February 2013

There's a large demand for the creation of as-built documentation of irrigation systems, infrastructures, buildings, and numerous other assets. Traditional GIS and triangulation surveying are too often expensive for this type of work that does not always need sub-meter accuracy. We're looking at Juniper Systems' Aspect field mapping solution, an easy-to-use system with desktop and mobile components, designed for generating informative, attractive as-built documentation. [See description and analysis of the Juniper Systems Aspect field mapping solution]

Mobile pioneers: where are they now? BSQUARE
Bsquare was one of the first software companies when mobile computing emerged from predominantly proprietary platforms in the mid 1990s. Initially specializing on Windows CE, Bsquare expanded its operations into all sorts of embedded and mobile solutions. Where does Bsquare stand today? The company just reported fiscal year 2012 revenues of US$71.1 million, with a small profit of about a million. That's up from US$62.7 million for 2011, with a half million loss. What does Bsquare do these days? They are selling Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile as a Microsoft Value-Added Provider, board support packages for various mobile processor platforms, and various testing and certification tools. Bsquare's engineering services also include Linux, Android and QNX, and the company has launched a Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 porting service for Android, iOS and legacy Windows applications. -- Posted Friday, February 22, 2013 by chb

Professional Golfers' Association of America to use Intermec rugged handhelds for data collection
Intermec announced that the PGA of America, an organization of 27,000 professional golfers, has selected the Intermec CN50 and Intermec CK71 rugged handheld mobile computers for data collection at its signature tournaments. The PGA teamed with Florida-based barcode and RFID technology specialists Scan Read Technologies and Intermec to deploy the new system. Previously renting equipment for each tournament, the PGA estimates it will save upwards of $3 million by 2016 by using in its own technology solution. [See Intermec press release] -- Posted Monday, February 11, 2013 by chb

Motorola Solutions adds compact, rugged, economical MC45 mobile computer for field workforce deployment
Motorola Solutions expanded its already broad lineup of rugged enterprise handhelds with the economical and very compact MC45. Weighing less than 9 ounces, the MC45 runs Windows Embedded 6.5.3 Handheld on its 3.2-inch QVGA resistive touch display, includes a laser scanner, 3.5G WWAN, and exemplary ruggedness. [See description, analysis and specs of the Motorola MC45] -- Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by chb