Technical Architecture Where does it go? This section covers the placement of the data and what type of hardware is used in the auditing process. There are two major decisions to be made. Choice of platform and whether to use wireless devices or not. Platform? There are a number of choices of handheld platforms to select between, but the major options are PocketPC (Microsoft), Palm (3Com) or a browser Phone-based application (example, Nokia). As you can see by the Samsung unit representing Palm, which is also a phone, the lines are beginning to blur between the choices. A quick summary of the advantages of each choice are: PocketPC Palm Phone + Common tools with Windows + Lower Cost + One device to carry + strong phone integration coming + Many more applications - small display size - lack of 3rd party tools + Better integration with Windows apps than PocketPC today! - lack of standards   + 70% market share   To go Wireless or Not to go Wireless? The second major issue is whether to use wireless handheld devices. Again a quick summary of the pluses and minuses may help: WIRELESS APPLICATIONS The handheld device is connected to the office wirelessly. The handheld user does not need to return to the office to "Synch"ronize information with their PC. Changes can be made to the application itself or the data it contains, while the user is in the field. + Data can be sent in from the field. Less trips to the office. More security as data resides in the office not on the handheld. New information can be sent to the auditor WHILE at the client, based upon the results of the audit. Very cost effective in remote areas -- where travel time to the client is high. - Connection costs (phone line charges) are additional. Handheld Hardware costs are a bit higher. Wireless networks not available in all areas.