MobileDataNow is a java application which connects to a webservice or databases via a JDBC or ODBC driver, then data from the database can be extracted using messaging.
Currently MobileDataNow runs on Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 2003 Server
It comprises three key elements:
1. MDN Server. This is the application that communicates with your databases, handling remote data access, the RMI registry, notifications and messages.
2. MDN Tomcat. The Tomcat server houses the graphical administration module and uses a flash based configuration tool inside a web browser.
3. Messaging Services. The other services handle the receipt and sending of messages from email, instant message or SMS.
| • | MDN Mail Service. The Mail Service connects to your IMAP mail server and sends and receives email. |
| • | MDN Instant Messaging Service. The instant messaging service connects to various instant messaging services to send and receive instant messages. |
| • | MDN SMS Service. The SMS service connects to a GSM modem for sending and receiving SMS messages. |
MobileDataNow sites behind the firewall and connects to databases and the messaging components connect to your mail server, mobile carrier and the internet for instant messaging.
MobileDataNow is commonly termed middleware. Middleware: Software which connects two sides of an application and passes data between them.
Item
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Description (for full details refer to table on next page) |
Done (yes/no) |
1. |
Make a server available which has internet connectivity
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2. |
For connecting to a mail server, IMAP email accounts will need to be used.
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3. |
For connecting to a GSM Modem, a GSM modem will be required along with a SIM card.
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4. |
For connecting to databases like Oracle, SQL server, etc, load a copy of the relevant JDBC driver on the server hosting MDN or create an ODBC Data source in Windows.
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5. |
Java 6 or greater is installed but is included in the installer if not already installed
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Item
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Details of each item in the pre-installation checklist |
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1. |
Hosting Server
Make available a server for hosting MDN and ensure that it–
Note: MDN can share the server with other applications; it has a small “footprint” and does not need to be exclusive.
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2. |
Email accounts
The mail server needs to use IMAP for each email address used with MobileDataNow. POP3 is not supported because it would degrade performance. If you don't have access to IMAP for your email, Google Mail (gmail.com) offer IMAP as standard with their free email accounts.
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3. |
SMS modem
If using SMS, an SMS modem which connects to a GSM operator needs to be purchased. A list of recommended modems can be found at http://www.mobiledatanow.com/support/supported-sms-modems A SIM card also needs to purchased, preferably on a contract to avoid unexpected loss of service.
See the bottom of the page at http://www.mobiledatanow.com/support/supported-sms-modems for details on testing the connection to the modem with a SIM card.
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4. |
Database Drivers
If connection is required to databases like Oracle, MS SQL Server, DB2, etc, then the server on which MDN is hosted will need to be loaded with a copy of the JDBC drivers for those databases. In the MDN settings window, you can then upload the driver to MDN so it is available for use in the connection window.
If an ODBC data source is to be used instead, this can be setup within Windows by selecting “Start/Settings/Control Panel/Admin Tools/Data Sources ODBC” then selecting the “System DSN” tab then click “Add”. Highlight the type of Driver (e.g. MS Access Driver *.mdb), in the “Data Source Name” field enter a simple name for the database, then click on the “Select” button to specify the Directory where the Database is located. You will need to use the JDBC:ODBC Bridge driver in the MDN connection screen to connect to the database. See Creating an ODBC System Data Source Name (DSN) for further details if required.
MDN comes pre-loaded with drivers for: • Oracle 8i Driver • Microsoft SQL (6.5,7,2000,2005) • JDBC:ODBC Bridge • Cloudscape Derby • MySQL Connector/Jdriver
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5. |
Java
MobileDataNow can be deployed on any operating system that supports a Java Virtual Machine and is running Java 6.0 or later. The installer with VM includes Java.
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