is ideal for mobile workforces that require a device that can withstand all-day use in demanding environments.

The Grapevine Push-to-Talk certification on the Panasonic Toughbook U1 adds to the already extensive list of certified devices approved for use with this solution and fulfills the needs of customers requiring instant communications from a tablet that was previously unavailable.

For additional information about this certification you can read the entire press release here or download a copy.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Grapevine Push-to-Talk.

Android 4.0, also known as “Ice Cream Sandwich” is the latest update to the Android OS and will be rolling out to mobile devices over the next few months.  Android 4.0 is full of new features—here are just a few:

• New User Interface-blends the tablet and smartphone experience and includes multi-tasking icons for most recently used apps and context-adaptable software buttons.
• Face Unlock-face recognition capability to unlock your smartphone instead of using a PIN.
• Speech Command-create emails and text messages simply by speaking.
• Android Beam-uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to share apps, maps, files, videos and more simply by tapping two Android 4.0 phones together.

And many more innovative new features!

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Android 4.0.

DecisionPoint’s partner Mobile Epiphany recently announced the release of Touch Inspect v3.0.  Touch Inspect is industry-leading mobile business process software for asset tracking, field inspection and other mobile workforce solutions.  Now Touch Inspect is even more powerful than before with v3.0 boasting several new features, including:

• New Formatted Data Grid-customizable Excel-like grid gives users the option to complete all or portions of their workflow.
• Configurable Custom Home Screen-users only have the buttons they need on their home screen to simplify workflow.
• Streamlined Actions-automatically save work while it is being performed, redirect users to other screens and set completion status of workflow. No more manual steps for workers.
• Depleting Lists-removes list items as users select from single or multi-pick lists.  Perfect for lists used repeatedly , but where previously selected items shouldn’t be available.

And more!

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Touch Inspect business process software.

On Nov. 1st, VeriFone announced the acquisition of Global Bay Mobile Technologies. DecisionPoint’s partner Global Bay is an industry-leading provider of next-generation mobile retail solutions. According to the press release, Global Bay’s technology, coupled with VeriFone’s secure mobile payment technology, will offer retailers an unparalleled comprehensive and integrated suite of mobile applications that will transform the in-store retail experience. These applications include Mobile POS, Clienteling, and Store Inventory Management.

This is the latest development in VeriFone’s strategy to bring the power of mobile into the world of retail and payments, extending new smartphone- and tablet-based shopping and payment experiences to retail organizations. Global Bay will operate as an independent business unit within VeriFone.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Global Bay’s mobile retail solutions.