The extranet is based on Microsoft Site Server running on Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, which includes Internet Information Server, a complete Web platform. The surveys were created using the Microsoft Visual Basic development system. A manager does his or her walk around and completes the surveys. For example, a hotel chain may require quarterly information on the number and condition of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors at each of its locations. When the Palm-size PC is placed in the docking cradle and connected to the PC, the manager uploads the survey information through the same extranet Web interface.
Information is passed from the device to the Web using the XML format.
This information is then uploaded into a Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 database. The manager or other authorized company personnel can access this information to analyze it and generate reports of safety compliance for various purposes, such as insurance policies or to meet government regulations. Reduction or elimination of duplicate entries of information, which occurs when companies use paper forms to record survey information. A greatly increased reach for geographically dispersed companies with a minimal hardware investment. We have a lot of customers very interested in the mobile RiskNet Safety Forum solution, including a major hotel chain, a large equipment-rental company, and a major retailer.