You are in:
- EDITORIAL CONTENT » PDA's
Data in the hand
The BAPCO Journal talks to Orange and Vodafone about the impact PDAs are having within the emergency services...
From Orange's perspective - what importance do you place on the PDA market? And, how can the use of PDAs help improve the efficiency of our emergency services?
"Mobile PDAs are no longer only the domain of executives, their use is being extended to more functional applications with organisations who are looking to mobilise business processes. This enables public sector employees can be more efficient and provide a better service as they can access real-time information while on the move - for example doctors can train online and nurses can access necessary data.
Where do you see the future of PDAs moving?
PDA devices are continually developing and we are working with manufacturers to ensure they meet the needs of our customers; that includes developing smaller and more robust devices. Shortly, PDA devices will be launched using the high-speed 3G network, this will make it even quicker for customers to access information and applications."
The SPV M2000TM
The SPV M2000TM (pictured above) from Orange is a smartphone that builds on the success of the SPV M1000TM by offering customers an integrated slide-out QWERTY keyboard making it even easier to quickly reply to emails and text messages.
The SPV M2000TM is the sixth Orange smartphone to use the Microsoft Windows Pocket PCTM platform. This provides customers with a familiar environment along with access to pocket versions of Windows Media PlayerTM, Internet ExplorerTM and OutlookTM with full PC synchronisation capabilities.
Accessing the internet, company systems and email is possible through wireless LAN or GPRS. Customers can choose the best connectivity method to meet their needs with the use of BluetoothTM, infrared, SD Card or USB cable to transfer data between devices.
As with all Orange Signature phones, the SPV M2000TM gives customers a unique Orange experience on their phone, providing them with a range of exclusive applications and services. This includes Orange BackupTM (which allows customers to store their personal and business data on the Orange network and restore those details when required), Packet Video player (offering Packet Video’s innovative progressive download service for smoother access to video content) and Orange UpdateTM, which allows customers to trial and download new applications such as travel information and news services. Orange Help is also included as an electronic user guide stored directly on the device.
From Vodafone’s perspective, what importance do you place on the PDA market?
Handheld devices, including BlackBerries, smartphones and PDAs, are increasingly being adopted by many business/public sector customers who want to manage calendars in real-time, co-ordinate job scheduling and work more effectively on the move using voice, the Internet, SMS and email. The Vodafone Working Nation report shows that 61% of employers believe providing the opportunity for more flexible working is a positive way to build loyalty and engender trust with their employees. Handheld devices, including PDAs, can be used as a tool to help improve flexible and mobile working.
How can the use of PDAs help improve the efficiency of our emergency services?
This example is from the public sector, but is not emergency services specific. As illustrated by Rotherham MBC, the BlackBerry devices were originally implemented as part of meeting e-government targets. On an ongoing basis, they have led to some significant efficiency savings within the council, increasing both the productivity and flexibility of its workforce. As well as allowing users to clear email backlog, users are also able to review documents and make comments on changes by email or text, as appropriate.
Research by Ipsos-Reid has found that the typical BlackBerry user(Enterprise version) reports that they recover 53 minutes in downtime each work day. The research also shows that 94% of BlackBerry users agree that it has improved their ability to stay on top of their email.
Where do you see the future of PDAs moving?
BlackBerry devices, smartphones and PDAs are all moving towards integrating even more applications on one device as mobile working becomes an everyday norm. Some business and public sector customers want a phone that can deliver the majority of services they require on one handheld device. Other customers want to continue to use separate hardware such as a mobile phone for voice calls and a Vodafone 3G Mobile Connect card in their laptop for access to email and other applications on the move. Vodafone UK offers choice to public sector and business customers to meet their specific needs.
The Blackberry 7100v from Vodafone
The BlackBerry 7100v from Vodafone is a single, integrated device that combines voice and data capabilities to provide a mobile business solution on one easy-to-use phone.
The dynamics of today's work practices require information to be delivered 24/7 across the globe and this device offers flexible, on the move access to voice calls, SMS, email, calendar and other personal information applications such as contacts. Email attachments such as Word, Excel and PDFs can all be viewed on the BlackBerry 7100v.
It is easy to use: the icons and trackwheel make it intuitive and quick to set up. Also, the new QWERTY keyboard with its SureType(tm) capability offers greater ease of use for typing messages and documents quickly and effectively. This helps users construct words using the intuitive text input functionality for speed and accuracy.
It is lightweight (only 120g), stylish and compact, incorporating a high resolution colour screen.
It enables people to ensure they can maximise the time spent out of the office as effectively as possible, as both voice, email, text, calendar, contacts can all be accessed on the move.
There are two versions of the BlackBerry 7100v from Vodafone: Enterprise and Internet Solutions. The Internet Solution appeals to business people who may wish to access their work and personal Internet email accounts when away from the office as it can support up to 10 Internet email addresses, which makes it ideal for users running a small business.
The Enterprise Solution is suitable for organizations that use either Microsoft Outlook email with an Exchange server or Lotus Notes email on a Lotus Domino server.
Users of the Enteprise version of the BlackBerry 7100v can access Internet content as they would do from a mobile phone and have full access to the range of news, information, travel and lifestyle services. The Internet Solution provides access to Vodafone live!
The Enterprise Solution uses the very latest in security encryption which means that in the eventuality that the device is stolen, this code ensures that all data saved on the device remains secure. It allows this data to be extracted remotely from the device by the user or the IT department, as appropriate.
