PDA's & Databases

Hi

I'm looking for some advice, not sure if this is the right place to do it but anyway to the point... I am bringing IT into an existing business to improve its overall efficiency. What i am doing is the long version so heres the short...

There is a database on the office server that needs constantly updating. I need a mobile device such as a PDA that will allow other members in the workforce (who dont have access to a computer) to be able to input/update the office database. The office has a virtual private network.

What kind of hardware or software should i be looking at? if anyone could point me in the direction of even so much as a buzz word to research it would be appreciated.

[getsurfers]

Easiest way is to build a website, and connect this to a database such as SQL/MySQL. You could hide this behind a VPN, and this could be setup on your server as an intranet (your server will have a wizard to get the intranet function enabled- you just need to build the site for it).

You'd be best getting a web/database designer (unless you have these skills already) who can get you up and running in a few days. Cost our firm around £2k, but we got a very complex solution for stock/job allocation, invoicing etc.

This is realistically the only way for mobile and office staff to have access to current accurate information. In our case this meant we got a load of XDA's free from O2, and negotiated quite a good data rate. Your chosen network, if not O2, will have a PDA/Phone device solution, and for the most part, give you these free under your business contract - esp if you don't use any data currently

If they do make you pay, time to change providers!

haha that sounds like a very good idea but the thing is im clueless with PDA's as they run a different OS. What would be the process of connecting a PDA to the VPN? How would it connect? this is what im trying to understand ive looked online and find nothing related to what i am specifically looking for. Thanks for the advice its appreciated.

Also concerning providers (when you said "this meant") did you mean that hiring a web/db designer "meant" that you got the xda's free from O2? If so was the designer affiliated with O2? If notis the amount of money they are willing to give you (free xdas) dependent upon the amount of money you stand to give your service provider?

[getsurfers]

Setting up the VPN should be pretty easy. Your IT support should be able to assist in this, or if no IT support, then there are plenty of good guides - simply search for setting up VPN PDA.

You've mentioned you already have a VPN, so all you need are the settings and passwords.

The web design and mobile aspects, in our case, are totally seperate. We have a business contract with O2 for new handsets every year. We had 6230i's last year, but cheakily went back after 6 months, explained what we were doing and we'd need a adata soultion ASAP and obv their eyes rolled with £ signs. Few days later a load of XDAs arrived - one for each phone we have with them.

It all depends in your case whether you use data now, if not how much you anticipate, and monthlly current mobile spend. All the mobile operators have sales/account advisors who can visit your offices to thrash out what you need, and what they'll give you. Simply ask your business' current mobile provider for a meeting and they'll be there like a shot!

OS side, Windows Mobile 5 is the current flavour of many devices - and powers most mobile/PDA combi devices like the XDA. Although if you go the website route, then the OS shouldn't matter at all. All I suggest is that you ensure your web designer designs in Xhtml and uses CSS to ensure full complience with both PC and mobile devices. The Xhtml route will mean one version which will work on a PC, and a reduced screensize version. Just be sure to carefully select your designer to ensure they have database skills, Xhtml, CSS and importantly experience of making sites viewable on PDA's.

You might find assistance finding a designer at a forum I moderate at. Simply post in the web jobs section of http://forum.netmag.co.uk