Get a grip on your mobile data: the freedom PDAs offer make them difficult to manage. Find out how to manage and secure data exchange, even when you're dealing with different kinds of devices.IF YOUR COMPANY IS LIKE MOST, you're probably dealing with a cornucopia cornucopia (kôr'ny  kō`pēə), in Greek mythology, magnificent horn that filled itself with whatever meat or drink its owner requested. of support issues related to the use of personal digital
assistants (PDAs) on your network. This is because PDAs are popular
consumer devices and many employees bring them into the workplace
without IT's guidance or knowledge. As a result, it's common
to have multiple models, platforms, and data exchange products to deal
with.
In addition to being pretty flashy business accessories, one of the many appeals of handheld devices is their ability exchange data with desktop applications, databases, and other data sources and take it on the road. But, this freedom makes PDAs difficult to manage. Most users exchange data, or "synchronize See synchronization. ," through their individual desktops, making it almost impossible for IT to track the devices or the information being exchanged with them. You need the tools and a comprehensive strategy to get the situation in hand. A mobile device middleware and management (MDMM) solution might just be the place to start. The role of an MDMM is to provide network-managed access for device synchronization (1) See synchronous and synchronous transmission. (2) Ensuring that two sets of data are always the same. See data synchronization. (3) Keeping time-of-day clocks in two devices set to the same time. See NTP. . What MDMMs can do for you MDMM products support conventional data synchronization Keeping data in two or more computers up-to-date so that each repository contains the identical information. Data in handheld devices and laptops often require synchronization with the data in a desktop machine or server. and content distribution for a range of industry-standard PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). client and backend platforms. They also include PDA management features such as device resource monitoring, device backups, and tracking features to monitor synchronization. User profiles and authentication (1) Verifying the integrity of a transmitted message. See message integrity, e-mail authentication and MAC. (2) Verifying the identity of a user logging into a network. let you identify each synchronization request; and, because these requests are centralized cen·tral·ize v. cen·tral·ized, cen·tral·iz·ing, cen·tral·iz·es v.tr. 1. To draw into or toward a center; consolidate. 2. , it's easy to manage and monitor PDA use and enterprise-level synchronization. MDMMs also support wireless and/or wired connectivity within your network. This gives you a variety of options for letting your employees connect to your MI)MM server. Because your users don't have to rely on their desktop computer to perform synchronization, this architecture offers a truly mobile synchronization solution. Certain MDMMs even support live online access to back end data to let you fully integrate wireless applications into your environment. Some of the key features of MDMMs are: * Integration with most industry-standard backend data systems and corporate e-mail systems * User profile-based security and administration tools * PDA hardware and software inventory tracking by user, make, model, and product * Remote software deployment Software deployment is all of the activities that make a software system available for use. The general deployment process consists of several interrelated activities with possible transitions between them. and configuration capabilities * Full device backup * Remote troubleshooting capabilities * Historical information and logging features (e.g., last date/time of the synchronization) * Local PDA security support and network traffic encryption What MDMMs won't do for you While an MDMM is a sound option for addressing many of the technical requirements of your PDA integration strategy, it's only a start. You also need sound policies and procedures Policies and Procedures are a set of documents that describe an organization's policies for operation and the procedures necessary to fulfill the policies. They are often initiated because of some external requirement, such as environmental compliance or other governmental to govern how the company procures, uses, and controls PDAs. In addition, don't underestimate the importance of a solid user education and support plan. Despite the fact that PDAs are relatively easy to use, a comprehensive education strategy will save dollars and resources when it comes to support issues. You might also have to consider additional synchronization engines to round out your organization's mobile application requirements. MDMMs typically can't handle the synchronization requirements of more sophisticated data models. By offering the maximum in multi-system interoperability, there is a natural trade-off in the level of integration MDMMs can offer for any specific product. So, while the typical MDMM easily handles the standard sync requirements of applications such as e-mail, contact and activity management, and checklists, it probably doesn't support highly complex data management models, or those requiring a critical degree of data integrity. Examples of applications that require a high degree of data integrity are those that address financial transactions, medical diagnostics, or complex workflow models. Applications of this nature require features only available in more specialized, third-party synchronization products, such as Oracle Lite, DB2 Everyplace An embedded version of DB2 designed for cellphones, PDAs and other dedicated devices. It is a slimmed-down version of IBM's flagship database management system (DBMS). , or SQL Anywhere  This article or section is written like an .Please help [ rewrite this article] from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising for , using . . These products offer full and fine-level integration with their respective back-end products. It's important to note that these products don't replace your MDMM; you'll still want it for wide-scale, generic PDA synchronization. You will also still need your MDMM to deploy, monitor, and support the applications you build with specialized products I mentioned. Go from swamped to smug smug adj. smug·ger, smug·gest Exhibiting or feeling great or offensive satisfaction with oneself or with one's situation; self-righteously complacent: If you're feeling a little swamped trying to get a handle on the PDAs on your network, a good MDMM solution will help you structure and automate information distribution and manage a diverse PDA pool. Despite