WO2006076775A1

WO2006076775A1 - Method and system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment

Info

Publication number: WO2006076775A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neville Joseph Satz
Original assignee: Spectra Interface Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-01-24
Filing date: 2006-01-24
Publication date: 2006-07-27

Abstract

A method and system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of portable devices (1-1 to 1- 4) adapted for Internet access and having a database comprising client and/or product information, a system server 10 that is accessible to the portable devices and a plurality of client computer systems (20-1 to 20-4) each having a database comprising client and/or product information. The system server (10) is adapted to interactively communicate data to and from the portable devices and the plurality of client computer systems (20-1 to 20- 4) via the Internet such that the data communication proceeds from a portable device (1-1 to 1-4) to one of a plurality of client computer systems (20-1 to 20-4) and from one of the is plurality of client computer systems (20-1 to 20-4) to the portable device (1-1 to 1-4). The client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device (1-1 to 1-4) and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system (20-1 to 20-4) in response to initiation of data synchronization.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CLIENT AND/OR PRODUCT INFORMATION IN A MOBILE ENVIRONMENT

Cross Reference to Related Patent Applications The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent

Application No. 2005900281, filed in the name of Spectra Interface Pty Ltd on 24 January 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the provision of up-to-date information in a mobile environment and more particularly to the provision of such information for purposes such as Sales Force Automation (SFA) and Field Service Automation (FSA).

Background Selling and distributing of goods and services is widely performed using the

Internet, which enables customers to remotely order products without attending a seller's site. The product can then be delivered to the customer. Ordinarily, a personal computer and an Internet connection are used to enable the customer to remotely order goods from a website of the seller.

Such use of the Internet to sell and distribute goods and services does not allow for a mobile sales force or an agent of the seller to attend the customer's site and liaise with the individual or individuals responsible for purchasing. A personal visit by an agent of the seller (e.g., a sales representative) provides an opportunity to provide on-site assistance as to selection, quantities and availability. Such sales agents are well-known across many industries.

A key aspect of mobile sales agent sales is that the seller should receive and process information and orders in a quick and orderly manner. Previously, an agent has attended a customer and has forwarded the customer's orders some time later (e.g., at the end of the day) by means of the Internet, facsimile or another mailing system. This is at times inconvenient and inefficient. Another situation where management of client and/or product information in a mobile environment is important is in field service operations. Mobile technical personnel such as service technicians benefit greatly from readily available up-to-date information such as receipt of new service calls, availability of spare parts inventory, etc., whilst on the road.

A need exists for methods and systems that overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art.

Summary

An aspect of the present invention provides a method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment. The method comprises the steps of providing each of a plurality of portable devices adapted for Internet access with a database comprising client and/or product information; providing a system server that is accessible to the portable devices and adapted to interactively communicate data to and from the portable devices via the Internet and adapting one or more client computer systems to be accessible to the system server and to communicate information to and from the system server via the Internet. Each client computer system includes a database comprising client and/or product information. The data is communicated from a portable device to one of a plurality of the client computer systems, and from one of the plurality of client computer systems to the portable device. The client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment. The system comprises a plurality of portable devices adapted for Internet access and having a database comprising client and/or product information; a system server that is accessible to the portable devices and a plurality of client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information. The system server is adapted to interactively communicate data to and from the portable devices and the plurality of client computer systems via the Internet. The data is communicated from a portable device to one of a plurality of client computer systems, and from one of the plurality of client computer systems to the portable device. The client computer system database is updated with information provided via the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data 5 synchronization.

One or more firewalls may be positioned between the system server and the client computer systems.

The client computer systems may comprise a software-based agent that detects o changes in the database of a respective client computer system and initiates data synchronization upon detection of a change.

The portable devices may comprise global positioning system (GPS) and online banking functionalities. The portable devices may further comprise an integrated electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) s functionality that corresponds to electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications hosted on the client computer systems.

