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Introduction to Mobile Applications

In this article I'll be giving you a brief technical overview of mobile application architecture and at a later date we'll be looking at real life case studies emerging from some really innovative and exciting work we are currently doing in this area.

Recent advances in mobile technology have given rise to more powerful mobile devices such as smart-phones and i-phones, combined together with high speed mobile data tariffs and a few bits of new programming technology from Microsoft (.NET Compact Framework 3.5 with Synchronization Services), mobile applications can be very flexible. The brilliance of these devices, especially the Windows Smart Phones is that they run an operating system much like that of a personal computer or laptop which makes it easy for developers like ourselves to design and develop specialist tools and applications for them. Not only are they easy to develop for but unlike PCs and Laptops, the people who use them have these mobile devices on them at all times and they are always connected, a powerful proposition for businesses with mobile workers!

COMPONENTS OF A MOBILE APPLICATION

There are two core components to a mobile application and one optional component. These components are:

• Central Database
• Mobile Application
• Web/Desktop Application

At the heart of a mobile application is the central database. This can be accessed via a number of mobile devices (mobile phones or PDAs) as well as Web and Desktop Applications. The mobile devices run a mobile application which will synchronize with the central database, adding or updating data as required. This means that there is nothing critical about the devices themselves and if lost or damaged only the data changed since the last synchronization would be lost. The Web / Desktop application would connect in real time as it will have a dependable Internet connection. This often provides the back-office functionality of the application.

ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

As well as being able to run applications like a computer, SmartPhones and PDAs are now starting to include technologies to make mobile applications even more powerful. Technologies such as:

• GPS
• Cameras
• Bar Code Scanners
• Bluetooth Printers
• Ruggedized equipment for hazardous environments

If you have any requirements or ideas for mobile application development, why not let us know why and maybe we can help.

Chris Falconer, Technical Director