We are eager to address any questions or comments you may have. For your convenience
we have a list of frequently asked questions, if your question is not on the
list, please visit our contact us page, choose your preferred method of contact
and we will be happy to assist you. To reach our contact us page click
here.
|
We have broken our Frequently Asked Questions down in to different sections.
Please select a section.
|
| Industry Terms and Definitions |
Q. What does real time mean?
A. Until recently there was a delay in the time information was performed and
the time it was received. Data sent real time is updated immediately for all
users. This means you can view actual information such as up to the moment job
status, inventory status, employees locations and how long they have been working,
etc.
|
Q. What is the difference between batch
and real time data transfer?
A. The difference is that batch stores the data locally and then sends it all
at once, whereas a real time data transfer occurs immediately after an activity.
|
Q. How is speed
measured for wireless data networks?
A. On wireless networks, speed is measured by the amount of data that can be
transferred per second. For example, a full page of text has 16000 bits of information.
This means that if the speed of the network was 16 Kilobits per second (Kbps)
then one average Microsoft Word document could be sent each second.
|
Q. What is the difference between a "dial
up" connection and an "always on"
or "always connected" connection?
A. With a dial up connection before you perform an action you have to wait for
the computer to dial into the system you are running on. This means logging
on to the network numerous times in a day. On the other hand, with an "always
on" or "always connected" connection you do not have to dial into the network.
You save all the time that was previously spent dialing into the network and
your device is always ready to use.
|
Q. What is data
compression and how is it beneficial?
A. Wireless networks charge their customers based on the amount of data transferred.
Data compression compresses the data into a smaller amount, resulting in lower
wireless network use charges. Also the double stage data compression on SkyeWired
makes the data unreadable to the average user.
|
Q. How does is data
exchanged (interfaced) between different computer
applications?
A. Interface is the term usually used concerning information exchange
between two or more different computer applications. The newer term is "Data
Interchange" SkyeWired is designed with the latest in XML standards
in order to seamlessly interchange data between applications. Data for accounting
systems is automatically sent from the SkyeWired solution to standard
financial applications.
|
Q. What does SkyeWired
interface with?
A. SkyeWired has been designed to exchange data with other applications
and as such can be customized easily. SkyeWired interfaces easily
with most standard small business accounting packages (Quickbooks, Quickbooks
Pro, Simply Accounting, AccPac, etc), as well as a variety of other applications.
To see if SkyeWired can interface with your application please
contact your account representative or click here
for our contact information.
|
Q. What is an Application
Service Provider?
A. Please click here to reach our Application Service
Provider page.
|
To Top |
| Wireless Network Questions |
Q. How does information transfer wirelessly?
A. Information travels from a secured Internet location directly to each authorized
users computer through radio frequency waves.
|
Q. What are the different wireless
data networks and
what are the differences between them?
A. Listed below are the wireless data networks and the differences between them.
If you need a definition or explanation of the following terms click the term.
For more information on the differences between GPRS and 1XRTT feel free to
view the Aberdeen Research paper on choosing a mobile network click
here
1. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is one of the 2.5-generation (2.5G)
wireless networks, which are the fastest wireless networks available to date.
Connection: Always connected
Speed: consistent commercial service rate of between 40 and 60 Kbps.
Real Time: Yes
Voice: Yes, as GPRS is often combined with GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications)
Offered by: Canada - Rogers ATT&T in Canada and AT&T, and Voicestream in the
US
|
2. 1XRTT is also one of the 2.5-generation (2.5G) wireless networks, which
are the fastest networks available to date.
Connection: Always connected
Speed: consistent commercial service rate of between 40 and 60 Kbps
Real Time: Yes
Voice: Yes
Offered by: Bell Mobility in Canada and Verizon and Sprint PCS in the US
|
3. CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) - allows data to transfer over existing
cellular telecommunications networks.
Connection: Always Connected
Speed: consistent commercial service rate of between 10 and 19.2 Kbps
Real Time: Yes
Voice: No
Offered by: Most Telecommunications companies
|
4. iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) -allows users to access phone
calls, two way radio transmissions, paging and data transmissions on one device.
Connection: Always Connected
Speed: 9.6 Kbps
Real Time: Yes
Voice: Yes
Offered by Telus in Canada and Nextel in the US
|
5. 802.11 is the IEEE Ethernet (A local area network or a group of computers
that share communication lines and a server in a small geographic area like
an office building. They typically have higher speeds, but shorter ranges than
the above networks. 802.11b is a 1 - 11 Mbps system with a range of approximately
90 meters. 802.11a has data speeds as high as 54 Mbps, but at a slightly lower
range of 45 - 50 meters.
|
|
Q. Which wireless networks
can SkyeWired operate on?