The portable devices may be adapted to initiate data synchronization with the system server upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a 0 particular location based on the global positioning system functionality.

The information provided via the portable device may comprise a sales order. A digitised signature input via the portable device may be attached to the sales order. A confirmation notification may be automatically despatched to a customer once a sales order has been completed. The information received from the client computer system may s comprise sales information relating to stock levels, warehouse processing, back order processing, debtor histories and other customer related data. Online payments may be processed by forwarding a request for payment to the system server via the portable device.

Data synchronization may be initiated based on one or more of the following o events: automatic detection of a data change at a client computer system, automatic detection of a data change at a portable device, a periodic synchronization trigger, a manual synchronization request and automatic detection of proximity of a portable device to a particular location based on global positioning system (GPS) data. - A -

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system server for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment comprising a plurality of portable devices and client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information. The system server comprises a communications interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plurality of portable devices and client computer systems; a memory unit for storing data and instructions to be performed by a processing unit and a processing unit coupled to the communications interface and the memory unit. The processing unit is programmed to interactively communicate data to and from the portable devices via the Internet such that data is communicated from a portable device to one of the plurality of client computer systems, and from one of the plurality of client computer systems to the portable device. The client computer system database is updated with information provided via the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization. The processing unit may further be programmed to perform data synchronization with one of the client computer systems upon detection of a change in the database of the client computer system. The processing unit may further be programmed to perform data synchronization with one of the client computer systems upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on global positioning system functionality in the portable device.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising a computer program recorded therein for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment comprising a plurality of portable devices and client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information. The computer program product comprises computer program code for interactively communicating data to and from the portable devices via the Internet such that data is communicated from a portable device to one of a plurality of client computer systems, and from one of the plurality of client computer systems to the portable device. The client computer system database is updated with information provided via the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

The computer program product may further comprise computer program code for performing data synchronization with one of the client computer systems upon detection ofa change in the database of the client computer system. The computer program product may further comprise computer program code for performing data synchronization with one of the portable devices upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on global positioning system functionality in the portable device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A small number of embodiments are described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a screen shot of a customer order created using a portable device;

Fig. 6 is a screen shot of a customer signature on the portable device for confirming the order; Fig. 7 is a screen shot of a customer order and customer signature on the client computer system after downloading from a portable device; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system with which embodiments of the present invention may be practised.

Detailed Description Embodiments of methods, systems and computer program products are described hereinafter for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment. Software applications are extended to portable devices, operating as rich clients rather than thin clients, to enable users to interrogate the data and/or process transactions offline or in real time or near real time. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention have application in the fields of Field Service Automation (FSA) and Sales Force Automation (SFA). However, embodiments of the present invention also have application in other fields such as financial, legal and health services.

Certain of the embodiments are described with specific reference to the Internet. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited in this manner as the principles of the present invention have general applicability to other public and private networks.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment. The system shown in Fig. 1 comprises a portable device 1, a system server 10 and a client computer system 20. Multiple portable devices, system servers and/or client computers may be practised in various different embodiments of the present invention.

The portable device 1 is adapted to interactively communicate data to and from the system server 10 via the Internet. The portable device 1 may be coupled to the Internet via a wireless network (e.g., GPRS, GSM, CDMA, 3G, a wireless LAN such as IEEE 802.11, etc.) and/or a wired network (e.g., POTS, ADSL, etc.). The system server 10 is in turn coupled to the client computer system 20 via the Internet and is adapted to interactively communicate data to and from the client computer system 20. This facilitates bidirectional transfer of data, which is preferably encrypted, between the portable device 1 and the client computer system 20. The system server 10 may be coupled to the client computer system 20 via a wired and/or wireless network (e.g., ADSL, GPRS, GSM, CDMA, 3 G, etc.).

