We are excited to finally release ITScriptNet V3.2b. This verison has been a long time coming, and adds support for a large number of new devices. These include:

• Cipherlab CP40 and CP45 device
• Datalogic Falcon X3, both CE6 and WM6.5
• Datalogic ELF, both CE6 and WM6.5
• Honeywell Dolphin 99EX
• Honeywell Dolphin 6100/6500 Windows Mobile
• Honeywell Dolphin 6000
• Intermec Cx70 line
• Motorola ES-400
• Opticon H-15, H-16, H-19 and H-21
• Opticon 8x00 series devices
• Unitech PA500
• Unitech PA690

There are also a number of bug fixes and new features in this version. For all of the details, check the Knowledge Base article.

We have received a Unitech PA690 and a PA550 and we have tested them with ITScriptNet. Both devices work great with the existing Unitech Windows Mobile 5/6 client! We are adding them to the Program Designer as selectable devices, since their screen sizes are different from the standard 240x320 (portrait). The PA690 has a WVGA 640x800 (portrait) display, and the PA550 has a 320x240 (landscape) display.

We are adding support for several new devices in ITScriptNet V3.2b, due to be released in the next few weeks.

The newly supported devices are:

• Datalogic Elf
• Datalogic Falcon X3, CE and WM
• Honeywell Dolphin 99EX
• Motorola ES400
• Opticon H-19
• Opticon H-21
• Opticon PHL8xxx Series

We have reached a milestone in our upcoming ITScriptNet V3.2b release. We have just added support for our 100th device!

Support for some of the oldest devices (such as the Dolphin 7200 and 7400) has been retired, so we are currently supporting about 80 actively produced devices. There are also devices that we do not officially support, but that can use our generic Windows CE and Windows Mobile clients. Including these devices would push us well over 100 supported devices.

Another new enhancement in ITScriptNet V3.2a is the ability to use Images for keypad buttons. This gives you the ability to create attractive keypads to match the style of your data collection program. You can also set certain keypad spaces as Skipped, to leave gaps in your keypad.

Here is a sample of the kind of keypad you can now create using background images and skipped spaces:

A new feature in ITScriptNet V3.2a is Heartbeat Logging. This is a mode where the OMNI Server will record into a SQL Server (or ODBC-complaint) database when ever a device connects to it. You can select one of two modes - either have a new record inserted into the database, or update an existing record by Device ID. This allows you to select whether you want a running log of all connections, or simply to record the most recent connection.

You can use this information in many ways. For example, one customer is using Heartbeat logging to detect if any of their remotely-installed devices has gone offline. They created a process to monitor the log table and alert them if no communication is received from a device within a certain period of time. You could also use the logging to monitor the activity level of each device, to track the load on your OMNI Server, and more.

Heartbeat Logging is one more tool in your ITScriptNet arsenal to help you provide the best data collection solution possible!

One of the new features in ITScriptNet V3.2a is Image Transition Effects. These effects provide a way to smoothly transition from one image to another, using fades, wipes, etc. This can add a professional touch to your data collection programs.

To use the image transition effects, call the Transition function in an in-prompt script. The function takes several parameters: the image element name, the new image file to display, the type of effect to use, and a time interval. The function then changes the image from the currently displayed picture to the new one. By changing the time interval, you can make the effect happen faster or slower.

ITScriptNet 3.2a adds a new element type - the ability to embed a Media clip on a prompt. These clips can be any Windows Media Format video. You could use this element type to provide Training video, Instructions, or any other information that is best provided in Video form.

With almost every cell phone camera capable of taking video, making these clips is easier than ever. For example, you could provide a short video explaining a particular procedure in your business. You can film the video yourself in a few minutes, convert it to Windows Media format, and add it to your data collection program. Now every one of your employees has access to this video whenever they have a question about the process!

With the release of ITScriptNet V3.2, we added some features that were not supported in previous versions. We added a Knowledge Base article that details what you need to know in order to upgrade.

We have just released the latest version of ITScriptNet. Our V3.2a adds several new features, as well as a handful of new devices.

You can learn more about the new features in ITScriptNet V3.2a here. We will discuss some of these features in the upcoming weeks.

We have been getting more and more questions about running ITScriptNet on Windows 7. For the most part, transitioning from Windows XP to Windows 7 is very smooth, but there are a few details to keep in mind due to the enhanced security in Windows 7. We have posted a new Knowledge Base article that discusses the points to keep in mind for ITScriptNet on Windows 7.

We have been getting quite a few questions lately about Override INI files. This is an ITScriptNet feature that alows you to change your database connections and file locations when you deploy your applications. We have written a new Knowledge Base article with some more information about creating Override INI files that may help.

We are getting close to the next release of ITScriptNet, and there are several new features and new devices supported. Some of the new features include:

• Media Player element for embedded video clips.
• Edge Gradient button style.
• Transition effects for images.
• Heartbeat logging for the Omni Server

New devices:

• Motorola MK4000
• Motorola MC65 and MC9500
• Intermec CS40
• Janam XG-100 Windows Mobile

We will discuss these new features more as the release approaches.

ITScriptNet 3.1c has been released. This is a maintenance update, which adds support for a few more devices. It also has some bug fixes and a few new features.

New clients include:

• Honeywell Dolphin 9700
• AML M7225
• Unitech HT680
• CipherLab 9300 and 9600

New features include:

• Added ResponseScan function to get the raw data from the last valid scan.
• Added the GlobalTimerInterval function to control the global Program Timer event interval.
• A handful of bug fixes and minor updates.

You can find all of the details in our Knowledge Base, and download the new version right now!

We are often asked about ITScriptNet OMNI communications, how best to provide security of the data. To address these questions, we have posted a whitepaper entitled Security Considerations for ITScriptNet OMNI Communications and posted it to the ITScriptNet Knowedge Base. The paper discusses topics such as Wireless security, WLANs, VPN, and ActiveSync.

Honeywell has announced that they are retiring the entire Transaction Terminal and Image Kiosk line of devices. We have not seen very much interest in these devices, but we do have support in ITScriptNet.

Our plan is be to support them until the next release of ITScriptNet after the retirement date. At that time, we would also retire our support for these devices. They would still be supported in previous versions of ITScriptNet, but would not be included in any new releases.

Unitech has released the HT680, a successor to the HT660. This device features Windows CE 5, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Available GPRS. It is available with either Laser or Imager barcode scanners.

We have tested the HT680 with ITScriptNet 3.1b, and it works correctly with the existing Unitech CE client. We will be officially adding the HT680 as a supported device soon, but you can use it now with the HT660 client selection.

Honeywell has announced a new addition to the Dolphin line, the Dolphin 6500. This device is similar to the Dolphin 6100, but with a larger screen size. The full product specs are available on Honeywell's site.

We added support for the Dolphin 6500 to ITScriptNet with our recent 3.1b release, so it you have downloaded this update, you already have the Dolphin 6500 client!

ITScriptNet 3.1b has been release. This is a maintenance update, which adds support for a few more devices. It also has some bug fixes and a few new features.

New clients include:

New features include:

You can find all of the details in our Knowledge Base, and download the new version right now!

