Mobile
Mobile devices - including phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld games consoles etc. are fast becoming ubiquitous. The computing power of these devices means that they are increasingly seen as ways to deliver a computing experience - for business or consumers - direct to the individual, whatever their location. This enables true mobilization of a workforce, or direct-to-consumer options to be developed. The number of people purchasing and using software on their mobile phone is growing exponentially.
Designing and developing for these devices is a specialist area. It requires expertise on interfaces, programming for efficiency, use of memory, power saving and telecommunications which is not commonly possessed by general programmers. Members of the LTS team have worked with mobile applications since 1990, and have gained extensive experience on a wide variety of platforms and developments. We have delivered a range of commercial solutions via Mobile Applications and Mobile Web approaches.
Mobile Software Development
We have extensive experience of designing and developing for handheld and mobile devices, dating back to 1990. We develop 'fat' applications (where the code is on the device), 'thin' applications (where the code is on the server and uses a web browser on the device), and 'intelligent' applications (which make optimum use of both worlds). Our expertise encompasses the simplest platforms, and the most sophisticated solutions which are still 'bleeding edge'.
Mobile Applications
Mobile Applications are pieces of software written specifically to run on a small device which can typically be carried in a pocket. They may be 'stand-alone' applications on the device, but more commonly exchange data with some other source. 'Fat client' applications usually exchange data via a synchronisation process (typically when back at the office). 'Intelligent client' applications commonly use the data communications features of the phone or PDA to dynamically exchange information over the internet and enhance the application through interaction with remote computers.
Examples might include stock checking, placing orders via mobile phone, surveying, completing 'Standard forms' etc.
LTS has expertise in many platforms, interface standards and operating systems. We provide any combination of design, development, project management for at least the following:
Devices
- Sony Ericsson
- Nokia
- Palm
- Samsung
- Motorola
- HTC (including branded)
Interfaces
- UIQ
- Series 60
- Series 40
- Palm Garnet
- ALPS
- Compact .net
Operating Systems
- Symbian
- Palm OS (Garnet)
- Linux Mobile (various)
- Windows Mobile
Mobile Web
The web has been available on mobile devices since the late 1990's, but better data transmission methods (GPRS, 3G) and improved browsers mean that it is now coming into its own as a valid mechanism for using data and communicating with individuals wherever they are.
Nevertheless, designing and delivering web applications for Mobile Users is significantly different from general web design. A thorough understanding of the various mobile browsers, small screen interface design, communication methods and protocols is essential to deliver effective and compelling Mobile Web solutions. There is also a significant growth in frameworks that allow 'web-aware applications' to be built, which use web communications methods, but are distinct from a general purpose browser.
LTS staff have delivered a range of industrial-strength Mobile Web applications since 2000. These have been branded by various companies and networks. Solutions include extending business functions and intranet features to mobile devices as well as providing seamless consumer experiences. We are also able to add a range of additional services such as online payment, Postcode Lookup and Credit Checking via mobile devices.
- Mark-up: XHTML, WML, Compact HTML, XML, SMIL
- Browsers: NetFront, Gecko, WebKit, Pocket Explorer
- Client-side programming: Javascript, WMLScript
- AJAX technologies