ZClient32™ is an object oriented Windows
application that provides sophisticated messaging and reporting functions. The key to this
product’s success is its ease of use. The application supports Windows 95, 98, and
NT4.0. ZClient32™ works within Motorola MDC and RD-LAP private data communications
networks. All required interface support for the Motorola family of data radio modems is
provided by ZClient32™. This means that no other laptop software is required for
proper operation of the mobile workstation. This allows the end user to purchase hardware
only at a significant cost saving by eliminating the need for Motorola's client software
TX.
ZClient32™ is designed for today's high performance mobile
computing environment. The application provides a graphical user interface, coupled with
unique audio prompting features not found in other messaging applications. The application
is engineered to work with existing Public Safety Mobile Data Terminal Systems, providing
an enhanced user interface without requiring modifications to the existing message switch
or CAD applications.
Not only does ZClient32™ provide support for the standard features
found in typical data networks, the application provides significant enhancements for the
benefit of the user. These enhancements are designed to minimize the learning curve and
the level of interaction required on the part of the user. This is particularly important
in public safety environments where an individual must respond rapidly. As an example, to
every possible extent, all ZClient32™ commands are executed via a single keystroke.
This simple feature will be greatly appreciated by the users. Other important features
are:
Custom Audio prompting is provided. The application is tailored for each
site to reflect the unique needs of the agency. The application provides Audio feed back
to the user when events occur. For instance the application will provide the audio prompt
"Message Sent" when the F1 (transmit) key is pressed. The user has complete
control over the playing of audio prompts. Each of the six audio prompt categories may be
enabled or disabled.
Audio Hit Notifications are provided. Although this could be viewed as
an extension of Audio prompting, this feature alone makes ZClient32™ a unique and
effective wireless messaging application. The application provides immediate Audio
Alerting when significant events occur. In Police service, an officer may run a license
plate. If the response returned to the officer indicates a stolen vehicle, then
ZClient32™ will immediately announce " Alert! Stolen Vehicle. " This action
takes place immediately upon receipt of the message by the application, even if there are
other messages waiting to be viewed by the officer. Many agencies have commented on the
strength of this feature.
The application provides the user with a graphical user interface. The
user will no longer feel that they are using a character mode terminal. All of the
agency’s forms are built into the application. This eliminates the need to download
forms and consume radio network bandwidth. Another advantage of this approach is the
ability to support user level field validations. The forms can be constructed to minimize
the possibility of an inaccurate or faulty request being submitted. This will reduce
unnecessary data traffic. In addition, ZClient32™ supports field level Help and Fill
tables designed for use via keyboard. For example, when the user enters a field on a form
that has been enabled for Help and Fill, a list box pops up providing the user with
choices for the field. Incident codes, states, vehicle type, are all good candidates for a
help and fill list.
The application provides almost unlimited storage of received messages.
It is not uncommon for users to retain several thousand stored messages. Older technology
made this impossible due to the length of time required to process or search previously
viewed messages. With ZClient32™, the user has the necessary tools to properly manage
this robust stored message queue. The user has the ability to list all messages,
selectively delete messages, delete all messages, and most importantly search the entire
stored message queue incrementally. For example, a police officer may have run a license
plate on Monday, that is now suspected of a crime on Friday. With a partial plate provided
by the dispatcher, the officer searches the stored message queue and matches the plate and
description. This is a powerful tool for police work.
ZClient32™ also supports numerous features that allow the user to
tailor the application to individual tastes. The user has the ability to select from three
message screen color schemes, and the ability to select a dimmed down display for
nighttime viewing. Any time the user modifies the way the application looks or feels this
setting is retained when the application closes. When the application is restarted the
previously saved settings are restored.
Custom Help and Fill Support - The Help and Fill support provided by
ZClient32™ allows for the automatic creation of pop-up lists when users enter
specified fields on the form. Ideal for the various codes used by Public Safety Agencies.
Custom Logic Design Inc provides a standalone application to read and write this
custom support file. This allows customers to add, delete, or modify individual help and
fill items for each pop up list.
Included with the application is a Windows based help facility. This
help file fully explains the application to the user and also provides some general
background information for users unfamiliar with Windows.
This is a graphic of a typical ZClient32™ screen. ZClient32™
has the properties of other Windows compatible applications, therefore, users become
familiar with the program quickly. The format makes use easy and efficient for all types
of users. A click of a button executes the desired function. The application is simple to
learn and manipulate. The audio prompts along with the friendly format, gives
ZClient32™ an advantage over other wireless messaging programs.
Although ZClient32™ was designed with the end user in mind, the
application is also easy to install and support. Unlike other applications, which have
literally hundreds of choices during set-up, ZClient32™ is designed to be installed
and work! There are no INI or Registry file settings required for ZClient32™. The
standard application does not require any runtime DLL's. The application is a fully
self-contained executable file. The only other files distributed with the application are
required to provide the audio prompting, context saving feature, and stored message queue
retention. However, it is interesting to note that the application can still be used and
functional without any file other than the application itself.
Other support enhancing features provides service personnel the ability
to enable or disable logging between the application and the wireless data communications
modem this and additional service related features are provided in order to make
troubleshooting easier for service personnel.
Agencies licensing more than 100 copies of the application have the
option of licensing the source code as well. Custom Logic Design Inc will also
provide software training to end-users. In addition, as the company name implies, the end
user can work with the company to provide any necessary modifications or functional
enhancements. These modifications are provided on a time and material basis.
Finally, Custom Logic Design Inc offers some optional products and
feature sets to those users needing the enhanced capabilities. The options include the
following:
Data ENCRYPTION - Many of the current wireless data communications
used today have been hacked. To ensure the privacy of the messages delivered to mobile
users, data encryption technology must be employed. Custom Logic Design Inc can provide
this technology through the use of CLD's message switch technology or by working with an
agency's existing switch or CAD vendor.
Image Technology - The ability to send and receive images can be
incorporated into ZClient32™.
GPS Technology - Full support for GPS can be provided. GPS technology
enhances officer safety and provides better information to CAD systems. Reporting can be
based on many different criteria including distance traveled from last reported fix.
Integrated mapping can also be part of the application. The user can see their position
relative to the dispatched call.
Support for Magnetic Stripe readers or bar code readers is supported
by the application. When a driver’s license is swiped through the reader, the
information is extracted and used to populate all relevant fields in the forms. The
officer can then select which queries to process by simply pressing transmit for the
appropriate form. The reader can also provide authentication services to enhance security.
Message Switch technology - Custom Logic Design Inc can provide
custom tailored message switches to support wireless data communications networks. Custom
Logic Design Inc has extensive experience in the development and support of high
performance message switches.
ZClient32™ software is currently in use at
several large agencies with orders pending at other sites. The following list identifies
some of the agencies currently using ZClient32™ software.
Harris County CTC (using the 16bit and 32bit versions)
Harris County Toll Road Authority
Alvin Police Department, Texas (utilizing the application under
Windows NT)
MECA (Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency), Indianapolis
Marion County Sheriff’s Department
Indianapolis Police and Fire Departments
Speedway Police Department
Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police, Ontario Canada
Beach Grove Police and Fire Departments
Houston Fire Department