Summary

The .NET Framework provides useful tools for developing mobile enterprise applications in the form of two different platforms, the Compact Framework and the MMIT. Both platforms are seamlessly integrated into the Visual Studio .NET environment. Building applications for Pocket PC devices closely resembles building desktop applications. Building Web-enabled cellular applications closely resembles building ASP.NET Web applications.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine which of the two frameworks to adopt when implementing a mobile solution for the enterprise. This is largely because of a convergence of the two technologies. PDAs are now available with built-in wireless capabilities, and cellular phones are now available with rich user interfaces. At this point, determining which solution to use still depends largely on where the data is being stored. The Compact Framework targets devices with local data storage capabilities, and the MMIT targets devices that access data from a remote server.

Regardless of which platform you select, the key to a successful mobile enterprise application is simplicity. You cannot expect mobile applications to support the full set of features that their desktop-based or Web-based counterparts implement. Enterprise application developers must look closely at the core services their products offer and extend only those services to the mobile client.

The next chapter introduces application integration, .NET style. An introduction to application integration describes the value in interfacing existing applications with new .NET applications. Then, the chapter assembles a new integration platform that puts XML, XSLT, and remoting to work.