A. SkyeWired is network independent, this means we are designed
to operate on any wireless network whether the network is a dialup, or always
connected. These include GPRS, 1XRTT, CDPD, iDEN, and short range 802.11b,
802.11a, 802.11g and the new 802.11n
|
Q. What is the coverage
for wireless data networks?
A. Coverage for most networks is extensive and growing everyday. Currently,
in Canada and most of the United States there are service providers that cover
over 90% of the populated country. As the coverage is constantly changing you
can contact us or your wireless provider for the current coverage rates. To
contact us please click here.
|
Q. What happens on SkyeWired when
you are out of coverage?
A. SkyeWired is designed to continue working when out of
coverage. Data is stored in the mobile device and, when a connection is resumed,
the data is transferred.
|
|
To Top |
| Handheld Device Questions |
Q. What does PDA
stand for?
A. Personal Digital Assistant
|
Q. What is the difference
between a PDA, a ruggedized PDA, a notebook
and a PenTablet?
A. PDA's are handheld computers that are generally lower priced and may not
withstand water or dropping. A ruggedized PDA is usually sealed against accidental
water damage and will handle drops to the ground repeatedly without damage.
A notebook is larger than a PDA and is typically called a laptop computer. A
PenTablet is a portable computer ranging in size that allows handwriting to
replace keyboards for data entry.
|
Q. What hand-held devices
can SkyeWired operate
on?
A. SkyeWired is device independent, this means we can operate on
all Microsoft-based handheld devices such as PDA's, Hand Held PC's, Pocket PC's
and of course any Windows capable notebook, PC or tablet.. SkyeWired
does not operate on Java based handheld devices because of security issues in
Java.
|
Q. Can SkyeWired
be used on cell phones?
A. No, There is currently not enough memory and the screen size is too restrictive
to provide adequate information. Cellular phones with larger screens will be
available in the future, but not yet.
|
|
To Top |
| Security |
Q. Is information transferred wirelessly secure?
A. Yes, while there are problems being experienced by other companies, all data
transmitted wirelessly through SkyeWired it is very secure.
|
Q. Is information transferred
wirelessly on SkyeWired secure?
A. Yes. All data transmitted wirelessly through SkyeWired it is
very secure and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. This is achieved
3 ways:
1. Data encryption with a minimum level of SSL128 bit,
|
2. Double stage data compression which makes the data unreadable to the average
user,
|
3. Patent pending data transfer technology that ensures only the right users
receive or send data to the host system.
|
|
|
To Top |
| Operating SkyeWired |
Q. Is information transferred wirelessly on SkyeWired
secure?
A. Yes. All data transmitted wirelessly through SkyeWired it is
very secure and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. See
above.
|
Q. Which wireless
networks can
SkyeWired operate
on?
A. SkyeWired is network independent, this means we are designed
to operate on any wireless network whether the network is a dialup, or always
connected, these include GPRS, 1XRTT, CDPD, iDEN, and short range 802.11b and
802.11a
|
Q. What happens on SkyeWired when you are
out of coverage?
A. SkyeWired is designed to continue working when out of coverage.
Data is stored in the mobile device and, when the connection is resumed, the
data is transferred
|
Q. What hand-held devices
can SkyeWired operate on?
A. SkyeWired is device independent, this means we can operate on
all Microsoft-based handheld devices such as PDA's, Hand Held PC's, Pocket PC's
and of course any Windows capable notebook, PC or tablet.. SkyeWired
does not operate on Java based handheld devices because of security issues in
Java.
|
Q. Can SkyeWired be
used on cellular phones?
A. No, There is currently not enough memory and the screen size is too restrictive
to provide adequate information. Cellular phones with larger screens will be
available in the future, but not yet.
|
Q. What other hardware or software
is required other than that provided by SkyeWired
solution?
A. Depending on your SkyeWired package Internet access may not
be included in the solution. Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser needs
to be installed on each device (in the office or the field) to access SkyeWired.
|
Q. What happens if there are technical
problems, does SkyeWired
offer support?
A. Yes, all licensed users can reach SkyeWired for support.
Click here to view our support page and support
contact information
|
Q. Is there an additional fee for support?
A. No, support is free with your licensing fees*. Click
here to view our support page and contact information
|
Q. Are there training
services for SkyeWired?
A. Yes, ITOPA offers a wide range of training packages to meet your company's
unique requirements. Click here to view our
training page and training contact information
|
| * Not applicable if you opt-out of the Application Service
Provider option |
|
To Top |
Frequently Asked Questions