GPS
Options for Mobile Computing
Enterprises and government agencies in record
numbers are arming their field workers with mobile
computers to
 automate
their business processes “outside the four walls.”
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology can be
easily deployed alongside mobile computing
applications to provide a number of tangible
benefits. This month’s LinksPoint Newsletter
explores some of the benefits of GPS and
details GPS receiver options available for use
with enterprise-grade mobile computing devices.
GPS increases
field worker productivity and provides greater
enterprise efficiency when added to core
enterprise applications for work order
management, route accounting, inspection,
inventory management and many others. GPS can
add a location dimension to the basic
application, for example providing a time and
location “stamp” to transactions or activities.
It can also enhance field capabilities with
applications for vehicle tracking or asset
management or driving directions or other
location aware applications.
There are three
basic options available when choosing a GPS
receiver for use with your mobile computing
application. Each option has strengths tailored to
specific uses. The option you choose will depend
on how you plan to use GPS in the field. Here are
the basic options:
 “Snap-on” GPS
Receivers – These are designed to attach to
the mobile computer and have a physical
connection to the device. Power for the GPS
receiver is received and GPS data is transmitted
to the device through a serial port on the
mobile computer. This combination is the most
integrated and is well suited for field workers
who do not rely on vehicles or use cases where
GPS is needed both in and out of the vehicle.
For more info, visit
http://www.linkspoint.com/hardware.asp
Bluetooth GPS
Receivers – These are designed to capture
GPS data and transmit it to a
 handheld computer
wirelessly using the Bluetooth protocol. These
receivers have their own internal battery and
can be used in the field outside a vehicle, or
they can be hard-wired in a vehicle for
transportation-related applications. One of the
unique features of LinksPoint’s Bluetooth GPS
receiver is that it can function as both a
real-time GPS receiver and a data logger at the
same time. This allows the GPS receiver to be used
simultaneously for real-time applications, such
as navigation or location stamping, and logging
applications such as vehicle history tracking.
For more info visit
http://www.linkspoint.com/bluetooth_gps.asp
Serial GPS
Receivers – These are designed to plug into
the vehicle docking cradle for a handheld
computer
 and draw power off the cradle or can be
wired into the vehicle. These receivers feature
an external antenna that is placed on the roof
of the vehicle and cabled directly to the
cradle. GPS data is available to the handheld
when docked in the cradle. Serial GPS receivers
can provide cost savings when there is only a
need for GPS when the handheld computer is in
the vehicle. For more info visit
http://www.linkspoint.com/serialgps.asp
In conclusion, I’d
like to note that LinksPoint’s GPS hardware and
software are designed to work alongside your core
field application to add the benefits of location to
your field solutions. I hope this has shed some
light on your options for GPS receivers for use
with mobile computers.
You can find more
information on LinksPoint’s GPS receivers at
http://www.linkspoint.com/hardware.asp, or if
you’d like to find out which GPS option is right
for your specific needs, contact us at
sales@linkspoint.com or 203.853.4600 and ask
for “sales.”
Mike Forbes
LinksPoint, Vice President
Marketing & Product Development
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