New Mobile Application Helps Companies Address Growing Enter

[Brad Isaac]

TimeVision writes: "TimeVision, Inc. today announced the availability of Mobile OrgPublisher, the first organizational management application available for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Pocket OrgPublisher is the company´s initial offering, which extends OrgPublisher to any PDA operating the Microsoft® Pocket PC 2002 platform. A Palm handheld version is currently in beta testing and will be available in January 2003.

In conjunction with TimeVision´s flagship product, OrgPublisher for Intranets(TM), Version 4.E., anyone without immediate access to a desktop PC can view Web-enabled org charts, access employee phone lists, perform human resource data searches, and easily e-mail individuals or groups. The application was designed to solve one of the many challenges faced by companies supporting a mobile workforce -- immediate access to data residing in existing enterprise systems.

The OrgPublisher application uses existing human resource data to automatically generate graphical, interactive org charts containing as little as 100 employees or as many as one million employees. Existing human resource data can be accessed from virtually any source, such as Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, ADP or Excel and Outlook email lists. With the introduction of Mobile OrgPublisher, end users may now view accurate org chart information via the company´s Intranet, Web browser, paper copy and now Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device. Org charts are kept up-to-date by utilizing the familiar synchronization method via a desktop cradle.

"In the past year, executives and human resource managers have had a quick education in the importance of data integrity and enterprise communication," said Josh Payne, consulting programmer analyst for a major financial services company. "Today, more than ever, companies have a responsibility to maintain accurate, accessible employee information for contact and planning purposes. Mobile OrgPublisher is ideal for instant information accessibility, particularly for executives who spend much of their time in meetings and away from their desktop PCs where critical data is often stored."

Seven Key Benefits Of Mobile OrgPublisher
-- Organizational Snapshot -- Graphical org chart allows the viewing of
reporting structures, as well as employee information designated by the
chart administrator
-- Emergency Contact Information -- Instant accessibility to current
employee contact and location information
-- Searching Capabilities -- Based on user-defined criteria, searching may
include specific employee or departmental information, direct report
information, phone number, office location, e-mail address, etc.
-- E-mail Accessibility -- Users can e-mail directly from the Mobile
OrgPublisher org chart to individuals or groups. PDAs with wireless
connectivity allow instant interaction.
-- Synchronization -- Users without wireless connectivity can synchronize
the PDA using a docking cradle connected to the desktop PC.
-- Security -- Based on security needs, charts can be encrypted and
password protected to prevent unauthorized access in the event the PDA
is lost or stolen.
-- Data Integrity -- OrgPublisher can maintain current and accurate
employee information based on database updates. Mobile OrgPublisher
provides user with the same level of data integrity while away from
their desk.


"Planning, whether strategic or contingency, is at the top of every executive´s mind," said Lois Melbourne, co-founder and chief executive officer of TimeVision. "Mobile OrgPublisher was developed to address two critical business needs by providing quick, reference and analysis accessibility for mobile workers and executives who spend the majority of their day away from their desks, as well as instant contact information for recovery purposes. During a crisis, in particular, the last thing a traveling or displaced executive wants to face is figuring out ´who is who´ and how to find them."

Gartner Dataquest expects end-user PDA spending to increase more than 20 percent in 2002, to $4.6 billion. Analyst predictions for the PDA market vary, with some indicating a slow adaptability rate for large organizations while others anticipate a rapid increase in enterprise PDA usage. The critical issue of enterprise communication particularly during a disaster is being noted as a primary justification for PDA distribution among employees, as well as for companies that support mobile and remote workforces.

Mobile OrgPublisher is free of charge for OrgPublisher, Version 4.E., Enterprise Edition customers. For more information about Mobile OrgPublisher, please call 88rg-Chart (674-2427) or to download and use Mobile OrgPublisher free for 30 days, visit the TimeVision Web site at www.timevision.com ."