FAQ

What is actually free?

The Active Studio development tools, Active Developer and Active Pipe are Free. Free to use on as many computers as you need. You only pay a small client license fee when you roll out our application.

I'm not a programmer can I use it?

Yes... if you have a sound level of PC skill and have used packages such as PowerPoint, then you can easily build applications.

Yes... images can be used as backgrounds or even as buttons to navigate from one screen to another.

Can I use my existing data?

Yes... the Active Pipe tool allows data from a text file, spreadsheet or database to be linked to your application.

Can I test my application on the PC?

Yes... the main part of Active Developer is built with same source code as the PDA device client, so your program will work in exactly the same way on the PC as it will on your PDA.

What do I need to get started?

All you need is the Active Studio package that contains the developer, communications tool and PDA client with one licence.

How can I get support?

Various support options are availiable please visit the online store.

Can I protect my final program?

Yes... when ready, you can publish your application and in doing so encrypt the XML document.

Yes... in general. We have standard clients for PocketPC, WinCE or Window Mobile which should work on any PDA device and we also have specailised clients for barcode scanning terminals. If you have a special requirement please contact us.

Can I develop and application for batch, WiFi and GRPS?

Yes... Active Studio uses TCP-IP communication and has been designed with this capability in mind.

Can I print labels via Bluetooth?

Yes... Active Studio supports bluetooth via a serial connection.

Can I stop users exiting the application?

Yes... A feature of the client is kiosk mode which makes the application fill the complete screen.

Which platforms are supported?

We currently support PocketPC 2003, WinCE 4.2, WinCE 5.0 and Windows Mobile 5.0. For other devices please contact us.

What Support Can I Get?

Support can be offered via one of our partners or direct, please contact for details.

Small screens means small number of inputs.

Lead the user, don't assume.

WiFi or GRPS does not mean full coverage.

Backgrounds can be very useful but should not obscure the reading of text.

Minimise the amount of critical data stored on the unit.

When finished development move the application to the flash drive if possible. This will protect agains power loss.

Keep the volume of data transfer to a minimun. Seconds seem like hours to users.

Include a splash screen with logo, it gives a sense of ownership.

Talk to the intended users first, they need to buy into it solution.

Use the control properties as much as you can and keep scripting to a minimum.

Remember the stylus will be lost if not tethered.