The portable device 1 is capable of synchronising with the client computer system 20 via the system server 10 to update changed data between the portable device 1 and the client computer system 20. This enables both the portable device 1 and the client computer system 20 to maintain current or up-to-date client and/or product information. Data synchronization typically occurs in a two-step process; between the portable device 1 and the system server 10 and between the client computer system 20 and the system server 10. Synchronization may be initiated by one or more of the following events: automatic detection of a data change at the client computer system 20, automatic detection of a data change at the portable device 1, a periodic synchronization trigger (e.g. daily), a manual synchronization request (e.g., by a user of the portable device 1 or a user of the client computer system) and automatic detection of proximity of the portable device 1 to a particular location based on global positioning system (GPS) data.

The system server 10 also functions as a data traffic director, co-ordinating data streams between the portable device 1 and client and/or product data structures hosted on the system server 10, thus enabling the client computer system 20 to access the required data.

The system server 10 further provides a messaging mechanism for administrative use and for notifying the portable device 1 of changed information on the system server 10 and/or the client computer system 20.

The portable device 1 comprises software made up of a software application and a database. The software application is based on Microsoft Visual Basic .NET Compact Framework for use on a portable device such as a Microsoft Pocket PC-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). The database comprises a Microsoft SQL CE database. Both the application software and the database can be resident either in RAM memory or on a non-volatile secure digital card or similar.

The software application comprises software modules and provides global positioning system (GPS) functionality 3, online banking functionality 4, enterprise resource planning (ERP) functionality 5 and customer relationship management (CRM) functionality 6.

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) functionality 5 and customer relationship management (CRM) functionality 6 correspond to ERP and CRM software applications 25 and 26, respectively, hosted on the client computer system 20. Although the ERP and CRM software applications 25 and 26 are separate standalone applications, the ERP and CRM functionalities 5 and 6 are integrated into a single application on the portable device 1. This data integration is of significant benefit to users of the portable device 1 as all information relating to a particular customer is available in a single application. Processing of the data to support the integrated ERP and CRM functionalities (e.g., data linking and removal of redundant data) is performed at the client computer system 20. In alternative embodiments, data processing to support the integrated ERP and CRM functionalities may be performed at the system server 10.

The GPS functionality 3 utilises the Microsoft MapPoint service and global positioning via a satellite system 2. A user (e.g., a sales representative) can schedule a number of sequential visits to customer sites and be provided with routing information for the journey using the global position functionality 3. For example, a dynamically updated map that shows the sales representative's location at any time during the journey and spoken directional instructions. This functionality increases the efficiency of a sales representative. A facility for adding new address information is also provided for those instances where the system does not hold a required customer address. The GPS functionality 3 further enables data relating to a specific customer (e.g., customer account information) that resides on the client computer system 20 to be updated on the portable device 1 as a sales representative approaches the customer's site. This functionality ensures that a sales representative always has the most current customer information available.

The messaging mechanism of the system server 10 has the ability to inform the portable device 1 of the status of various administrative items such as the release of a new version of the system software and the status of system usage fees payable by users. For example, the system server 10 determines whether a particular portable device seeking access to the system is legitimately registered on the system and whether payment of - system usage fees for the particular user are up to date. The functionality of a registered portable device 1 can be disabled remotely if the system usage fees are not paid. Certain administrative functions such as changing an IP address for web services used by the portable device 1 can be performed transparently by the system server 10 without informing the user of the portable device 1.

The client computer system 20 comprises system software 21 and typically forms part of a local area network (LAN) located behind a firewall 15. The system software 21 facilitates communication with the system server 10, which is located externally to the client's firewall 15. The software 21 translates data streams to and from the various client applications into generic data streams which are processed by the system server 10. AU data communications between the portable device 1 and the client computer system 20 are routed via the system server 10. This advantageously provides enhanced system security in that only the system server 10 accesses the data hosted by the client server system 20. Furthermore, the system server 10 maintains a record of data communication transactions for audit trail purposes.

