Unplugging Windows CE

A wireless network enables users to continue to access data stored on a host or a server from their Windows CE device in mobile situations. The problem, though, is that wireless networks offer limited bandwidth, which significantly degrades the operation of host and server interface protocols, such as 3270, 5250, VT100, and ODBC.

Middleware providers have an answer to this problem. CIM Concepts ( http://www.cim-rf.com ), for example, will release i n September a Windows CE version of its Data Integrator product, offering a highly efficient interface among CE clients, hosts, and servers.

Data Integrator consists of a Java client running on the CE OS that communicates over the wireless network to gateway software. The Java client interfaces with the gateway using CIM's packet-based protocol, which is streamlined for RF networks. The gateway, located on the wired network, then communicates directly to multiple hosts and servers using their specific native protocols.

To develop applications, you use CIM's visual development tools, which are located on the gateway. After making modifications to an application, the gateway updates the Java client(s). This approach offers developers the ability to scrape and shape applicable portions of a 5250 screen from an AS/400, for example, to fit within t he tiny screen of a hand-held PC, or to interface directly to an ODBC-compliant database.