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Memo 5017 INSPI-2 Technical Requirements for New Release of INSPI 11/24/04
To: All SPI Inspectors
From: Robert Klein
Memo #5017 INSPI-2 Technical Requirements for New Release of INSPI
We recently announced that we are working on a new release of INSPI. Now we want to share more background on the INSPI-2 application and give you the technology requirements so that you can prepare for the February 2005 release.
INSPI-2 will be a replacement for the current INSPI. It will include all functionalities now in place and add features to make INSPI a more useful tool for you and for Safeguard. The current version of INSPI resides on your desktop and is updated like most software programs on the market, through downloading newer versions of the software. The data is imported to the system through file transfers upon request from the Safeguard System to your computer and/or Palm device.
To address issues like timeliness of information, subcontractor management, data preservation, and reduced turnaround time for upgrades/enhancements, and to accommodate new inspection types and client requirements, we are building INSPI-2 as a centralized storage facility where data transfer is achieved through wireless connection capabilities.
This means that the database of information will no longer reside on your desktop, but on a web server at Safeguard. You will connect to the server throughout the day via a wireless connection from your Pocket PC, laptop, or tablet, to upload results, receive new inspections, and get any required follow - up messages. You will also be able to manage subcontractors and pull reports through an internet connection to the server. You will still have the ability to work offline for those times when you cannot gain a connection to the server.
INSPI-2 will run on laptops, tablets, and Pocket PCs, as long as they are running on Windows 2000, Windows CE, or any later version of Windows. However, the new application will not run on a Palm device. The technical requirements for each of the three compatible options are listed below, so you can start looking for the option that will work best for you.
Laptops and Tablets
Required:
· Windows 2000 or after
· 802.11 wireless, Bluetooth, or cellular data card that will allow connectivity to the internet (You'll choose which of these options works best for you based on where you are in the country and the availability of 802.11 wireless connectivity and hot spots versus cellular data connectivity.)
· 40 G hard drive
· 512 MB RAM
· At least a 1 GHz processor
· Ability to transfer photos from current digital camera in the field ( such as a USB port and cable )
Pocket PCs
Required:
· Windows Mobile 2003
· At least 32 MB of RAM
· At least 300 MHz processor
· 802.11 wireless, Bluetooth, or cellular data connectivity to the internet ( You'll choose which of these options works best for you based on where you are in the country and the availability of 802.11 wireless connectivity and hot spots versus cellular data connectivity. Please make sure that 802.11 wireless connectivity is available in your area before purchasing a device with only 802.11 wireless connectivity.)
· At least 1 Secure Digital (SD) or Compact Flash (CF) expansion slot for added memory and communications
· At least 32MB SD or CF external memory card
Recommended:
The application requires an external SD or CF memory card to store application data. While it is possible to swap the Internet card and the memory card, we would highly recommend you purchase one of the following:
1. A device with both an SD and CF slot and an SD memory card and a CF wireless card, or a device with both an SD and CF slot and a CF memory card and an SD wireless card
2. A combination memory/wireless card that will fit into the SD or CF slot
3. A device that has built-in internet capability via cellular or 802.11 wireless connectivity and an external memory card
Optional:
· Built-in camera
We are in the process of testing these options, and we can offer suggestions for specific devices that will meet your needs. We look forward to working with all of you on this new venture.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us to safeguard our clients' interests. If you have any questions about this program or the technical specifications outlined above, please direct them to vm.inspi2@safeguardproperties.com .
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