It’s been a staple of the commercial record center since its introduction in 1996 and is familiar around the world, but we are rapidly approaching the end of this wonderful journey together. What am I talking about? The good old Symbol PDT3100, of course.When O’Neil software first introduced barcode scanning to the world of the commercial record center it came in the form of the Datawand, a pen type device that just captured barcodes. With no screen and no programming capability, it was very limited but functional. With the introduction of the ground breaking RSWin (Record Storage for Windows) software came the PDT3100. In its day this was a state of the art portable data terminal with a 4-line screen, rotating barcode scanner head and full keyboard. Its memory capacity was limited, but we were able to cram a lot of code into that small space, making it a very capable device.
Every good ride, however, must come to an end and in 2005 Symbol (now Motorola) announced the End of Sale and subsequently an End of Life (meaning no more support or repairs) was set for May 31, 2010. O’Neil Software had no choice but to quickly follow suit and made an announcement that from the end of 2010, we would no longer support the PDT3100. We also stopped selling our software package for the PDT3100 in 2007 and figured that a more than 5-years notice period would be enough for everyone to plan ahead. To clarify that old announcement, we will continue to support the PDT3100 until the first major release in 2011.
Well time has a habit of catching up with us and 2011 is rapidly approaching, so it is very important that a review of your remaining PDT3100 devices is undertaken, with a replacement plan put in place. The good news is that the newer RSMobile devices offer great advantages over the old PDT3100. They include, but are not limited to:
•More memory means that there is a lot more functionality;
•More functionality means a greater return on investment;
•Wireless capabilities provide many time saving options, such as remote upload/downloads;
•GPRS capabilities (with the MC9094k) allow communications from outside the four walls;
•Compared to the PDT3100 they are a more cost effective capital investment;
•The RSMobile software is transferrable to a newer device (the PDT3100 software was not); and
•Full-shift battery capability comes with the MC909x range.
Currently we sell and support the following devices from Motorola:
•MC9090K
•MC9094K
•MC9090G
And shortly we will be introducing a new device(s) to continue to improve on the benefits above. So don’t leave it to the last minute. Contact your account manager today and work with them on your replacement program. Currently they have access to some great offers from Motorola, so don’t wait too long as these won't last forever.
Posts
