Software FX, a company best know for building data visualization components on the Microsoft platform, is partnering with Citrix Systems to deliver a business intelligence solution for smartphones.
The company launched PowerGadgets Mobile at the Citrix Synergy conference in San Francisco on May 12. PowerGadgets Mobile displays information on Android, Apple, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices by leveraging Citrix’s virtualization technology.
It works by integrating Software FX’s presentation controls with Citrix XenApp on the server-side, and it uses Citrix’s Receiver desktop virtualization software to stream business intelligence dashboards to devices. A design tool is provided for authoring dashboards.
The PowerGadgets server component accommodates the smallest form factor on the phone to make dashboards appear to be native applications, said Software FX cofounder and president Rene Garcia. Management and security are left to XenApp, he added.
XenApp’s server integrates with directory solutions, allowing developers to create different dashboards for different users. Dashboards may be customized with corporate colors and logos.
“It is refreshing to see larger companies like Citrix being engaged with vendors like us to get solutions out the door like this one. I’ve been in this business 20 years. It reminds me of the older days when big vendors collaborated and didn’t dictate relationship with vendors,” Garcia said.
Customers are required to purchase and install Citrix XenApp; pricing begins at US$350 per concurrent user. PowerGadgets Mobile installs on XenApp, and pricing begins at $2,900 for a 50-user license. The Software FX designer and Citrix Receiver are free downloads.