With the release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, 64-bit is becoming more popular. However, at this time we do not have any plans to release a 64-bit verison of ITScriptNet. Why?

First of all, the 32-bit version runs fine on all 64-bit Windows operating systems. Windows has a 32-bit subsystem for running on ^4-bit machines.

Secondly, there isn't any advantage (yet) to moving to 64-bit. The primary advantage of a 64-bit OS over 32-Bit is the larger memory size. However, as of now we are not having any trouble fitting into a 4GB address space.

Third, there are actually disadvantages to moving to 64-Bit. There is actually a small performance penalty associated with the larger register size using more of the processor cache. There is also the time associated with actually performing the conversion. Right now, we feel our time is better spent adding new features and improving ITScriptNet. For a slightly technical discussion of this topic, here is a blog entry about why Microsoft has not yet ported Visual Studio to 64-bit either.

This isn't to say that there are no issues to be aware of. In fact, we have posted a Knowledge Base article about two of the 64-bit concerns, ODBC Data Sources and .Net Assemblies.

We will continue to monitor progress in this area, and in the long run a 64-Bit port will probably need to be done. However, in the short term you can continue to use ITScriptNet safely on all flavors of Windows.

One of the issues that users run into with ITScriptNet deployments is how to handle ITB version updates.  If you make a change to the program, how can you ensure that the device get updated to the new version?

In ITScriptNet 3.1, a few new functions were added to assist in this process.  The RemoteGetITBVersion function queries the Omni Server for the version of an ITB, and the progITBVersion constant evaluates to the current ITB version on the device.  You can compare these, and if there is a mismatch you can load an updated program using OmniLoadProgram.

We have posted a Knowledge Base article about this, including some sample code.

One of the new features in ITScriptNet 3.1a is the ability to automatically format grid cells. You can specify the color to use for a cell based on a comparison to a value or another cell.  You can also specify the number of decimal points to use for numeric data, and the format to use for negative numbers.

Here is an example of a program using grid auto-formatting. 

This Physical Inventory program shows the count of items.  Any items with a zero quantity are displayed in yellow, and negative quantities are red.  In adition, the Value field is set to use 2 decimal places and a $ currency prefix.  The source data looks like this:

Here is the Grid Cell definition screen in the ITScriptNet program designer.  You can see that the Automatic Formatting for the cell, and the Automatic Coloring.  Two coloring criteria can be specified for the cell.

These automatic cell formatting options allow you to make your data collection programs more effective through the use of color and formatting, without needing any complicated programming.

One of the new features in ITScriptNet 3.1 is what we call Override INI files.  This is a mechanism that you can use to help ease deployment of your ITScriptNet solutions.  Actually, these files have been around for awhile, but were never documented before now.

Here is a simple example of the kind of problem that you could run into.  Let's say you are developing an ITScriptNet program that collects data to SQL Server.  You are developing against your corporate server, and you setup a connection string on the Configure Receive screen, and configure Validation Files are are autogenerated from your database.  Everything works great in your testing, but when you want to deploy the program to your customer you run into the problem.  You customer has a different SQL Server, or maybe SQL Express, or maybe they are using some other database entirely.  How can you deploy your program without having to change all of the connection strings?

The answer is an Override INI file.  When ITScriptNet is going to make a connection to the database (either to generate a Validation File or for Collected Data), it looks for this file first.  If there is an INI file with the same name as the ITB program, ITScriptNet reads the file to see if there is a different connection string specified.  If there is, it uses that one instead of the one that was set in the Program Designer.

This allows you to easily change the database at every customer without having to rework your programs.  You can simply use Notepad or any text editor to change the connection string parameters and put the INI file in the same directory as the ITB program.

There are a handful of other parameters that you can change with an Override INI file besides just the connection string.  For example, you can change the data base type (from ODBC to SQL Server to SQL Compact Edition), you can override the field names of collected data, change the auto-generation mode of a validation file, and more.  For all of the details, check the User Guide where all of the parameters are documented.

Over the next few weeks we are going to spotlight some of the new features in ITScriptNet V3.1.

Integration with Vangard Voice Systems AccuSpeech Mobile.
Many applications can take advantage of voice-enabled data collection, which typically falls into two categories: voice prompting, and voice data collection. 

Voice Prompting is where the device speaks to the user with a text-to-speech converter.  This eliminates the need for the operator to look at the screen to see which data field is next to be collected.

Voice Data Collection is where the operator speaks the data to be collected, and the device recognizes it and performs the appropriate action.  Voice prompts can be Actions, such as pressing buttons or selecting a choice from a drop down list, or general speech such as speaking a part number or word that can be recoginized.

ITScriptNet's integration with AccuSpeech supports both Voice Prompting and Voice Data Collection.  We can assist you in voice-enabling any ITScriptNet application.  Then, the AccuSpeech engine can be deployed to your devices along with the ITScriptNet client to allow your users to take advantage of the increase productivity that voice enabling and provide!  Contact us for more information on how Voice Enabling works, and how it can help you.

The October ITScriptNet News is published! Read all about the release of the Asset Tracking Solution Pack, our new Ready-To-Go Applications, and ITScriptNet 3.1a.

ITScriptNet V3.1a is now available for download!  This is a major update of ITScriptNet, with numerous new features and new clients.  Here is just a sampling of the new features available.

New Clients:

• Added support for the Honeywell Dolphin 6x00 client.
• Added support for the Unitech PA968 Client.
• Added support for the Datalogic Skorpio WM6 and Memor WM6. 
• Added support for the Intermec CN4 and CN50.
• Added support for the Janam XG100.
• Added support for the Janam XM60+ and XM66 devices.

New Features:

• Added integration with Vangard Voice's AccuSPEECH Studio for Voice Enabling data collection.
• Added a new button style - Rounded buttons.  This is a flat rectangular button with rounded corners.
• Added automatic formatting of grid cells based on the data in the cell.
• Added multiple filters for Grids, Listboxes and Comboboxes.
• Many Generic Windows CE 5 devices can now be device licensed.
• Added documentation for the Override INI File parameters used to override database settings at runtime.

New Functions

• SetPromptBackground and FlashPromptBackground.
• ListCount
• SumValidation and CountValidation
• SetWaitCursor
• GetActiveSyncStatus
• MonthName and DayOfWeekName
• SetBacklight
• Zip file management functions UnzipFile, UnzipArchive, ZipFile.

This is just a small taste of the many updates in ITScriptNet V3.1a.  For more information, see the Knowledge Base article about the release.  You can download this new version right now!

Have you seen this list of Vertical Devices on Microsoft's Windows Mobile site?  This is what they call portable data collection devices.  How many of these devices are supported by ITScriptNet?

All of them, either directly with a manufacturer-specific client, or indirectly with the generic Windows Mobile 5/6 client.

In fact, we even support many devices not on this list, including Unitech, Opticon, and Bluebird.  Check out our ever-expanding Supported Devices list for more information

It's a few days early, but you can read the August ITScriptNet News.  Topics are: details about the lastest ITScriptNet released, and information about Vartech.