The system software 21 continuously executes a processing agent, which monitors changed data status of the ERP and CRM applications hosted by the client computer system. In alternative embodiments, the data hosted by the system server 10 may additionally or alternatively be monitored by a continuously executed processing agent. The processing agent also services requests from both the client computer system 20 and the portable device 1 to ensure that the data is synchronised in real time or near-real time. Thus, changes in data in the ERP application 25 and the CRM application 26 are immediately reflected to the system server 10 and thus to the integrated ERP and CRM functionality 5 and 6 hosted on the portable device 1. In cases where high volumes of data traffic are encountered, a plurality of client computer systems 20 and/or system servers 10 may be run in parallel to ensure real time or near-real time processing of data.

The ERP functionality 5 of the portable device 1 includes a sales order processing module that provides industry standard functionality for sales order processing operation. This includes near real time stock levels, multi currency and multi warehouse processing, back order processing, customer aged debtor and other customer related historical data, customer, trade and ad-hoc discounts, customer defined price levels, extended pricing, tax, as well as the application of payment and part payments to invoices with customer defined payment terms. Non standard sales order processing functionality includes the ability to attach a signature input to the portable device 1 (e.g., a customer's signature confirming an order) to the order within the ERP application 25, as well as order comments or notes, and the ability to email or fax the customer an order confirmation notification once the order has been completed. Customer details such as billing and shipping addresses can be dynamically maintained by the sales representative. Order data may be input to the portable device 1 manually or by use of a barcode scanner (not illustrated).

The system software 21 enables reconciliation of enterprise resources and customer relationships within the same company. Usually, software systems delivering these functionalities comprise independent software applications and the problem of reconciliation is acute within the commercial world.

Any customer centric non sales order processing data can be entered into the portable device 1 and integrated into the CRM application 26, which is maintained on the client computer system 20. Customer related notes facilitating one-to-one marketing and opportunity management entered by sales representatives may also be made available on portable devices 1 of other sales representatives dealing with a particular customer.

The system of Fig. 1 can be utilised by a single sales representative to work with several client companies who have separate client computer systems 20, which are made accessible via the same system server 10. Alternatively, the separate client computer systems 20 may be made accessible via multiple system servers 10. In some cases, a client computer system 20 may have a dedicated system server 10.

Online payments, such as credit card transactions and electronic transfers, are initiated by a request to the system server 10, which completes the request on behalf of the portable device 1 via a banking interface 11 and a secure data link. Once a payment request is completed by the system server 10, the authorisation information is transmitted to the portable device 1 for inclusion in the client data set. This extends the functionality of the portable device 1 to that of an online payment device and allows the portable device 1 to operate in a manner which has the same level of stability and reliability as a dedicated online payment device.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information between multiple independent client servers and a single portable device in a mobile environment. The system of Fig. 2 comprises multiple client servers 20-1 to 20-3 (e.g., each relating to a separate client company), which each comprise system software 21-1 to 21-3, respectively. The system software 21-1 to 23-3 each comprises an ERP application 25-1 to 25-3 and a CRM application 26-1 to 26-3.

Each of the client servers 20-1 to 20-3 is coupled to a respective system server 10-1 to 10-3 located on the other side of a firewall 15. Although Fig. 2 shows a single firewall 15, multiple firewalls may be practiced in other embodiments. For example, each of the client servers 20-1 to 20-3 may have a separate firewall for communicating with a respective system server 10-1 to 10-3. The portable device 1 is capable of synchronizing with the client computer systems 20-1 to 20-3 individually via a respective system server 10-1 to 10-3 to update the database of the portable device 1 or the database of the respective client computer system 20-1 to 20-3.

