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Road Map: Database and webservice access via sms, email and instant messaging

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This page is less of a roadmap at this stage, and more of a collection of ideas we've had to add to MDN.


Any suggestions or enhancement ideas would be appreciated. Please email ideas@mobiledatanow.com


Partially finished items which didn't quite make it in to the first release due to time constraints. We'll finish these first:

  • Web Services wizard. Yes, we've done a really nice simple way to access web services via SOAP and REST. Bummer we didn't get it in to the first release.
  • Custom user fields for queries. Each user can have custom fields which are inserted in to queries. Done
  • Deployment screen. Just an efficient way of telling users how to access their information.
  • Import and export projects. All info can be exported as an xml file



Then, in no particular order of importance:

  • Re-do the install/registration process as it's long winded and not very user friendly.
  • 'Any user' type. At the moment, MDN only allows named users and permissions for those users. We'll let admins setup an 'any user' project which lets anyone access their data. Useful for public facing info or campaigns.
  • Replace the backend configuration database (MS Access) with Apache Derby by default.
  • Upgrade to OpenLaszlo 4 for the GUI - potential speed increase as it will eventually support Flash 9. Undecided about offering the AJAX interface too, but if it works ok, why not?
  • API to let developers connect to other services which offer a software API such as UPS and FEDEX for shipment tracking.
  • Browser access - need upgrade to OpenLaszlo 4 to take advantage of html tag.
  • Active directory integration
  • Password before retrieve info. In case companies want their users to send a password before accessing info, which times out if inactive after x minutes.
  • Get calendar, tasks and email working for Outlook, Exchange and Domino. These are already in the old MDN, but need updating.
  • Add in SMS gateway support and ability to use more than 1 SMS modem at a time
  • Create views across different datasources to create mashups
  • Forms: User requests a form and MDN sends a pre-formatted form to the
    user. User fills in the fields and sends back. Form is updated in
    database. Or some other way
  • API's for other things
  • More security stuff
  • SSL, authenticated SMTP for email

Why Mobile Data Now is better!

Here's 15 great reasons why Mobile Data Now does things better!


  • It's completely free for one user, download and just start using it!
  • It's quicker than other ways to get data (its instant) so staff and customers can do their jobs more efficiently. Additionally, users don't need to remember passwords, use logon screens or navigate menus.
  • Save time and $$$ No custom development required. Just install, configure and you're ready to give mobile access to users.
  • 2 way interaction to retrieve, edit or add data to really extend user productivity.
  • Future Proof: Works with any of today's or tomorrow's mobile devices from all manufacturers so you can be confident it will work with any old or new phone.
  • Requires no user training as it uses email, SMS or instant messaging which everyone is familiar with
  • Works with any messaging device such as your Blackberry, PDA, smart phone, mobile phone, computer & laptop.
  • Connect to and get information from any database or web service.
  • No additional software to install on the mobile device or end users computer thereby eliminating compatibility issues, crashes and complicated installation.
  • Very easy to setup and maintain without any coding. Get up and running in 20 minutes and even non technical staff can easily make changes. Add new functionality in minutes as your needs evolve.
  • Scalable software to grow with your needs, from a single user to thousands of users.
  • Reduce costs by easily delivering interactive, on demand services to customers and end users. Plus it's simply messaging, so you save time and money on bandwidth.
  • Secure with user access controls and identity management for authorized users.
  • No need to remember retrieved information, it's right there stored in your phone after you've requested it.
  • Reliable and stable software with fail safe mechanisms