Honeywell has announced the latest addition to its Dolphin line of Mobile Computers, the Dolphin 6100.  This device is designed for retail and light industrial applications.  It is similar in size to the Dolphin 7600, but lighter and thinner.  Like all Dolphin devices, the 6100 supports the Adaptus imager for scanning linear or 2-D barcode, as well as capturing images.

We have a 6100 in-house and we have already developed an ITScriptNet client for it.  We will release this client in conjunction with the release of the 6100 in the next few weeks.  Honeywell indicates that the device will start shipping in August.

We've released a maintenance update for ITScriptNet today.  This minor update contains a collection of bug fixes including:

One of the new features in ITScriptNet V3.0c is the ability to automatically archive all data received by the Omni Server.  This is a safety feature to ensure that no data is lost in the event that your back-end database server is down when a portable device sends its collected data.  The Omni Server will archive all downloaded Collected Data, as well as Images, Signatures, and GPS tracking data.

You can configure whether Archiving is enabled, as well as specify a clean-up time.  This causes the OMNI Server to delete archived data older than a threshold you specify, so that data does not accumulate forever.

The ONMI Configuration utility has all of the archiving options.

ITScriptNet 3.0c (8) has been released!  This new version adds support for several new clients, including the Motorola MK500, the BlueBird Pidion BIP-1300, Opticon 7x00, and Cross Match BE.U.  We've also added some new features, including automatic data archiving in the OMNI Server.  We've discussed some of the new features before, and we'll have more information in upcoming entries.  You can download a demo of ITScriptNet 3.0c or upgrade your existing installation from our ITScriptNet Product Page.  You can read about all of the update in the Knowledge Base.

We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Vangard Voice Systems to offer voice-enabling for ITScriptNet.  We will be officially showing it for the first time at BlueStar's VARTECH show, August 13-15.

Voice enabling ITScriptNet will lead to faster, more accurate data collection by reducing the number of keypresses or screen taps needed to operate the program, reduce the need to look at the screen, and even allow collecting some types of data entirely by voice.

Integration with Vangard's AccuSpeech Mobile product allows for both voice prompting and voice responses to prompts.  Program navigation can be voice controlled, and the program can read back prompt and responses to ensure accuracy.  AccuSpeech Mobile runs on most modern Windows CE and Windows Mobile devices.

We'll present more information as we get closer to VARTECH, but in the meantime if you have questions about how voice-enabling can help your application, please contact us!

We are preparing for our next ITScriptNet update, which should be released in the next week or two.  Here is a preview of what to expect in ITScriptNet 3.0c.

New Devices supported:

• Motorola MK500 kiosk
• Motorola MC55
• Bluebird Pidion BIP-1300 (all in one with MAg Stripe, Printer, GPS, GPRS.)
• Cross Match BE.U, model SMC-800MCW
• Opticon 7x00 series, Windows CE

New Features:

• Added the ability to limit which devices can connect to each program on the OMNI Server (by device Alias).
• SetServerAddress to control at runtime which OMNI Server is contacted.
• New GPS filters - Once Per Stop and Once Per Send.
• Support for the fingerprint reader in the MT380 via a Shell DLL.
• Bug fixes and minor features.

Normally the CreateValidationRemote function is used to have the OMNI Server regenerate a validation file and send it to the device.  But did you know that this function can also be used with non-autogenerated files? 

If you call CreateValidationRemote on a file that is not autogenerated, the OMNI Server will rebuild any indexes you have defined and then send the files to the device.  This is useful if your validation file is exported from some other back-end system, as rebuilding the indexes is important.  This allows you to make one function call to get a current file with up-to-date indexes to the device!

We had a customer call recently regarding ITScriptNet running on a Datalogic Skorpio device with Windows CE Core Edition.  The client would not run and displayed an error message.  Windows CE Core Edition is a stripped-down version of Windows CE as opposed to Professional Edition.  Core does not include items such as RF support, Internet Explorer, etc.  Specifically, it does not include AGYSHELL.DLL, which is the component responsible for Tap and Hold (among other things).

ITScriptNet V3.0b added support for Tap and Hold Popups, and as a result introduced a dependancy on AGYSHELL.DLL.  This means the client could not be run on a device with Core edition.

We've updated the client starting with V3.0c so that AGYSHELL.DLL will be loaded dynamically instead.  If it is not found, then Tap and Hold Popups will not work, but the rest of the client will run.  We've added a Knowledge Base article about this topic.

With the release of ITScriptNet 3.0b, we now support High Resolution devices.  These are Windows Mobile devices that support a screen resolution higher than the WM standard 320x240.  Most current devices are VGA resolution, which is 640x480.  Examples include the Motorola MC75 and the Intermec CV30.

We wanted to keep our philosophy that programs designed for one device run well on another device.  So if you design a program for a 320x240 device, say a Motorola MC70, we want to on a 640x480 device (like the MC75) without requiring any modification.

Here is an example of a standard program running on a regular 320x240 device:

Now here is the same program running on a VGA device in ITScriptNet, without Auto Scaling and with Auto Scaling:

Without Auto Scaling, the program use only 320x240 of the full 640x480 resolution, and occupies only a quarter of the screen.  But with Auto Scaling, ITScriptNet expands all fonts and images to full the screen.

The advantage of High Resolution displays for devices is that with 4 times the number of pixels in the same space, readability is improved dramatically.  In this example, the left image is the standard resolution device, and the right side is the High Resolution device.  Note how much smoother the text is compared to the standard device.

We've added several more articles to the Knowledge base, including samples and solutions to common problems.  Here is a list of some of the new articles:

HOWTO:  Configure a tethered scanner for the PC Client
HOWTO: FTP from a Data Processing Script
INFO: Upgrade to version 3.0 and retain version 2.4 for existing programs
SAMPLE: Lookup Validation, Display related data fields
SAMPLE: Filter Combobox - Master/Detail
SAMPLE: Grid - Update & Delete Record
HOWTO: Grid - reference selected values
HOWTO: Check for duplicate records
HOWTO: Use the PC Client with OMNI.
INFO: Order in which the Scripts will Run
INFO: Flash or Clone ITScriptNet to terminals

We are pleased to announce the release of ITScriptNet 3.0b.  This version builds on the improvements in 3.0a with several new features and fixes.  New features include:

There are also a number of minor bug fixes and other features.  You can get all of the details in our Knowledge Base.

Please note that since this new version adds several new features, it does change the ITB format.  Programs saved in ITScriptNet 3.0b can not be opened in previous versions.  Older programs can be opened with 3.0b, however.

With the upcoming 3.0b release of ITScriptNet, we've added a new feature which can help the users of a portable device when they are not sure what to do.  Since the portable device screens are fairly small, it's tempting to load programs up with many data collection controls, making the program confusing for the user.  In the past, the only way to display Help for the user was with a Message that could display a description of the fields, something like this:

While this works ok, it is not context-sensitive.  The user had to figure out which text applied to which field.

In ITSN V3.0b, we've added Popup Help that can be linked to each field.  All the user has to do is Tap and Hold on any field that he or she does not understand, and the text you entered in the program is displayed.  Now every field can have it's own descriptive text, like this:

This is much more clear, and allows you to be much more descriptive in your help.

