MDN Bolsters Mobile Messaging-Based CRM

In upgrading its database access software suite, Mobile Data Now thinks it can improve the productivity of field personnel and mobile workers who need instant access and information using their mobile handsets.

The vendor unveiled Mobile Data Now v1.3 Wednesday at the CTIA tradeshow in Las Vegas. The upgrade is designed to make remote access easier for customer relationship management applications and other database information, either by employees or the public at large. "With v1.3, it's possible to export all settings to an XML file and quickly generate templates for particular applications," MDN said, in a statement. "By bundling Mobile Data Now with a template for a CRM application, companies can simply import the template and mobilize their business in minutes."

Using e-mail, SMS, or instant messaging, business users can send queries that range from inventory levels or pricing data, for example. A general consumer app might be sending a text to find out if space for lease is still available, or if a retailer stocks a particular item.

MDN doesn't requires any additional software on the mobile; the MDN suite is installed as a 3-tier Java application on an ODBC- or JDBC-compliant database, including Microsoft SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, DB2, MS Access, Sybase, and others, the company said, adding MDN will soon work with Web services using the SOAP protocol. MDN said there's no staff training required, and no passwords or menus to bother with. Users can be up and running in 10 minutes, the company claimed.

MDN said this latest version improves usability to the installer and messaging screens, and includes public messaging controls to reduce spam and other abuse. There's also a new "Help" message function for user assistance.

Users can download a free trial version of MDN here; pricing is free for personal use; up to 35 business users will cost $150 per user.