Jonathon Watkins
06-19-2004, 11:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3812897.stm' target='_blank'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3812897.stm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The public sector is more advanced in adopting mobile technologies than other industries, mobile firm O2 has found. If you call a plumber in south London, he may well have a mobile handset on his belt with his traditional tools. If you cause unacceptable noise in Westminster, then the information collected on you is likely to be sent via a wireless network. Local councils say they see the technology as a way to improve services and cut red tape, the survey said."</i><br /><br />This BBC article went on to give details of some of the ways that Pocket PCs have been used by the London Borough of Lewisham to help maintaining the 30,000 houses it owns and maintains. <br /><br /><i>"One hundred and twenty XDA handsets have been distributed to staff, cutting down on their previous need to call into the depot once a day and reducing the amount of paperwork they do. Employees simply turn on their XDA at the start of the day to receive details of the jobs that need to be done. They send updates on completion of jobs, along with an electronic signature from customers. The council estimates that it will make savings of £60,000 as a result of introducing the mobile technology."</i><br /><br />Cheaper, faster, better. What's not to like? It's fascinating to see what new use can be found for Pocket PCs. It's gong to be even more interesting to see what folks come up with when cheaper 3G services become widespread and more PPCs are equipped to receive blanket high speed wireless coverage. Should be good……