Andy talked about "Building Enterprise Mobile Applications with the Patterns and Practices Mobile Software Factory". The Mobile Software Factory contains the following applications blocks:

  • Configuration
  • Connection Monitor
  • Data Access
  • Disconnected Service Agent
  • Endpoint Catalog
  • Orientation-Aware Control
  • Password Authentication
  • Subscription Manager

    He didn't have time to talk about all the application blocks, but wanted to tell, that this is something you can use out of the box.

    Configuration
    The .NET Compact Framework 2.0 doesn't support configuration files out of the box, so the Software Factory enables you to create app.config files for your app.

    Disconnected Service Agent
    Is used with networking. Andy gave an example with a web service, where the Disconnected Service Agent created proxies for the service. This enables you to call the web service (actually you call the proxy), without having to be online. Normally an application would wait for the request, but the service agent even enrolls asynchronous calls on top, which means your application doesn't luck up!

    Orientation-Aware Control
    Andy talked about this control, since mobile devices like my own QTEK 9100 enables you to slide the screen to the right, and underneath a keyboard can be used. This turns the screen orientation in Windows Mobile 5.0, which means that your controls might not look like what you intended. The Orientation control gives you the ability to set 2 design modes for your control: Normal view and 90 degrees turned :)

    He talked about some of the others as well, but this Software Factory enables you to use patterns without you even knowing about it. The source code is available for download, so you can make the your own ajustements, if you are not pleased with the product :)

    Get the Software Factory here.
    Read more about the Software Factory here.