Popup Text is available starting with ITSN 3.0b, which will be released within a few days.

We've been working on some new features for ITScriptNet, and we are close to releasing a new version.  Some of the new features include:

• Janam XM60 and XM65 clients.
• High-Resolution (VGA) device support, including the Symbol MC75 and Intermec CV30.
• Tap-And-Hold Popup text for elements.
• A Rename Element and Rename Prompts feature that renames them in your scripts, too.

Plus a number of minor bug fixes and improvements.  We'll be discussing some of these new features over the next few weeks.  We are looking to release this new version in the next week or two.

Now that ITScriptNet 3.0 is released, we are working on updating the Knowledge Base.  We have added several articles recently, including information on:

• How does the Connection Mode setting work?
• Installing the Visual C++ Redistributable Package
• Troubleshooting the OMNI Server as a Windows Service
• Checking for Duplicate records
• Trimming leading zeros in a string
• ActiveSync Communications and Windows Firewall Ports

And many more!

Many articles link to a PDF document with full descriptions of the step required for each issue.  We will continue updating the Knowledge Base as custom questions come in!

We have received some Janam devices, and we are adding support for them to ITScriptNet.  The devices we intend to support are the XM60, XM65, and the upcoming XG100.  These devices use Honeywell's Adaptus imagers for barcode scanning, and run Windows CE or Windows Mobile.

Z-Space Technologies is pleased to announce the release of ITScriptNet version 3.0!  You can download it now from our website.  If you are upgrading from V2.x, please be sure to read the Upgrade Guide before installing.  This release is the result of many hours of hard work, and we are happy to be able to finally bring it to you.

Raco Industries has just posted an interesting application note about a Package Tracking Application they have developed.  Combining a Motorola MC70, a Zebra QL200, and ITScriptNet OMNI, they have developed an application to collect pickup and  delivery information and print receipts on the road.

We've added some now visual styles to help you make your data collection programs look even better.  Here is an overview of some of the changes:

Rectangular Shape objects now have a Gradient option, which allows you to fade a color from left to right, or top to bottom.  This example shows several shape objects combined with some text:

There are also Gradient options available for Buttons elements.  You can select a single Gradient, or a two-gradient Chisled look.

Text and Images can now be rotated to any of the 4 cardinal rotations.

We've added a Signature Line to the Digital Ink element, and also added the ability to rotate it.  When the signature image is saved, it is automatically rotated back to horizontal.

We hope these new visual enhancements will help you to make your data collection programs better than ever!

We've added several new Element Types to ITScriptNet V3.0, and improved some old ones.  Here is a brief overview of some of the changes:

Calendar and Date/Time Picker Elements

We've added support for the Calendar and Date/Time Picker controls, as shown.  These calendars allow you to select dates and time, while limiting the valid ranges that can be selected.

Status Elements

We've added a whole list of Status elements that help you keep track of Battery Life, Keyboard state, Free Space, WiFi Association State, and more!

GPS Location

There is a new element that saves GPS Location information into your collected data automatically.  This allows you to Geo-Stamp each data collection record for applications that need it, such as Route Accounting, Delivery, and more!

Keypad Element

We've added a Keypad element to simplify data entery for fields which have a limited set of valid characters on devices without a keyboard.  For example, if you are collecting a Quantity or a numeric Password field.

The keypad is fully configurable, and there is even a Custom keypad where you can define your own keys!

Have you ever been working on an ITScriptNet program and couldn't remember what you'd changed in this version from a previous version?  Has a customer sent you a program and you are not sure if it is the current version, and if not, what changes had been made?

ITScriptNet V3.0 adds a new feature that can compare two ITB files and list the differences.

You can then select an individual difference and see a color-coded listing of both the old and new values, so it is easy to see what was added, deleted, or changed.

You can also view this listing as an HTML document in your default Internet browser so you can save or print it.  This preserves the color coding and the side-by-side comparison.

Now it is easy to tell the differences between two versions of a program!

Previous versions of ITScriptNet only supported Fixed-Width Files for validation files and collected data.  With the upcoming release of ITScriptNet V3.0, we are adding support for CSV formatted files, as well as SQL Compact Edition support.

Using CSV files for validation files has the benefit of reducing the size of the files.  Often there is quite a bit of unused space in a fixed-width file, and this is eliminated in a CSV.  We support both standard, comma or tab delimited files, as well as fully customizable delimiters and text qualifiers.

If your data collection needs are more complex than can be easily managed with flat files, you can now use SQL Compact Edition 3.5 on the data collection device.  We support using SQL CE for both collected data and validation files.  In addition, we have added some SQL Query support.  You can fill a listbox, combobox or grid from a SQL Query, or you can execute a query directly with the new ExecuteSQLCE function.

One of the major updates in ITScriptNet V3.0 is a simplification of the editions.  We are retiring Batch in favor of Batch Plus and Omni.  Since Batch supported single-prompt only, and we are also retiring support for DOS and character mode devices, there is really no need for this edition.  It is much simpler to know that Batch Plus supports batch data collection, and Omni adds realtime (wireless) support.

At the same time, we have combined the Program Designer and Clients into a single version.  The same Program Designer will now be used to design programs for Batch Plus or Omni.  You can select whether the Realtime features are enabled through a new option on the Program Settings screen.  The rest is handled by the licensing – if you have an Omni Runtime or Omni Device License, then the Omni features will work.  Otherwise, if you have a Batch Plus Runtime or Device License, you will be limited to the Batch Plus features.

We hope this will simplify downloading and deployment.  Now instead of 6 different downloads to choose from, there are only 2 - Full or Runtime.

The script engine in ITScriptNet V3.0 has been significantly enhanced with the addition of element properties.  This is a new way to control the behavior and appearance of elements on a prompt.  In previous versions, you could set a property using an In-Prompt script.  For example, to set the background color for an element to Red, you could edit the Background Color In-Prompt Script to set a color, like this:

Element Background Color In-Prompt Script:
RGB(255, 0, 0)

If you wanted to change the color at runtime, for example in response to pressing a button, you would instead set the Background Color In-Prompt Script to a user variable.

Element Background Color In-Prompt Script:
@Color@

Then in the button press action, you would set the user variable to the color you want, and refresh the element.

Button Action Script:
@Color@ = RGB(255, 0, 0)
Refresh("Prompt.Element")

This works well, but has the disadvantage that all of the element's Activation scripts run when it is refreshed.

With ITScriptNet V3.0, we have added the ability to set these properties directly.  Now, to change the background color of an element at runtime, you can simlpy set the value:

Button Action Script:
this.element.backgroundcolor = RGB(255, 0, 0)

Almost any element setting can now be set using these properties!

Z-Space Technologies is pleased to announce V3.0 of ITScriptNet.  We have been working on this new version for a long time, and we are very excited to be approaching release.  There are so many new features and updates that it is difficult to list them all, but check the link to the announcement page for an idea.

We are in QC on this version now, and we expect to release in the next few weeks.  If you are a heavy ITScriptNet user and would be interested in a pre-release version to try out, contact Tim James and let him know.  We are setting up a limited number of pre-release sites.