Although Fig. 2 shows a single portable device 1, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that multiple portable devices may be practiced to exchange data with any of the client computer systems 20-1 to 20-3. For example, each member of a sales force may use a portable device to exchange data with multiple client computer systems. In other respects, the system of Fig. 2 is substantially similar to that described hereinbefore with reference to Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information between multiple client servers and multiple portable devices in a mobile environment. The system of Fig. 3 comprises multiple client servers 20-1 to 20-4 (e.g., each relating to a separate client company), which each comprise system software 21-1 to 23-4, respectively. The system software 21-1 to 21-4 each typically comprises an ERP application 25-1 to 25-4 and a CRM application 26-1 to 26-4. Each of the client servers 20-1 to 20-4 is coupled to a system server 10 located on the other side of a firewall 15. Although Fig. 3 shows a single firewall 15, multiple firewalls may be practiced in other embodiments. For example, each of the client servers

20-1 to 20-4 may have a separate firewall for communicating with the system server 10.

Each of the portable devices 1-1 to 1-4 is capable of synchronizing with the client computer systems 20-1 to 20-4 individually via the system server 10 to update the database of the respective portable device 1-1 to 1-4 or the database of the respective client computer system 20-1 to 20-4. In other respects, the system of Fig. 3 is substantially similar to that described hereinbefore with reference to Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a system for managing client and/or product information between a client server and multiple portable devices in a mobile environment. The system of Fig. 4 comprises multiple portable devices 1-1 to 1-3, which are wirelessly coupled to a print server 17 and a system server 10. The print server 17 is coupled to a printer 19. The system server 10 is coupled to a client server 20 via a firewall 15. The client server comprises system software 21, which typically comprises an ERP application 25 and a CRM application 26. Each of the portable devices 1-1 to 1-3 is capable of synchronizing with the client computer system 20 via the system server 10 to update the database of the respective portable device 1-1 to 1-3 or the database of the client computer system 20. The system of Fig. 4 has application in a confined or restricted mobile environment such as a trade show or exhibition. Sales representatives enter sales orders, which are stored in a respective portable device 1-1 to 1-3 for later processing. However, an invoice may be printed immediately via the print server 17 and printer 19 when an order is entered into a portable device 1-1 to 1-3. The orders are transferred in a batch to the system server 10 for processing, at a suitable time (e.g., at lunchtime, at the end of the day or at the end of the trade show).

In other respects, the system of Fig. 4 is substantially similar to that described hereinbefore with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a screen shot of a customer order 510 created using a portable device such as the portable device 1 described hereinbefore with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The order comprises a quantity of 4 items (PHON-ATT-0712) at a unit price of $35.89. The total stock available is 26 units.

Fig. 6 shows a screen shot of a customer signature 610 on the portable device for confirming the order of Fig. 5. This screen shot also shows delivery information 620.

Fig. 7 shows a customer order 710 and customer signature 720 (corresponding to the customer order 510 and customer signature 610 of Figs. 5 and 6) in the client computer system after synchronization with the portable device in which the customer order and signature were input. The software application executed by the client computer system is Great Plains 8.0. The customer signature is transferred as a bitmap image. However, other means of transferring a signature image may alternatively be practiced.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of a computer system 800 that can be used to practice embodiments of the system servers and client computer systems described herein. More specifically, the computer system 800 is provided for executing computer software that is programmed to assist in performing the methods described herein for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment. The computer software executes under an operating system such as MS Windows 2000, MS Windows XP™ or Linux™ installed on the computer system 800.

The computer software involves a set of programmed logic instructions that maybe executed by the computer system 800 for instructing the computer system 800 to perform predetermined functions specified by those instructions. The computer software may be expressed or recorded in any language, code or notation that comprises a set of instructions intended to cause a compatible information processing system to perform particular functions, either directly or after conversion to another language, code or notation. The computer software program comprises statements in a computer language. The computer program may be processed using a compiler into a binary format suitable for execution by the operating system. The computer program is programmed in a manner that involves various software components, or code, that perform particular steps of the methods described hereinbefore. The components of the computer system 800 comprise: a computer 820, input devices 810, 815 and a video display 890. The computer 820 comprises: a processing unit

840, a memory unit 850, an input/output' (I/O) interface 860, a communications interface

865, a video interface 845, and a storage device 855. The computer 820 may comprise

5 more than one of any of the foregoing units, interfaces, and devices.