these good qualities, MDMMs won't solve all your company's PDA-related problems; but, combined with comprehensive policies and procedures and with a sound support strategy, an MDMM can help you lay the foundation for a controlled PDA environment. You can supplement this with a more sophisticated database synchronization engine to address high-integrity, point-specific application requirements. Do this, and you should start to feel downright smug (justifiably so) about how well your organization is handling PDA management. What Are Your Options? Products from Aether aether: see ether, in physics and astronomy. Aether god of whole atmosphere. [Gk. Myth.: Jobes, 42] See : Air Systems, Extended Systems, Pumatech, Synchrologic, and XcelleNet are all solid MDMM solutions. Aether Systems http://www.aethersystems.com Aether ScoutSync Aether ScoutSync is a platform-independent software solution that leverages both wired and wireless communications wireless communications System using radio-frequency, infrared, microwave, or other types of electromagnetic or acoustic waves in place of wires, cables, or fibre optics to transmit signals or data. . It offers a comprehensive application programming interface (API (Application Programming Interface) A language and message format used by an application program to communicate with the operating system or some other control program such as a database management system (DBMS) or communications protocol. ) for third parties and customers to build applications and solutions. The Aether ScoutSync BCRP BCRP Banco Central de Reserva del Perú BCRP Breast Cancer Research Program BCRP Breast Cancer Resistance Protein BCRP Business Crime Reduction Partnership (UK) protocol for communication between a client and server allows efficient exchange of synchronization and administration-related data, critical when communicating over a low-bandwidth connection. $200 per seat. Volume discounts available. Extended Systems http://www.extendedsystems.com Extended Systems XTNDConnect Server XTNDConnect Server is an out-of-the-box groupware Software that supports multiple users working on related tasks in local and remote networks. Also called "collaborative software," groupware is an evolving concept that is more than just multiuser software which allows access to the same data. data synchronization and device management solution for the enterprise. This server-based software is designed for organizations with mobile workers who want to synchronize their mobile devices with e-mail, contacts, calendar, and task information (PIM (1) (Protocol Independent Multicast) A multicast routing protocol endorsed by the IETF. Used in conjunction with an existing unicast routing protocol, it comes in two flavors: Dense Mode (PIM-DM) is used when recipients in the target group are in a concentrated data) or with custom enterprise applications (e.g., CRM (Customer Relationship Management) An integrated information system that is used to plan, schedule and control the presales and postsales activities in an organization. applications). It also gives IT administrators an effective way to centrally manage these devices and the information they access. $125 per user with a minimum server charge. Volume discounts available. PumaTech http://www.pumatech.com PumaTech Enterprise Intellisync Enterprise Intellisync synchronizes personal information management (PIM) and custom database information--locally and remotely--among desktop PCs, servers, and mobile devices. It helps IT securely manage handheld software and devices from a centralized location. Pumatech's Satellite Forms software (included) offers a quick and easy way to develop applications that integrate with and databases, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server A relational DBMS from Microsoft that is a major component of the Windows Server System. It is Microsoft's high-end client/server database and is closely integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft Office System. , and many other ODBC-compliant data sources. $995 for a 10-user license. Volume discounts available. Synchrologic http://www.synchrologic.com Synchrologic Systems Management Synchrologic Systems Management helps overcome issues of security, low bandwidth, intermittent connections, and frequent line drops. It offers remote software installation for laptops and handhelds, as well as upgrade capabilities, device configuration, backup, and hardware and software asset inventory collection. It also insulates mobile device users from confusing software installation procedures and unnecessary down time. $59 per seat. Volume discounts available. XcelleNet http://www.xcellenet.com XceneNet Afaria XcelleNet Afaria helps companies manage mobile devices, applications, and content. From a central location, IT administrators can: * Deploy applications for use in the field * Manage, exchange, and deriver content * Capture and store hardware and software information, and automatically track mobile devices and their health * Provide automated system and data backup and restore capability in the event data is lost or destroyed $5,000 for the server; $39 per client device. Volume discounts available. MOBILE BUSINESS BENEFITS Having trouble supporting and tracking PDA users? There's software out there to help you dear your computing environment of the myriad of data exchange tools your users might have set up without your knowledge. Find out how to set up a clean, centralized system In telecommunications, a centralized system is one in which most communications are routed through one or more major central hubs. Such a system allows certain functions to be concentrated in the system's hubs, freeing up resources in the peripheral units. to truck data coming into and out of your network, and simplify the data exchange process for users. Louise Davey and Martin Lauzon have more than 16 years combined experience in the IT professional services (job) professional services - A department of a supplier providing consultancy and programming manpower for the supplier's products. industry. They are science graduates and hold a long line of industry-recognized certifications. Working with mobile and wireless technologies since 1998, they have seen many trends come and go. Their experience and practical know-how are being applied to provide real-life solutions to meet Imagina's clients' business needs. Imagina Technical Solutions has been offering IT-related consulting services Noun 1. consulting service - service provided by a professional advisor (e.g., a lawyer or doctor or CPA etc.) service - work done by one person or group that benefits another; "budget separately for goods and services" since 1984. http://www.imagina.ca. |
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