Over the next few weeks we'll talk more about the new features and updates in ITScriptNet V3.0.  We hope you like it as much as we do!

Datalogic has announced that the Pegaso has been certified for use on AT&T's wireless network.  The Pegaso has a Quad-band EDGE capable radio.  This will allow the ITScriptNet OMNI client to connect wirelessly to an OMNI server over GPRS to upload or download data from almost anywhere.

Intermec has announced that they will start shipping the CN3 with Windows Mobile 6.1.  The biggest advantage to this update is likely to be integration with Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager for larger enterprises.  From a pure data collection standpoint, users will probably not see much of a difference.  We anticipate the our existing ITScriptNet client for the CN3 will run on this new device, and we will test it as soon as possible.

We have just posted a Maintenance Release for ITScriptNet V2.4.  This update adds clients for the Dolphin 9900 and Dolphin 7600 GSM, both Windows Mobile 6 clients.

The Knowledge Base article is here.

We just updated our VirusScan to the latest DATs, version 5354, and the false positive detection of Swizzor is gone.  Please update your VirusScan to the latest DAT files to solve this problem.

The release of the McAfee VirusScan 5353 DAT files yesterday introduced a problem.  These DAT files are falsely detecting some of our ITScriptNet Omni programs as containing a Trojan, Swizzor.gen.c.  Of course, our programs are not infected and this is a false positive.  We have contacted McAfee about this matter, and hope to have it resolved soon.

In the meantime, You can add an exception to VirusScan to have it ignore these files or the ITScriptNet installation directory.  You may have to reinstall ITScriptNet if McAfee is configured to automatically delete detected files.

Motorola (formerly Symbol) has announced the MC75, which is a Windows Mobile 6-based update to the MC70 series device.  Features include GPRS/GSM radios, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and IrDA.  Here are more details on the specifications.  If Motorola keeps compatibility with the Symbol Mobility Developer Kit (SMDK) as it has in the past, then our ITScriptNet client should work out-of-the-box.  We will update as we are able to test.

Following the announcement of the 7600 with Windows Mobile 6, Honeywell has just announced the Dolphin 9900.  This is the next generation device in the form factor of the 9500, and also runs Windows Mobile 6.  We are attending the 9900 kick-off event today in Palm Beach, FL.  Our ITScriptNet client for both the 7600 WM6 and the 9900 will be released with V2.4a(7) in a few days.

Honeywell (Hand Held Products) has announced the availability of the Dolphin 7600 with GSM.  This also upgrades the Dolphin 7600 to Window Mobile 6.  We are pleased that the ITScriptNet OMNI client and several Ready-To-Go^TM Applications are pre-loaded on the 7600 to give users a good out-of-the-box experience.

The Datalogic Pegaso is now available with Windows Mobile 6 and E-GPRS capabilities.  Previously, the Pegaso was only available with Windows CE 5.0.  Our Falcon 4410 Windows Mobile client should run on this device, but we will get one in to test.

The April 2008 ITScriptNet Product and Sales Training is underway in Orlando.  If you were unable to attend, we will post links to the training materials in the next few days.

We recently ran into a situation with a customer who was uploading very large validation files to a Dolphin 7600.  The customer was having sporadic problems where the uploaded file would not be completely uploaded.  We discovered that the size of the truncated file was always the same as the amount of free space on the device before the upload.  It turns out that when overwriting the file, the device did not reclaim the free space immediately, so the new file had to fit in the remaining space.  We solved the problem by using the DeleteFile function before uploading the new files, which did allow the device to reclaim the free space.

We've added a Knowledge Base Article about this topic, and we will address it in a future release by automatically deleting files before receiving them.

We have scheduled our latest hands-on training seminar for ITScriptNet.  This training will be held on April 9th and 10th at the Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlandio, Florida.  The training will cover Application Development and Sales topics, and will include sneak previews of some of our newest products for this year.

You can find out more on our Training page, including the sign up form.  We hope to see you there!

We are pleased to announce that ITScriptNet version 2.4 has been released.  This new version adds clients for Datalogic devices, GPS functionality, new functions, and more.  All of the details can be found here.

Download a demo and try it out.  As always, upgrades from previous versions are at no charge!

Z-Space is now distributing ITScriptNet directly to Blue Star.  From a resellers perspective nothing has changed.  ITScriptNet is still available from all current sources.  This opens the door for us to directly support Blue Star for all ITScriptNet products and sales and opens a channel for us to distribute our boxed solutions as they become available.

Intermec has released a new device, the CK61ex.  Here is the product page.  This device looks similar to a CK31, but can be configured with either Windows CE or Windows Mobile 5.  What's interesting about this device is the EX Imager, which Intermec claims can allow scanning 1D or 2D barcodes from 6 inches to 50 feet.  This would allow using 2D barcodes in warehousing applications that previously required 1D codes and a laser.

ITScriptNet currently has native client support for the CK31, CN2B, and CN3.  We'll take a look at this new device as well, to see if it is compatible with one of the existing clients or the generic client, or if a native client is needed.

We've added a few new functions to ITScriptNet in version 2.4.  We've already discussed the new GPS functions, and here are a few more:

• GetBatteryLife.  This function retreives the remaining battery life (in percent) in case you want to display in your programs.
  
• SetPowerDownMode.  This function allows you to override the default powerdown modes for your device.  If you want the device to remain on and not suspend while collecting data, you can set either Unattended or Always On mode.  Unattended mode keeps the device running even while turning the display and keyboard off, the way Exchange DirectPush works.  Always On mode prevents the device from suspending.
  
• RemotePutFile.  This function is the compliment to RemoteGetFile, and is used to send a file from the device to the Omni Server.  This is useful for sending GPS breadcrumb logs or other files that you create with FileCreate/FileAppend in addition to collected data.

There are a few utility functions (such as FileExists) added as well.

Many new devices now have integrated GPS radios, and Bluetooth GPS receivers are also available to add to existing units.  With the release of Window Mobile 5, Microsoft added a GPS Intermediate Layer Driver which standardizes access to GPS hardware, and allows multiple applications to read GPS data simultaneously.  We have added support to ITScriptNet V2.4 for this GPS driver so you can collect location data in your programs.

There are 4 new functions:

• GPSOpen
• GPSClose
• GPSIsOpen
• GPSGetPosition

You can use these functions to collect data at a single point (Package Delivery or Meter Reading), or collect data periodically using a Timer to create a breadcrumb trail.  Data can be saved into your collected data file, or sent via Omni communications to be stored in a database.

Using the Intermediate Layer Driver also allows ITScriptNet to collect GPS data at the same time that a navigation system (such as TomTom) is plotting driving directions and maps.

We are developing a Route Demo application which integrates with Google Maps to plot GPS data.  If you are interested in the demo, please contact us for more information.

Once of the new updates in ITScriptNet V2.4 is support for indexes on Validation Files larger than 16MB.  We've discussed this previously, and the update has been made in V2.4. 

