Locations
Part Three
Almost any discussion of cell phones eventually turns to apps. This smartphone platform has these cool applications and that platform has these others. Many people don't realize that two-way radios have apps as well, and their growth is being fueled by the same third-party ingenuity that gave us Angry Birds. In this final installment of our comparison of cell phones and two-way radios, we'll look at applications and that most paramount of concerns: cost.
Applications came to two-way radios as they went digital. Just as in smartphones, software developers saw an opportunity to design apps for the most popular platform, and in digital two-way radios, that's Motorola Solutions' MOTOTRBO line. Motorola MOTOBRBO has grown from a single radio in 2007 to a line of more than 20 models today. The latest, which include the Motorola CP200d, were introduced just recently. Here are five of the most popular apps designed especially for MOTOTRBO:
1. iTalkie from TABLETmedia is a quality text, voice, and location solution that is easily deployable, maintainable, and cost effective. It offers push-to-talk with presence-driven, phone-like calling and texting. Employees can use their PCs to talk and send messages to others on their radios and handhelds.
2. eztracker@trbo is a single-position application for continuous monitoring of a fleet using Google Maps. This TABLETmedia application lets dispatchers see the positions of vehicles and re-route them around traffic. Text messages can be sent to individuals and groups.
3. The phone@trbo system from TABLETmedia allows radios to connect to office phone systems, so that incoming calls are routed to radios. This innovative app can be configured to route a call to a group or individual radio or to send it to a voice response system where the user can dial a specific radio or group.
4. SafeDispatch by SafeMobile makes desktop dispatching easier than ever with new features and a live mapping interface. SafeDispatch lets users improve field communication, access critical fleet information, and enhance reporting.
5. SafeNet, also from SafeMobile, not only allows the tracking of personnel and mobile assets in the field, but it also gives users access to their radio solution from anywhere there is an Internet connection.
Radio apps often are designed to meet a specific need, because that's what businesses have. However, the vast majority of the time, they just want groups to be able to communicate one-to-many and in groups. That's still where radios dominate over phones.
Still, the biggest difference between smartphones and two-way radios in a business environment is cost. Smartphones often have very low upfront costs but considerable operating costs. Radios require an initial investment, and there are expenditures for infrastructure and licensing. But after that, you own them, so you use them for free. And you can count on two-way radios to last for years longer than phones.
So, let's review:
- Two-way radios are the right call for one-to many communications and urgent communications.
- Radios can be configured for communications in difficult areas, and because they are owner controlled, radio systems can be modified and enhanced as needed.
- Generally speaking, two-way radios are much more durable and easier to use than phones, especially in tough industrial environments.
- After an initial investment, two-way radios have no operating costs. And there are plenty of applications available that solve real business problems.
