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Explorer Mobile

Software Review by Todd J. Coughlin

Software: Explorer Mobile by Explorer Software

Description of Software: Mobile Accounting for Heavy Construction

Explorer Mobile comes in two flavors: Explorer Engineer Professional (stand-alone) and Explorer Engineer Enterprise. The Enterprise version can be integrated to any accounting software solution... not just Explorer's Contract Manager.

Installation (Difficulty of installation and configuration)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Notes: One particular thing I really dig about most applications is the ability to install the software to the Compact Flash memory card, that always earns points. Software uses quite a bit of space, however with an application of this depth, that is to be expected. Registry entries are made and no soft reset of device is required. After registration icon is added to start menu, but not program files (a future release will fix this). Could not setup connection to back end accounting software in the demo mode. Could not rate application high due to lack of experience in connecting to back end.

Learning Curve (How long it takes to become functional with software)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Notes: There is quite a bit of front end as well as back end setup for this software. The Explorer Mobile is not meant to be a stand alone application. If you are currently a user of the software the learning curve would not be as steep due to prior knowledge of transactions or operations. Very Straight forward application. Could not rate application high due to lack of experience in sending data to back end.

Accuracy of Vendor Data (Does the software do what the Vendor describes)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Notes: Good images on web page, software looks exactly as shown. Disappointed by the lack of Frequently Asked Questions on the web page, cannot really get a handle on common issues that surround operability. Vendor data as reported is accurate, but could not rate application higher due to lack of experience in operating back end.

Professionalism (How professional is the product designed)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Notes: Software is very professional looking. Vendor seems to have basically "Handheld-ized" the main application which allows for ease of transition to the mobile version of the accounting software. Great looking software.

Technical Support (How much support can you expect from Vendor)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Notes: I scored an average on this due to a few reasons. First, there are no FAQ's on their web page. Second 8:30 - 5:30 Pacific Time zone (I am Eastern Time Zone), if I have a problem the only resolution options currently would be to wait until 11:30 a.m. my time and call them, at that point my day is half over. On the upside of a good score, the software seems sound, therefore support is expected to be limited.
One good point is that after reviewing Explorer Mobile, I was contacted by Explorer Software who assured me that FAQ will soon be added to their site!

Cost (Could somebody who pays out-of-pocket afford this)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
Notes: With the fact that this is an add-on to a major accounting package, the pricing does not apply in this particular case. However, as a note with regards to the accounting package. You can approach licensing from two directions, one is to license the software on a per seat basis or you can have your software hosted (ASP). Please see web-site for details.

Pros:

Very Attractive software (interface has continuity from non-mobile software)

Professional Company (seem to be established)

This software is a small part of a major heavy construction software package that is meant to handle all of your needs.

Sample data for testing/training purposes soon to be added!

Cons:

I am harping on the FAQ situation, I am a person who typically "doesn't have time to wait and call tech. Support" so I would like to see common issues that surround package... but once again this should be taken care of with the future addition of this contect on the developer's website!

Downside could be the need to have your PDA connected all the time for functionality (lack of offline processing with the data transfer happening at sync. Time)

Additional Comments:

I re-iterate, this is a very professional piece of software, interface does not need much redesigning, the only improvements I can see would be operability changes that are currently unforeseen.

A big thanks goes to Robert Lewis for providing a copy of the application for the review.

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