Another new feature is support for Image Capture in the generic Windows Mobile 5 client.  Many WM5 smartphones and PDAs have a built in camera now, and Microsoft added a standard API to interface with it.  This means that we can support image capture using the camera on most consumer-grade Windows Mobile devices, without needing manufacturer-specific drivers or software. 

Rugged mobile computers, for the most part, have their own Imaging libraries written by the manufacturer and do not conform to the standard API.  These devices still require a device-specific client to support image capture.

We've added support for the Datalogic line of devices in V2.4.  We already had clients for the PSC Falcon 4220 (now retired) and the Falcon 4410 CE.  PSC has since been purchased by Datalogic, who has their own line of devices.

Datalogic device line now falls into two families:

The Falcon-compatible devices are the Falcon 4410 (CE and Windows Mobile 5), and the new Pegaso.  We added a Falcon 4410 WM5 client in this release along with the Pegaso.  Each of these devices has a separate client listing in the System Console.

The Datalogic devices are the Memor, Skorpio, Jet and Kyman (The Jet and Kyman are primarily sold in Europe, not in the US).  These devices all share a common SDK, and so we have a single client that runs on all of them.   This is listed in the System Console as the 'Datalogic CE' client.

We've been hard at work on the next version of ITScriptNet, and we're almost ready to release it.  Here is a preview of some of the new features in this new version.

New Datalogic device support:

• Memor, Skorpio, Jet, Kyman
• Pegaso (PSC 4410 compatible)
• 4410 Windows Mobile 5

Increased index file sizes to support files larger than 16M.

GPS support

Image Capture support for the Generic WM5 client

New functions

• GetBatteryLife
• SetPowerDownMode
• FileExists
• RemotePutFile

Over the next few days we'll discuss each of these new features and what to expect in the upcoming release.

Recently we encountered an interesting problem with a surprising solution.  A customer was moving his Omni Server to a new Windows 2003 Server, and was having problems connecting to his SQL Server database.  The new server is running 64 bit Windows Server.  It turns out that 32 bit programs, such as ITScriptNet, do not have access to ODBS Data Sources created by the 64 bit ODBC Administrator.  To solve the problem, you must create the DSN with the 32 bit ODBC Administrator, located in C:\Windows\SysWow64\ODBCAD32.exe

You can find out more about 32 bit and 64 bit ODBC Data sources in this Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

We added a Knowledge Base article about this problem

We are very excited to be part of the development of a system for Variety Wholesalers in partnership with HandHeld Products and Integrated Solutions.  This system uses 350 Dolphin 7600 Mobile Computers running ITScriptNet Batch Plus to collect data and transfer it to the central office. 

This system has been very interesting to develop, and we are pleased to have been part of the team.

Verizon Wireless has annouced a new initiative to allow any application and any device to use its networks by 2008.  The devices will have to be qualified in their labs, and details are still preliminary.

Microsoft has followed up with a statement of support.

This seems like a good development for mobile data collection, although applications running on Windows Mobile can use the Verizon Network now.  In fact ITScriptNet Omni, running on a Verizon Windows Mobile device such as the vx7600, works great over a Verizon Wireless data connection.

Intermec has just announced the CN3e, an extension of the CN3 with larger keys and optional integrated GPS.

Assuming that it is software compatible with the CN3, then our existing ITScriptNet client will work on this device. 

We have added a Knowledge Base article about creating index files for large validation files.  When we created index file support several years ago, storage space on devices was always at a premium.  In order to save some space, we used a 3-byte file pointer for the index entries.  This saved space, but limited the size of a validation file that could be indexed to 16MB.  At that time, no device had a 16MB storage area.

Now, however, many device have storage areas much larger than 16MB, so we are removing that restriction by moving to a 4-byte file pointer.  This allows a validation file size up to 4GB.  This update will be available with the release of ITScriptNet 2.4.

We have received several Datalogic devices, including the Jet, Memor, and Skorpio, and we have been adding support for these devices into our next release.  At this point, we are planning support for all of the CE 5.0 devices.  There are some older CE 4.2 devices, but we are not intending to support them at this time.

Look for this release in the next few weeks!

We recently helped a reseller land a sizable deal for 300 Hand Held Products Dolphin 7600 devices and ITScriptNet Plus licenses.  The reseller engaged us midway through the sales process, having us create a program that he demoed to the customer.  With just 9 hours of programming using ITScriptNet and a few conference calls with us, he was ready to close the sale.

We are developing the data collection program that will run in batch mode.  The end-user is a variety store and will be using the 7600's to query item information (150,000 items) from a text file residing on the device and enter order quantities for items to replenish the shelves.  With an indexed validation file, the lookups against this huge list is nearly instantaneous.  They will also be placing shelf replenishment orders for all the store items, transferring the collected data via batch mode.  The data output is simply a text file that the central office will pull up and integrate with their backend system.  Programming will take about a week using ITScriptNet Batch Plus.

We are pleased to have ITScriptNet as an integral part of this system, and to have the Dolphin 7600 be the device of choice.

Are you wondering which HandHeld Products devices are supported in ITScriptNet?  Here is the complete list, updated for the newset HandHeld Products releases:

Current Device Support

Dolphin 7850
The new Dolphin 7850 device, running Window Mobile 5, is supported starting in version 2.3a.

Dolphin 9500
The entire 95xx line, using either Imagers (9500/9550) or Lasers (9501/9551), is supported.  There are client versions for Windows Mobile 5, PocketPC 2003 Second Edition and PocketPC 2002.

Dolphin 7900
The 7900 running Windows Mobile 5 or PocketPC 2003 Second Edition is supported.

Dolphin 7600
This device was supported starting with 2.2a(9).

IK8560
The Image Kisosk without magstripe reader (IK8560) is supported. 

Retired products still supported

Dolphin 7200
All 7200 versions (RF, 2D, serial) are supported.

Dolphin 7400
All versions supported.

Dolphin 7400 PocketPC
All versions supported.

Dolphin 7300
All versions supported.

IT3875
This device line is supported in single-prompt mode only.

New Products

We try to add clients for new devices as they are released.  If you have questions about an upcoming device, please contact us for more information.

Last week we attended Blue Star's Vartech event in Nashville.  Several hours were dedicated to CodeZone, which is basically a trade show.  We were quite busy as the traffic of resellers was continuous.  We obtained many good leads and talked a great deal about specific applications, most notably Route Accounting.

We were demonstrating a Controlled Access application using Unitech's MR650 kiosk with finger print reader.  It was a crowd pleaser.  We'll be spending the next few weeks following up with resellers with the hope of assisting them with successful data collection solutions.

We received an email announcement from Hand Held Products regarding the release of the Dolphin 7850.  This device is now available, although it has not been posted to the Hand Held Products website as of yet.  Please note that the 7850 is supported by ITScriptNet as of version 2.3a.

Are you planning to attend BlueStar's Vartech event next week in Nashville?  The registration system you will be using at the event was developed by us with our ITScriptNet data collection program development software.  The system integrates the scanning of your Vartech ticket, the confirming of your information, and the printing of your Vartech badge.  We hope you enjoy using the system.

