Freeance Mobile 2.0 Creates Map Features In ArcGIS Server 9.3 Using Your BlackBerry Enabled Smartphone

With BlackBerry’s becoming so common now I have been wondering about mapping applications for them. I have been slowly working on an application for the BlackBerry’s that make use of ArcGIS Server. This has been more of an research and development task so progress on this has been slow going.

I see today the TDC Group announced their new application designed for the BlackBerry’s and which makes use of ArcGIS Server 9.3

The screenshot above gives you a insight of what to expect from Freeance Mobile 2.0.

From the press release:

Dayton, OH. TDC Group, Inc. announces release of its Freeance™ Mobile 2.0 for ArcGIS Server 9.3 software in September 2008. Freeance Mobile 2.0 allows organizations map features to ArcSDE records using a PostgreSQL database and GPS enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

Freeance Mobile 2.0 incorporates ESRI’s ArcGIS Server 9.3 Postgres database integration. BlackBerry smartphone users can now access ArcGIS Server 9.3 map services to field map point features to ArcSDE records in a Postgres database using GPS enabled BlackBerry smartphones.

Freeance Mobile displays ArcGIS Server maps and enterprise database records on Blackberry Smartphones.

Field workers in utilities, emergency operations, code enforcement and law enforcement can now use Freeance Mobile and GPS enabled BlackBerry smartphones to capture the location of and add simple map features to ESRI’s ArcSDE software. Examples of features that can be mapped to ArcSDE software include utility assets such as meters, damaged buildings, crime events and more.
Other major features in Freeance Mobile 2.0 are enhanced GIS searching and database reporting, multifield queries and reports and linking database records to GIS map features.

Support for the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is also enhanced. Deployment of Freeance Mobile is now simplified because the software automatically senses and adjusts for BlackBerry device and BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) parameters.
Freeance Mobile 2.0 for ArcGIS Server 9.3 will be on display in the BlackBerry booth at the 2008 ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, booth #2223.

About Freeance Mobile Software
Freeance Mobile is innovative, easy-to-use location software for efficiently making mobile applications. You can now make your ArcGIS available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is hassle-free software for users and IT administrators alike. Designed for the ESRI and Blackberry environments, Freeance Mobile is a well-balanced approach combining off-the-shelf simplicity with the ability to make your own custom applications. Visit www.Freeance.com/mobile for more information.

With ArcGIS 9.3, ESRI has released an out of the box mobile editor as part of ArcGIS Mobile. This is a great application that makes use of some of the powerful features that ArcGIS Server 9.3 offers. ArcGIS Mobile is only available for Microsoft Windows Mobile 5, 6 so it’s great to see business partners out there introducing mobile applications that run on other platforms.

Some of the features of Freeance Mobile include:

• Push Out ArcGIS Server 9.3 to BlackBerry Smartphones.
• Plug and Play Application Building.
• Create Custom Forms to Oracle or SQL Server.
• Track BlackBerry Smartphones Live on ArcGIS Sites.
• Map Points In the Field to ArcGIS 9.3 Databases.

Freeance Mobile™ quickly brings location to enterprise data and maps on BlackBerry® smartphones. Enterprises can now use rich, up-to-date data from their enterprise GIS and back office databases in mobile applications on BlackBerry smartphones that are useful, cost-effective and easy-to-use.

Mobile workers in government, utilities and business need specific information from an array of complex databases, including GIS, to respond to emergencies, handle service calls, record new infrastructure, conduct inspections, map hazardous spills, inventory assets, and see crime events by time and location.

Organizations implement the Freeance Mobile solution to gain access to real time information where and when they need it. They are able to respond to situations with the right solution to save time and money and increase service responsiveness.

I am keen to have a further look at this application for the BlackBerry’s. As mentioned in the press release Freeance will be showcasing their new application at the ESRI International User Conference next week. More information on their solution can be found here: http://www.freeance.com/mobile/