The UK IT market skipped a heart beat during the past year, however in 2010; it is back to what it does best. Global IT spend will advance by 4.4% led by pent-up demand for software. The leading software market to be in is enterprise software. Enterprise software will be the most lucrative software business to be in, according to Ovum (2009). Lead analysts in the field (Gartner, 2009) propose that the market for large enterprise mobility software is tipped to grow at 9% during 2010, putting enterprise mobility at the forefront in 2010 (Forrester, 2009).

By the end of 2010 the software market will be worth about £6.44 billion. Top ten trends to watch for in 2010 are as follows:

-          Cloud Computing

-          Advanced analytics

-          Client computing

-          IT for green

-          Flash memory

-          Virtualization for availability

-          Mobile applications

-          Reshaping the data centre

-          Social computing

-          Security: active monitoring.

Positively, companies specialising in business applications is a “key growth area,” for the UK software industry will “keep growing” (Gartner, 2009).   

A feature-packed high performance GPS handheld

The Trimble Nomad packs even more functionality into one of the most powerful and full-featured rugged handheld computers available.

The TDS Nomad packs even more functionality into the most powerful and full-featured rugged handheld computer on the market. Start with an 806 MHz processor, 512 MB to 2 GB of Flash storage, a long-life battery and integrated wireless capabilities like GPS, 802.11g, and Bluetooth. Then select an optional integrated laser bar code scanner and colour digital camera. The Nomad also features a high-resolution, sunlight-visible VGA display that shows graphics and maps in crisp detail. The possibilities are endless with this rugged device. Moreover, this handheld computer delivers maximum performance and reliability in a lightweight and extremely rugged design that's easy to carry. Featuring optional embedded Bluetooth and 802.11g wireless, the waterproof Recon weighs just 17 ounces, meets military specifications for drops, vibration, and both high and low temperature operation, and runs Windows Mobile 6. With rounded edges to fit comfortably in your hand, the Recon works wherever and whenever you need it.The Trimble handheld computer projects portability, data security and maximum operating time are crucial. The innovative modular design saves time and money on long-term service and provides customization options to suit your different applications.

Standard features include:

·      Windows Mobile 6

·      Bluetooth

 ·      Wi-Fi 802.11g

·      Intel XScale 806Mhz Processor

 ·      Ultra-Rugged & Lightweight

·      IP67

·      Daylight-Readable 480x640 (full VGA) display

·      Two User-accessible CF slots and Secure Digital (SDIO) ports

·      512 MB non-volatile Flash data storageBundled Items:

·      International AC battery charger (100–240 V)

·      Screen protectors (2-pack)

·      2 stylus pens

·      Getting Started Guide

·      Hand strap

·      USB data cable

This device is also available in yellow, grey and military green.

Visit http://www.ruggeddirect.co.uk/Product_EGL-FYN2GEB_Trimble-TDS-Nomad-800B-Wifi-BT.aspx for more information

  

sept 2009.pdf (806.10 kb)

igroup have launched their September 2009 newsletter which can be found on www.igroupltd.co.uk.

By reading igroup's monthly newsletter find out about what igroup are up to, what new prodcuts and services we offer and updates on igroup's staff and customers.

Each month you can read how igroup have helped their client's to run faster with increased efficiency and productivity whilst being more competitive and helping them to cut cost's. Find out where you can see igroup at trade show's and seminars, and if you can't make it, updates on how they went will be published in the newsletter and igroup will add pictures of its staff at events, seminars and with clients.

Mobile computing: powering public service

Today’s technologies support workers on-site through suites of products devoted to connectivity, security and productivity.

According to the Future Work Forum, one in three UK workers does at least part of their work each week away from the office. Millions of working hours each day are spent working in the community, travelling to meetings and remote offices, or working from home. It’s a scenario that’s especially familiar to anyone working in the public sector, says Nick Umney, a technical specialist working in Microsoft’s Public Sector team. “Today, very few people spend five days a week working at a desk in the office, particularly with the growing awareness of flexible and remote working,” he says. “The challenge is how we enable those workers in the field, or at remote locations, to be as productive and efficient as they possibly can.” 