Please stop by the Z-Space booth (#126) to see various applications running on Hand Held Products, Motorola, Unitech and Datalogic devices that were developed quickly and easily with ITScriptNet!  Register your thumb at our showcase demo to win prizes!

See you in Nashville!

If you are a reseller looking for more detailed information on all of the ITScriptNet editions, we have posted an updated Sales Package.  This document contains all of the details of features, applications, licensing, pricing, etc.

We've received an Intermec CN2B from a customer, and we are working on a client for it.  This device runs PocketPC 2003.  We'll have the client available in our next release of ITScriptNet.  In the meantime, if you have an application that will be using the CN2B, please contact Support if you would like to try a pre-release client.

HandHeld Products now produces Dolphin 9500 series mobile computers with Windows Mobile 5.  ITScriptNet supports this device in version 2.3a with the Dolphin Windows Mobile 5 client. 

If you are using Dolphin 9500s with the older PocketPC 2003 Second Edition operating system, use the Dolphin 9500 client.

We've published the July edition of ITScriptNet News.  You may have received this in your email box as well.  This months new includes information about the 2.3a release, new Ready To Go apps, upcoming features, and more.

It was a long time in coming, but the latest ITScriptNet release is finally here.  Version 2.3a adds support for Hand Held Products Dolphin mobile computers running Windows Mobile 5, as well as Unitech HT660 and PA600 devices.  There are some new features and a few bug fixes as well.  You can see all of the detail in the Knowledge Base article Updates in ITScriptNet V2.3a(6).

We are very excited about this new release, and we hope you will download a demo and check it out for yourself!

If you have a Windows Mobile based portable device with a keyboard that contains function keys, you may have noticed that not all of the keys are available to be used as Hot Keys by ITScriptNet.  This happens because Windows Mobile has hard coded some function keys to system features.  You can see the list of keys here.  Although this article refers specifically to the Stand Alone emulator, some device manufacturers also follow it. 

Our experience is that Hand Held Products devices make all function keys available to applications, while Symbol devices do not.  You should test on your device to see which keys are available.

We have added a Knowledge Base article on this topic:
INFO: Not all function keys are available to ITScriptNet on Windows Mobile devices

We are getting close to releasing a new version of ITScriptNet.  Here is a preview of the new features that will be available.  We'll have more information on this coming soon.

New features:

• Validation File definition import/export.  You can save the definition of a validation file and import it into another program.
• New constants for Screen Height and With, ITB and ITC file names, Terminal ID, etc.
• ValidationFail function can now take an empty message string to fail the validation without displaying any message.
• Support for new Windows Mobile 6 screen sizes, screen rotation, and square screens.
• Updated Configuration screen to have all options configurable from the device.
• New fullscreen modes, including taking over the entire screen, hiding the Taskbar and Caption.
• New HandHeld Products Dolphin 7900 Windows Mobile 5 client.
• New Unitech clients, including the HT600 and PA600.
• Changed the demo limit from 5 records to 10.

There are also a number of fixes for minor bugs that have been uncovered since release. 

More to come!

We've posted updated Sales Packages to our website.  You can find them on the Reseller page. 

There is a Summary Version and a Detailed Version.  Each describes the various ITScriptNet product offerings and the licensing model.

There are several new articles in the Knowledge Base.  These include:

PRB: The ITScriptNet Program Designer can not be run in Demo mode under a limited User account.

INFO: ITScriptNet registration requires an Administrative account.

PRB: Keep Alive setting for RemoteVBScript causes dropped connection

INFO: Slow Omni Server connections if no DNS server is available.

PRB: In-Prompt Script IF/ELSE/ELSEIF/ENDIF nesting problem.

Are you wondering which HandHeld Products devices are supported in ITScriptNet?  Here is the complete list:

Current Device Support

Dolphin 9500
The entire 95xx line, using either Imagers (9500/9550) or Lasers (9501/9551), is supported.  There is a client version for PocketPC 2003 Second Edition and PocketPC 2002.

Dolphin 7900
The 7900 running PocketPC 2003 Second Edition is supported.

Dolphin 7900 WM5
Currently, the PocketPC 2003 Second Edition client runs on the 7900 with Windows Mobile 5.  However, a native WM5 client is due for release in version 2.3, coming soon.

Dolphin 7600
This device was supported starting with 2.2a(9).

IK8560/IK8570
The Image Kisosk without magstripe reader (IK8560) is supported.  MagStripe reader support (IK8570) will be added in an upcoming release.

IT3875
This device line is support in single-prompt mode only.

Retired products still supported

Dolphin 7200
All 7200 versions (RF, 2D, serial) are supported.

Dolphin 7400
All versions supported.

Dolphin 7400 PocketPC
All versions supported.

Dolphin 7300
All versions supported.

New Products

We try to add clients for new devices as they are released.  If you have questions about an upcoming device, please contact us for more information.

HandHeld Products has announced the IK8570 Image Kiosk.  This device is similar to the IK8560, but adds a Magstripe reader.  This is a windows CE 5.0 based device with a 320w x 240h screen (landscape mode).

ITScriptNet currently supports the IK8560, and we will be adding support for the IK8570 Magstripe reader shortly.

If you've received a Dolphin 7600 recently, you may have noticed that the ITScriptNet Omni client comes pre-loaded with some new Ready-To-Go^TM applications.  These applications can be used out of the box with no additional licensing required.  The new owner of a Dolphin can see samples of data collection programs, including barcode scanning, without having to write an application first.

There are 10 new applications pre-loaded on the 7600.  These are:

• Asset Tracking
• Gift Registry
• Lookup
• Meter Reading
• Order Picking
• Physical Inventory
• Price Change
• Receive/Move Inventory
• Stock Transfer

A user guide for these applications is installed on the PC when the full ITScriptNet package is installed, which includes a description of the programs and sample barcodes.

On the ITScriptNet client, you can specify a Device Alias on the Configuration screen. This Alias is saved into each collected data record and can be used to identify which device was used to collect a specific data record.

The Device Alias is also used as part of the filename for Image Capture or Digital Ink, along with a date/time stamp. This means that if you use a character in the Alias that is not a valid filename character, you will have problems saving the captured images.

What are the valid and invalid characters for a filename on a Windows CE/PocketPC/Windows Mobile device? Although it seems like an easy question to answer, the details turn out to be difficult to pin down. The Microsoft Knowledge Base has several articles about filenaming conventions, mostly with regards to the PC. Here are a few:

Errors Creating Files or Folders in the Root Directory

Naming a File

However, these articles list differing information on which characters are allowed. Are '?' and '*' allowed or not?

With the .Net Compact Framework 2.0 and higher, there is a function called GetInvalidFileNameChars which is supposed to return the list of invalid file name characters.

We created a test program using this function, and it returned the following invalid characters.
All characters between 0 and 31, along with the " < > | characters.

However, we tested creating files on a PocketPC device and determined that the ? * : \ / characters are also not allowed, even though they were not returned by GetInvalidFileNameChars.

So what is the answer to the question, what characters are not allowed in a Windows CE/PocketPC/Windows Mobile filename? It appears these are the invalid characters:

Avoid using any of these characters in your Device Alias to prevent problems saving Image Capture or Digital Ink characters.

