News | December 21, 2000

Thinque Introduces MSP 2.6; Advanced Mobile Enterprise Application Now Available on Microsoft Pocket PC

Source: Thinque Systems
Thinque field force automation solution Uses Pocket PCs to provide new digital imaging, reporting capabilities

LOS ANGELES - November 13, 2000

Thinque Systems (www.thinque.com), the premiere provider of mobile enterprise applications for field force automation, today announced the latest release of Thinque Mobile Solutions Platform, Thinque MSP 2.6, an enhanced version of its advanced field force automation software. In addition to a number of enhanced features, Thinque MSP 2.6 is now available to the mobile workforce on the Pocket PC.

"The Pocket PC platform is an optimal choice for companies that need to exchange rich, enterprise-caliber data through wireless and mobile devices," said Vidur Luthra, group product manager at Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased that Thinque has chosen to take advantage of the Pocket PC for its MSP 2.6 software, and we will continue to support the company's efforts in creating innovative software for the Microsoft platform."

Thinque MSP 2.6 is a complete mobile enterprise application that automates the costly and time-consuming aspects of field sales, data collection, merchandising and survey execution. A key advantage of Thinque MSP 2.6 is its ability to use Internet-enabled mobile and wireless handheld PCs; its "anytime, anywhere" capabilities enable field-based employees to gather timely, accurate data, allowing companies to anticipate and react immediately to today's rapidly changing competitive environment.

The Thinque MSP 2.6 application consists of seven major components:

  • MSP Server: maintains the database of real-time information distributed to and from the field force, and handles the communications between all other MSP components.
  • MSP Desktop: responsible for administration and data management; it maintains user information and all other information necessary for creating, scheduling and routing of call reports and documents.
  • MSP Handheld: designed for field representatives using handheld PCs and wireless devices to communicate in real time with headquarters to download and respond to call reports, merchandising questionnaires and surveys in real time if necessary.
  • MSP Web Client: created for mobile workers who have access to a desktop computer in a home or remote office but not a handheld PC. Using the Web Client module, remote workers download information and assignments for the day, and then go to the field to carry them out. When they return to their remote or home office, the results of their activities are entered into the system using the Web-based software.
  • MSP Touchtone (IVR): allows a field representative to respond to Interactive Voice Response (IVR)-enabled call reports via cellular or standard telephones-a must for field representatives in remote regions.

Thinque MSP 2.6 integrates two new features into its already robust application:

  • MSP Web Reporting: enables managers to access detailed reports as up-to-date as the latest upload from the field. Data is presented in easy-to-understand graphical formats, which allow managers to view and track detailed information of field activities, make rapid adjustments and communicate new information on the entire field force quickly and effortlessly. In addition, managers can execute performance analysis by region, product, store/site and time. Thinque MSP 2.6 also gives headquarters selective access to regional sales management data, enabling the review of store-level inventory counts, pricing compliance and competitive information.
  • MSP Digital Imaging: adds the capability of transferring multimedia data from the field. This allows the field force to take advantage of the latest digital imaging technology to record images and video-enabling managers at headquarters to see exactly what the field representatives see. Now, headquarters can receive detailed images of products, work sites, in-store promotions or anything else field representatives wish to transmit. In addition, field representatives can insert digital images into surveys and questionnaires as a way of illustrating or answering questions.

"Thinque's MSP application represents our commitment to provide the field force automation market with the most versatile and robust mobile enterprise applications available to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction," said George Bayz, president and CEO of Thinque. "Our goal is to be the premiere mobile enterprise application software provider in the industry and our family of products, which now includes Thinque MSP 2.6, is leading the way."

About Thinque

Thinque develops mobile enterprise applications for field force automation. Thinque's products empower mobile workers engaged in sales, marketing, quality assurance and customer service to increase effectiveness and create competitive advantage in a wide variety of industries, including commercial products and services, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and restaurants. Thinque's Mobile Solutions Platform, Thinque MSP, enables companies to cost-effectively communicate with and manage mobile workers, facilitating faster time to market and improved business processes.

Thinque is headquartered in Los Angeles and is privately held. The company recently closed a $12 million second round of equity financing led by Apex Investment Partners. For more information, call 1-877-Thinque or visit the company's Web site at www.thinque.com.