Smart Device Development Guidance

[Auguy]

I have been asked to update an old application that used Symbol PTT 2800 hand held devices to scan barcodes (items rented out and returned) and download the info into the main computer every night. The main application then calculated invoices, updated inventory, etc. I will need to update both the main program and the hand held programs. This is a fairly simple inventory/rental application.

1. In general how difficult is it to develop the hand held app using the "Smart Device Application" in VS?
2. As mentioned, the client has Symbol PTT 2800's, but is willing to upgrade to other hand helds. Any recommendations?
3. What DB should I use on the hand helds and main computer to maximize the ease of uploading and downloading the data?
4. What would be the approach to sync the data?
5. Any recommendations for books, websites, etc. for my education?
6. Any other pitfalls to watch out for?

Thanks for any help.


Auguy
Northwest Ohio

 

[stravis]

1. Not too hard at all if you are using .Net and you have experience here.
2. I would recommend calling Symbol directly and asking them about what is best for you. They know their hardware and they make the best industrial strength hardware available.
3. Anytime you do a data dump from a handheld you risk losing data. I highly recommend that you use a Symbol device with wireless capability and have it communicate using a Web Service. The key to a good handheld app is to keep as much processing off the handheld as possible and offload it to something like a Web Service. If this is not possible, you can use a variety of databases including an extremely scaled down version of SQL Server or just serialize to XML and then push the XML files when you sync.
4. Web Service is best, otherwise you could use ActiveSync. I haven't done the latter, so I can't give many specifics.
5. The Symbol website has some resources, as does the Microsoft website. Just lookup .Net Compact Framework. It is really not that difficult or different from developing WinForms applications.

 

[Auguy]

Starvis, Thanks for the information. I've never written a web service before. I'll look into both.


Auguy
Northwest Ohio

 

[stravis]

Be careful you don't let the Web Service get too complicated. This should be easy. Most Web Services used for this kind of solution do not require crazy amounts of security. You can make the development very difficult for yourself if you introduce too many variables at first. I would recommend finding a simple .Net Web Service tutorial online before you pickup any book on the subject. The books get into a great deal of details you probably don't need.