Oct/Nov 2006

The familiarity of the Windows interface is one of the key attractions that has persuaded Jacques Vert, a leading womenswear retailer, to opt for O2 handheld devices for a mobile solution rolled out to its travelling area managers. The system has been put in place by Handheld PCs, a company specialising in wireless mobile solutions based on the Intellisync Mobile Suite.

Jacques Vert's roving managers were already using laptop computers, through which they were able to link up to their head office systems from home. But this limited them on access at the end of the day. A true mobile solution was seen as a better solution, and IT director Chris Chalkley adds that this would also make it possible to provide a real-time navigation system.

Having briefly considered BlackBerry mobile email units, he says they seemed too limited for the company's requirements. "We were looking for something that had a familiar Windows look and feel that our area managers would be comfortable with."

At that point the company was approached by Handheld PCs. "In particular, we were very interested in the O2 Xda device, which had a Windows user front end and enabled emails to be viewed in a familiar Microsoft Outlook interface," Chalkey says. TomTom satellite navigation software has been included.

 

Managers are also using the XDA's built-camera to take photographs of potential sites or store layouts and send this information straight back to head office, allowing decisions to be made fastER.

Jacques Vert targets "the stylish mature lady" with brands such as Windsmoor, Planet, Précis Petite and Jacques Vert, which are available in more than 900 retail outlets, including department stores and standalone shops. There are 30 outlets in Canada, where a similar mobile solution has been deployed. The company was acquired by William Baird in 2002.