Vault Information Services has expanded its embedded software development services to include application design and development for the Palm Operating System. This means VIS is ready to serve all your development needs when it comes to portable, Palm-based applications.

Palm development is unique and different from typical Windows application development in that programs must be very efficient both in speed and in size, and be optimized so the user may utilize its functions with the fewest number of clicks and selections. It's more than just designing a Windows application and making it fit in a Palm's smaller screen size--it's understanding how a user will use the application when he's in the field.

1. Data Lookup: A Palm application is ideal for applications where a user will need to do data lookup on the move. Whether it be looking up area codes, zip codes, or customer information, a Palm is a very convenient way to access this type of data. The data being accessed may be stored locally on the Palm or, if the user has access to a wireless service provider, may be accessed from the Internet.

2. Data Capture: The Palm can be useful for limited types of data capture. While it's small size and unique, keyboard-less input method make large amounts of data capture awkward, many types of data can be captured into a Palm in the field to be later downloaded to a PC-based database.

3. Internet Connectivity: With wireless data access available across the country, the Palm is now able to achieve Internet connectivity in hundreds of cities. Whether you are in your home office or at a customer's site on the other side of the country, odds are that your Palm can access the Internet. This opens the door to entirely new possibilities in mobile Internet connectivity which are limited only by your needs.

4. Application Extension: In many cases you may have an application that was developed in the past for and with the PC in mind. While that application may still be viable, it may be worthwhile to be able to offer your customers a portable extension to that application. That is, a Palm-based application can add value to an existing application you've developed and are selling to customers. An accounting application could be extended by giving the users the ability to look up and consult invoices from wherever they are with their Palm.