General

• The UNIX application only needs to be able to read an input text file, process the data (i.e. lookup the information in the database) and write an output text file.
  
  
• FineLine Mobile Access will only receive, reformat and pass text files - so your UNIX system remains secure since it cannot be directly accessed by a user or program through this software
  
  
• Up to 9,999 different web pages can run specific UNIX commands to process data for any type of application (ex: order status, information requests, tracking numbers, inventory queries, etc.)
  
  
• Built-in filtering is included for parsing and converting the incoming data to prepare it for being consumed by your UNIX application
  
  
• Any errors encountered (ex: invalid access requests) are logged and can generate an e-mail message to any number of users sent through a specified SMTP server
  
  
• An easy-to-use UNIX configuration interface along with detailed instructions are provided for configuring the software
  
  
• A separate session is maintained for each user with adjustable inactivity and total usage timers
  
  
• In addition to the many features offered by its "sister product", FineLine WebLink, Mobile Access adds support for providing an initial connection page and can serve images and files embedded in the web pages to the calling browser (WebLink requires a separate website to host the start page and any image files).  These features are required for mobile access since the UNIX server should be the only web server the PDA will contact.
  
  
• A working PDA web page demonstration is included with the package for trying the Mobile Access software from a networked PDA (or a PC using a regular web browser)
  
  

Examples of use

• Update the UNIX system's inventory in real-time
• Real-time comparison of received goods to purchase order for immediate notification of incorrect or missing goods
• Check customer information from the road / airport / boat
• Mobile point-of-sale, price verification & gift registry
• Immediate location information for incoming pallets in a warehouse
• Salespeople enter orders in real-time
• Installation crews access their schedules and enter time sheets
• Delivery personnel log deliveries
• Repair personnel check stock and order parts
• Anything you can think of...
  

PDA requirements

Any PDA with a recent web browser should work (the "trick" is to design the web pages to work within the capabilities of the PDA's browser).  Both consumer (iPAQ, Palm, etc) or commercial (Symbol, Intermec, etc) PDAs will work; it just depends on the ruggedness and features that are required (and what models are available).

For example, for real-time inventory or order fulfillment (among other tasks), PDAs are available with a built-in barcode scanner, along with a numeric keypad or full "QWERTY" keyboard.

Many accessories can be added to most PDAs including cellular cards, barcode scanners, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keyboards and more.

Using a cell phone or BlackBerry

If the device has a web browser and can access the Internet, the Mobile Access software should work with it.  The real issues are whether the browser software has the capabilities you require for your application and whether the device is comfortable for the user to use to access the data.  If both of these are true, the key to getting dedicated devices to work is making sure the pages being created for the device stay within the capabilities of the device's browser.

Wireless connection requirements

Any wireless connection (Cellular, Wi-Fi, etc.) can be used, as long as the device can communicate with the UNIX server over the network (actually, a wired connection also works but is of limited value...).

For example, if a PDA will be used for checking inventory in a store or warehouse, a local wireless network would be appropriate.

Of course, with a cellular connection, a user can access the UNIX information anywhere cellular service is provided.

Server Requirements

Your UNIX server must have a static IP address (or use a dynamic DNS service to associate a fixed domain name with a dynamic IP address) so the wireless device can connect directly to your server.

Supported UNIX platforms

• SCO OpenServer 5 / 6
• SCO UnixWare 7
• Linux
• IBM AIX
  
  

Product licensing

This product is licensed by single UNIX server (unlimited users).

Pricing