AppCenter = Application Control Software for Mobile and Embedded Devices
AppCenter is an application manager that restricts end-user activity to a set of “authorized only” applications, preventing non-productive or unauthorized device utilization, and reduces the number of unnecessary Help Desk support calls when users curiously explore device features.
AppCenter employs both an active and passive approach to restricting activity. The active approach monitors all running applications and will automatically close unauthorized applications as they are detected. AppCenter will also control the availability (enabling or disabling) of the Start Menu and the Supplemental Input Panel (SIP), on an application-by-application basis. The passive approach prevents the end-user from navigating away from the current running application.
AppCenter also functions as an enhanced application launcher or a centralized menu system for the authorized set of applications. AppCenter can be configured to automatically launch approved applications upon startup at defined intervals or in a defined order.
AppCenter core features include:
- Remotely manage/change/establish profile of device
- Active monitoring of all running applications
- Active monitoring of all visible windows
- Automatic shutdown of unauthorized applications
- Automatic shutdown of unauthorized windows
- Administration facility to add/remove authorized applications/windows
- Enable/disable Start Menu on an application-by-application basis
- Enable/disable on-screen keyboard (SIP) on an application-by-application basis
- Enable/disable close window button (Smart-Minimize [X]) on an application-by-application basis
- Icon or keyboard-based application launcher
- Auto launcher of approved applications at start-up (warm or cold boot) or in defined order
- Configurable system icons for Status
- Debug Mode facility
- Password protected administrative functions
AppCenter provides these critical device management benefits:
- Application control
Ensures access to company approved business applications only, keeps workers on task.
- Asset protection
Ability to disable applications and remotely shutdown device deters unauthorized resale.
- Device functionality control
Enables authorization and restriction of functions as required for different workgroups and individuals.
- Standalone software utility
Easy to configure and deploy.
- Full screen mode
Allows applications to take advantage of full screen real estate.
- Active device monitoring
Rogue processes are prevented from launching – preventing security breaches on device.
- Task bar icon control
Enables display of important status icons even when the Start Menu is suppressed.
- Support call reduction
Help-Desk costs associated with end user changes to configuration and application properties are eliminated.
Here are the questions we hear most about AppCenter:
What are the platforms supported by AppCenter?
AppCenter supports Windows Mobile PocketPC 2002 and higher, and WindowsCE 4.0 and higher devices.
What differentiates AppCenter from competitor products?
AppCenter’s active approach separates it from competitive products. AppCenter actively monitors all running applications and will automatically close unauthorized applications as they are detected.
Can we add AppCenter to a hardware button?
YES. To make it easier to launch AppCenter or to return it to the foreground, you can attach it to one of the hardware buttons (“Hotkeys”) on the device (typically set to things like Calendar, Address Book, Tasks, etc).
How do you approve new applications not shown in the browser “[…]”?
Note that the “[…]” button will display all executables (*.exe), eVB applications (*.vb) and shortcuts (*.lnk) in the following directories and their subdirectories:
\Program Files \Windows\Startup \Windows\Start Menu \Windows\Programs
If the application you wish to add to AppCenter is not in one of the above directories, create a shortcut to your application (*.exe or *.vb) and place the shortcut into one of the above directories.
Can I configure AppCenter to automatically launch a particular application upon startup?
YES. You can configure AppCenter to automatically launch a particular application at startup.
Administrator screen – New – Startup tab: The “Startup” tab allows you to specify how an approved application will start.
For more information about AppCenter please contact us at:
appcenter@odysseysoftware.com
info@odysseysoftware.com