We have added a pair of knowledge base articles describing this issue.

INFO: Invalid Filename Characters for Windows CE / PocketPC / Windows Mobile.

PROBLEM: Unable to Save Image error with Image Capture or Digital Ink.

HandHeld Products and Microsoft have teamed up to place Dolphin 7900 Windows Mobile 5 devices in Microsoft Technology Centers worldwide. 

The Dolphin 7900s are pre-loaded with a Portable Point of Sale application and an Interactive Tour, both written using ITScriptNet Batch Plus.  These applications will be used to demonstrate the capabilities of the Dolphin and what can be done with mobile computing. 

The applications support 4 languages: English, French, Spanish and German.  We are pleased to have been able to work with HandHeld Products on the development of these applications.

Recently we had a customer present us with an interesting problem.  This customer wanted to scan a 2-D barcode that could be up to 999 characters long.  He also wanted to parse some fields from the barcode and store them in other fields.  The problem was that the total length of his collected data exceeded the ITScriptNet maximum of 1000 characters.

Since he did not need to store the raw scan, but only the data parsed from it, we were able to take advantage of a trick using In-Prompt Scripts.  The Maximum Length property of an Input element can be overridden at run time using a script, but when the collected data is saved, the client uses the original size.  This is done so that records remain fixed width.  Normally you'd design the program with the maximum length you would need to scan, and then use the In Prompt script to override the size smaller if you knew the barcode you were scanning (or text to be typed) was smaller than the maximum.

In this case, however, we set the maxmimum length for the field to be 0.  An Input field with a zero length will not be saved in the collected data file.  We then used an In Prompt script to set the field's maximum length to 999 at runtime.  This allows the field to scan the 2-D barcode, and the scanned data is available in the After Scan script to be parsed, but it is not saved in the collected data record.

We have a Knowledge Base article about this technique:  HOWTO: Scan and Parse large 2-D Symbols

Originally, PocketPC devices all had the same screen size: 320x240.  However, Windows CE devices could have any size screen.  Over the last few versions, however, Microsoft has been allowing some new screen sizes, including 240x240.  With the release of Windows Mobile 6, Microsoft has added 320x320 as a valid screen size.

ITScriptNet currently only allows 320x240 as a valid screen size when you select PocketPC/Windows Mobile as the Terminal Type, although the client will run on a device with any screen resolution.  You can specify any screen size when you select Windows CE as the Terminal Type.  In a future version we will add the ability to select from any of the valid screen sizes for Windows Mobile, and have the client automatically move the Main Menu elements to fit the screen.

This article on the Windows Mobile Team Blog has more detail and a list of the valid screen sizes for Windows Mobile.

Z-Space Technologies and HandHeld Products have teamed up again this year to provide the official scoring system for the Next Snow Search Finals. HandHeld Products has donated Dolphin 9500's and Z-Space is providing the ITScriptNet data collection program that the judges use to enter the scores. There are 110 athletes ranging in age from 8 to 14 from across the USA here at Killington for the Next Snow Search competition. Today was the first day of competition. The weather in VT caused the event schedule to be changed--but these kids just want to ski and snowboard and did not seem to mind. The morning event was the Big Mountain Challenge and the afternoon events were Moguls and Carvings.

There are 14 judges that are split into 2 teams of 7 judges. There are usually 2 events running at the same time here, so each team of judges handles one event. Each judge has a Dolphin 9500 and the ITScriptNet data collection program prompts the judge to sign in by selecting his or her name from a list. Then the judge selects the event. For each competitor, the judge enters the Bib# and the score. For this competition, the scores ranges from 0-20. These are subjective scores based on the overall impression the judge has of the run and includes the difficulty of the tricks, the landings, the speed and control, and technique. The program makes sure that the Bib# and score are both valid and then has the judge confirm the score before saving. The program also allows the judge to review the scores entered.

The conditions on the mountain today truly tested the Dolphin 9500s. It was cold and continuously snowing. My role allows me to stay in the lodge, but reports from some who had to endure the elements suggest the conditions on the mountain were "gnarly". The Dolphins came back to base camp after several hours of competition encrusted with ice. The biggest problem was that I had to watch out for the ice melting into the cradle for download. The Dolphins handled these extreme conditions with no failures. The feedback from the judges is very positive--they love being able to have a simple and reliable way to enter the scores.

After the events the judges ski the Dolphins back down to the lodge so I can download the raw scores. The data is set to accumulate the raw scores in an Access database table. I have a custom PC application that then tabulates the scores. The minimum and maximum scores are dropped and the remaining five scores are added, thus the max score for a run is 100 points. I am using Crystal Reports to produce a variety of reports to display the results for the individual events and the overall standings. The results are presented as overall results and also broken down into the 4 main categories: Boy Ski, Boy Snowboard, Girl Ski, and Girl Snowboard.

Today wound down with a pizza party for the athletes, families, judges, and event staff. Everyone is having a great time! The kids are enjoying meeting kids from different parts of the country. There was a foil-sculpting contest and a paper airplane contest with the winners receiving all sorts of neat shwag.

Signing off for today. Better get some rest because tomorrow is going to be the Dual Race and the Big Air event!

Did you see the NextSnow Search All Star event on NBC last weekend?

The NextSnow Search is a ski and snowboard competition for kids, ages 9 to 15.

If you did, you may have noticed a shot of a judge entering scores into a handheld computer.

The scoring for the NextSnow Search All-Star event was performed using HandHeld Products Dolphin 9500 mobile computers, running ITScriptNet software. We were pleased to provide the scoring software for this event.  This is the second year we provided scoring support, along with HandHeld Products.

The Finals are this weekend in Killington, VT, and we are providing scoring support for this event as well.  Good luck to all the competitors in the event!

We've been discussing some of the changes in the Windows Vista security model.  Here is some information on another one.

In Windows 2000 or XP with ActiveSync 4.x, if you use a limited user account (non administrative), you cannot install the ITScriptNet Client to a device.  ActiveSync 4.x requires an administrative account for device installation.

In Vista, the UAC will pop up a username/password prompt, and if you supply the correct credentials, you can install the client to a device.

We've added a Knowledge Base article describing this issue.
INFO: ActiveSync 4.x requires an Administrative account to install

Microsoft has introduced a change to the security model in Windows Vista called User Account Control. 

Previously, in Windows 2000 or XP, users were either Administrative, Power User or User level.  Any programs installed or executed were run with the permissions of the currently logged on user.  Many programs, including ITScriptNet, need access to the Registry for registration and licensing, which made it impractical to use User level accounts.

With Vista, Microsoft has changed the way programs are run.  By default, all users (even administrators) run programs with a lower level of access, and User Account Control will prompt the user at the console if more rights are needed.  The idea is to try and prevent malicious programs from installing themselves without the user being aware of it, while still allowing users to run at the lowest level of permissions possible.

The exception to this is for installation programs, which are run with full Adminstrative rights.

Not all software is compatible with this new model, and will require some changes to work correctly.  ITScriptNet requires a change to allow a demo copy of the software to be run without an error message.  This update will be released soon.