The processing unit 840 may comprise one or more processors that execute the operating system and the computer software executing under the operating system. The memory unit 850 may comprise random access memory (RAM), read-only memory

(ROM), flash memory and/or any other type of memory known in the art for use under Q direction of the processing unit 840.

The video interface 845 is connected to the video display 890 and provides video signals for display on the video display 890. User input to operate the computer 820 is ^■ provided via the input devices 810 and 815, comprising a keyboard and a mouse, respectively. The storage device 855 may comprise a disk drive or any other suitable non- 5 volatile storage medium.

Each of the components of the computer 820 is connected to a bus 630 that comprises data, address, and control buses, to allow the components to communicate with each other via the bus 830.

The computer system 800 may be connected to one or more other similar computers 0 via the communications interface 865 using a communication channel 885 to a network 880, represented as the Internet.

The computer software program may be provided as a computer program product, and recorded on a portable storage medium. In this case, the computer software program is accessible by the computer system 800 from the storage device 855. Alternatively, the 5 computer software may be accessible directly from the network 880 by the computer 820. In either case, a user can interact with the computer system 800 using the keyboard 810 and mouse 815 to operate the programmed computer software executing on the computer 820.

The computer system 800 has been described for illustrative purposes. Accordingly, o the foregoing description relates to an example of a particular type of computer system such as a personal computer (PC), which is suitable for practising the methods and computer program products described hereinbefore. Those skilled in the computer programming arts would readily appreciate that alternative configurations or types of computer systems may be used to practise the methods and computer program products described hereinbefore.

Portable computing devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable personal computers (including laptop, notebook and tablet computers) and mobile telephones may be practiced as the portable devices described herein. For example, a portable personal computer with a similar architecture to that of the computer system 800 shown in Fig. 8 can be used to practice the portable devices described herein. Differences may include: an integrated video display, an integrated keyboard and pointing device, replacement of the hard disk with solid state memory and provision of wireless communication capability (e.g., IEEE 801.11, etc.). In smaller portable devices such as

PDAs, the computer software typically executes under an operating system such as MS

Windows CE.

The foregoing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configurations of the invention. Rather, the description of the exemplary embodiments provides those skilled in the art with enabling descriptions for implementing an embodiment of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims hereinafter.

Where specific features, elements and steps referred to herein have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Furthermore, features, elements and steps referred to in respect of particular embodiments may optionally form part of any of the other embodiments unless stated to the contrary.

The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment, said method comprising the steps of: providing each of a plurality of portable devices adapted for Internet access with a database comprising client and/or product information; providing a system server that is accessible to said portable devices and adapted to interactively communicate data to and from said portable devices via the Internet; adapting one or more client computer systems to be accessible to said system server and to communicate data to and from said system server via the Internet, each said client computer system including a database comprising client and/or product information; such that said data communication proceeds from a portable device to one of said plurality of said client computer systems, and from one of said plurality of client computer systems to said portable device; wherein the client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

2. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, comprising the further step of providing each of said client computer systems with a software-based agent that detects changes in the database of a respective client computer system and initiates data synchronization upon detection of a change.

3. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, said method comprising the further step of providing said portable devices with global positioning system (GPS) and online banking functionalities.

4. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, said method comprising the further step of providing said portable devices with an integrated electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) functionality that corresponds to electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications hosted on said client computer systems.

5. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, wherein said portable devices comprise a global positioning system (GPS) capability and are adapted to initiate data synchronization with said system server upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on said global positioning system functionality.

6. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, comprising the further step of positioning at least one firewall between said system server and said client computer systems.

7. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, wherein the information provided by the portable device comprises a sales order.

8. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 7, said method comprising the further step of providing means for attaching a digitised signature input via said portable device to said sales order.

9. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 8, wherein a confirmation notification is automatically despatched to a customer once said sales order has been completed.

10. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, wherein the information received from the client computer system comprises sales information relating to stock levels, warehouse processing, back order processing, debtor histories and other customer related data.

11. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, wherein an online payment is processed by forwarding a request for said payment to said system server via said portable device.

12. A method for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 1, wherein data synchronization is initiated based on one or more events selected from the group of events consisting of: automatic detection of a data change at one of said client computer systems; automatic detection of a data change at one of said portable devices; a periodic synchronization trigger; a manual synchronization request; and automatic detection of proximity of a portable device to a particular location based on global positioning system (GPS) data.

13. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment, said system comprising: a plurality of portable devices adapted for Internet access and having a database comprising client and/or product information; a system server that is accessible to said portable devices and a plurality of client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information, said system server adapted to interactively communicate data to and from said portable devices and said plurality of client computer systems via the Internet; such that said data communication proceeds from a portable device to one of a plurality of said client computer systems, and from one of said plurality of said client computer systems to said portable device, wherein the client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

14. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein each of said client computer systems comprises a software-based agent that detects changes in the database of a respective client computer system and initiates data synchronization upon detection of a change.

15. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein said portable devices further comprise global positioning system (GPS) and online banking functionalities.

16. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein said portable devices comprise an integrated electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) functionality that corresponds to electronic resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications hosted on said client computer systems.

17. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein said portable devices further comprise a global positioning system (GPS) capability and are adapted to initiate data synchronization with said system server upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on said global positioning system functionality.

18. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein said system further comprises at least one firewall between said system server and said client computer systems.

19. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein the information provided via by portable device comprises a sales order.

20. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 19, wherein said sales order comprises a digitised signature input via the respective portable device.

21. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 20, wherein a confirmation notification is automatically despatched to a customer once said sales order has been completed.

22. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein the information received from the client computer system comprises sales information relating to stock levels, warehouse processing, back order processing, debtor histories and other customer related data.

23. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein an online payment is processed by forwarding a request for said payment to said system server via said portable device.

24. A system for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 13, wherein data synchronization is initiated based on one or more events selected from the group of events consisting of: automatic detection of a data change at one of said client computer systems; automatic detection of a data change at one of said portable devices; a periodic synchronization trigger; a manual synchronization request; and automatic detection of proximity of a portable device to a particular location based on global positioning system (GPS) data.

25. A system server for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment, said mobile environment comprising a plurality of portable devices and client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information, said system server comprising: a communications interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from said plurality of portable devices and client computer systems; a memory unit for storing data and instructions to be performed by a processing unit; and a processing unit coupled to said communications interface and said memory unit, said processing unit programmed to interactively communicate data to and from said portable devices via the Internet such that said data communication proceeds from said portable device to one of said plurality of client computer systems, and from one of said plurality of client computer systems to said portable device; wherein the client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

26. A system server for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 25, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to perform data synchronization with one of said client computer systems upon detection of a change in the database of said client computer system.

27. A system server for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 26, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to perform data synchronization with one of said portable devices upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on a global positioning system functionality in said portable device.

28. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising a computer program recorded therein for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment, said mobile environment comprising a plurality of portable devices and client computer systems each having a database comprising client and/or product information, said computer program product comprising: computer program code for interactively communicating data to and from said portable devices via the Internet such that said data communication proceeds from said portable device to one of said plurality of client computer systems, and from one of said plurality of said client computer systems to said portable device; wherein the client computer system database is updated with information provided by the portable device and the portable device database is updated with information received from the client computer system in response to initiation of data synchronization.

29. A computer program product for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 28, further comprising computer program code for performing data synchronization with one of said client computer systems upon detection of a change in the database of said client computer system.

30. A computer program product for managing client and/or product information in a mobile environment according to claim 29, further comprising computer program code for performing data synchronization with one of said portable devices upon detection that a portable device is within a specified distance of a particular location based on a global positioning system functionality in said portable device.