 The ‘Real’ work is outside the office

One part of the solution is to deploy mobile technology to provide public sector workers with access to job-related information wherever they are based. The potential benefits of mobile working are certainly compelling: the UK government estimates the public sector could save up to £336 million a year through mobile working. These savings would be generated through reduced office costs, efficiency savings, service improvement and improved data quality. “I agree that the public sector could benefit enormously from mobile working because for many roles, the ‘real’ work is outside the office,” says Rob Bamforth, a research analyst with Quocirca. “Providing access to IT on the move saves time, and therefore makes the individual more productive.”For example, the London Borough of Sutton achieved 47% efficiency savings when it provided finance staff with tablet PCs to record the results of home-based interviews with individuals requesting financial support. Staff used specially designed forms on the tablet PCs to record vital details, and generated the required paperwork for an application on the spot. Computerising the process has reduced errors and also means the results can be processed more easily – a typical application can now be assessed in less than one week, compared to five weeks previously. In Sheffield, 84 local councillors have been provided with handheld computers that allow them to electronically record requests and complaints from citizens, which are automatically sent back to the council’s contact centre. The system saves each councillor around three hours per week in paperwork and administration, translating into a major financial saving for the council.  

See how Dynamic Forms can help your business and increase productivity in the field: www.dynamic-forms.net                  www.igroupltd.co.uk  

           

Visit igroup at Logistics Link this October to experience demonstrations of Dynamic Forms, as well as gaining a wealth of valuable product knowledge, ask questions regarding your logistics needs and chat to personnel from igroup to obtain information specific to your IT needs.

Logistics Link North now in its 6th year and back at the new £34million state of the art venue at Doncaster Racecourse, the show will bring together leading industry suppliers with key decision makers at the only Northern logistics event.

At the show you can meet exhibitors who have a range of logistics products and services to help optimise your supply chain operations. Many of the exhibitors will have on stand demonstrations, meaning you can see many of the latest products and services to hit the industry in use and discuss how best they can meet your company’s requirements.

Meet and evaluate first class suppliers of:

Contract logistics Warehouse automation/systems integration Forklift trucks Developers/facilities managers/development agencies Wireless/RDT systems Supply chain software   Materials handling Specialist services Printers/bar coding/labelling equipment Fleet management/telematics systems Packing/storage/packaging Palletised distribution

The show will also have a FREE Seminar Programme giving visitors the hints and tips on how to improve their supply chain operations, as well as keeping them informed about the latest best industry practice. Visit the only Northern one-stop logistics event on 13th - 14th October 2009, Doncaster Racecourse

To register, simply visit - http://www.igroupltd.co.uk/igroup/Pages/Events.aspx or call 0845 838 2184

                                                             

                                         

iGroup Ltd is microsoft dynamics certified and is proud to be able to offer a CRM trial. This allows a guest user to see log into a demo version of CRM and have a look at how it could benefit their business.

Please apply at the following URL for your CRM Trial.

http://www.igroupltd.co.uk/Download/Pages/CRM-Trial.aspx 

 

Tinytag data loggers are used to record data in the field for later analysis. The user then downloads the information captured by the tinytag data logger on to a device such as a laptop or PDA. The RS232 port is one of the standard ways of interfacing your device with the logger and transfering the information as well as updating the instructions held by the device.

There are several devices with an RS232 port as standard or an optional add on:

• Juniper systems Archer Field PC (RS232 Standard)
• Trimble TDS Recon (RS232 Standard)
• Intermec CN3 and CN3e (RS232 Adaptor)

The different units differ on price and communication options. The archer is available with bluetooth and the TDS recon with bluetooth and wifi. The CN3 and CN3e are available with Bluetooth, Wifi and GPRS. Further details of these units can be found on our website:

www.ruggeddirect.co.uk

If you need a personalised quote or some advice about mobile devices please email support@igroupltd.co.uk or call 0845 838 2184 

 

Trimble TDS range added to Rugged Direct:

www.ruggeddirect.co.uk

www.ruggeddirect.com

http://ruggeddirect/Recon-Trimble_TDS_Recon_200X-P143.aspx

These devices combine a high IP rating with a low price starting at just over £400. There is a broad variety of communication options and configurations available. 

 

Everyone has different needs and demands when one approach an application or software development service. As the needs changes from client to client, companies involve in software development have to imbibe variety of software development services. Software development services can be categorized according to need of the client. Some might for online application development for their e-commerce website or for management of visitors and their tracking. Some might have a need for software to effectively manage salaries of their clients or to keep a tab on the progress of the company. Many companies engaged in process of development of software also have provision of customized software creation and includes it in their software development services. Many clients don’t have the need to get new software coded from scratch but their solution can be obtained by customizing the existing software a little bit, this process is known as tailor-made software services.

If you plan to get an application or software coded for your organizational needs or for building your online market, then the need is to seek a reliable software development company. Now comes the question how one can test a software development company on the scale of efficiency and reliability. To get you out of this situation, here are few tips which come handy. Always look for the past portfolio of any software development company from which you are planning to get your software or application coded. The second thing to look out is their development plan. By development plan, one means the strategy that particular software Development Company will employ to get your software or application coded. The last thing but most important, always try to have a legal agreement between both parties as it will prevent glitches later on but make sure you go through terms and conditions properly.

Outsourced software development has really proved to be a boon. Due to outsourced software development, the complete arena for software development has changed. Now there is no need to spend excessive money for getting your work done. Things have changed thanks to outsourced software development, as now you can get the same amount of work done in less time as well as money. The driving principle is the currency conversion factor which brings down the cost.

Mobile ubiquitous computing, powerful computing devices the size of contemporary calculators will become ubiquitous in the office and home environments and these machines, while offering substantial storage capacity and computing power, have only limited communication capabilities. Mobile ubiquitous computing do not enable users to access the powerful computing infrastructure that has been developed over the last 20 years, however, Mobile ubiquitous computing has to do with do the mobile networks based on radio and infrared (IR) will soon offer bandwidth comparable to todays Ethernet. And with this, comes the challenge of writing and using applications that are capable of adapting to rapid changes in location, and working with a broad range of computing devices having small screens and novel input devices. Mobile ubiquitous computing envision that people will operate in their building-wide mobile network by running a combination of high-powered complex applications written by experts, and simple custom tools built by themselves.

When one mentions the words Mobile Applications it calls to mind diverse thoughts. The term mobile an application has such a wide spread use today that it is difficult to pin it down to a specific product or system. Mobile Data, Mobile Location Services, Mobile Commerce, Mobile Vas, Mobile Entertainment, Mobile Prepay Presence and Availability Services, are all mobile applications based systems. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) for instance is mobile applications which are increasing becoming an attractive alternative to licensed spectrum. Initially thought of strictly as a competitor to 3G, but now this mobile application (WLAN) is now thought of as a complement to cellular based data services, providing a high bandwidth alternative to 3G at a fraction of the cost. Mobile prepays communications are another mobile applications which is no longer an afterthought. It is a crucial component of a mobile operators portfolio of services. This is just two of mobile applications, the list is countless, do you want to talk about mobile web browser, pod casting and web streaming etc. they are all mobile applications

If you are looking for tablet solutions to increase your workers productivity, Hewlett Packard offers a variety of services, software and hardware that can meet your business needs. From project manners to day planners, businessman and executives should be able to find a bit of software for their needs. You can also find other utility software and the operating systems for your tablet pc. Perhaps the most important for a business whose tablet pc users are always on the go are solutions that make remote project management far easier than it would be if you had to wait for them to come back to your office to report.

So metimes a rugged portable workstation is needed in an industrial environment; this is especially true of construction sites where the conditions are likely to generate a lot of dust and other environmental hazards for your laptop. It is also important the computer should be able to use wi-fi / GPRS access and run all the applications. The case may look odd, but that is because the monitor is built right into the case, and the systems themselves are as easy to upgrade as any normal desktop system. The detachable keyboards lets the user use it without being tied down through its wireless interface. If you need to attack peripherals to it, its fast USB 2.0 interface works with almost every peripheral device being sold today.