Building a working location based application from scratch is a complex process. In the beginning, a business problem exists and an idea of how to solve that problem is created. Developers are then left to identify hardware, understand wireless networks and protocols, build communications software and the front-end web application. It takes an experienced and talented team to get all of this done. With support for many different devices, wireless networks and protocols, the Ublip Foundation is a great way to bring your application to life.
What is the Foundation?
The Ublip Foundation is the same application stack that we use to deliver our own GPS tracking products. We provide you with a reliable and scalable hosting environment, device communications software, databases, and source code to our core fleet tracking application. We provide the building blocks so you can focus on providing value.
Making it Easier for Developers
The Foundation provides a working end-to-end solution right out of the box. We like to call it plug and play. Within minutes of plugging in your device, you'll be seeing data in your new web application. The Foundation removes the complexity of transporting data from remote devices to your backend server. Forget about gateways and wireless protocols, we've already done that. You can focus on what really matters: creating a solution.
The Foundation Breakdown
The Foundation can be broken down into several layers starting with the device and working up to the web application. Each section below gives a brief overview of the components necessary to create a working end-to-end GPS tracking solution.
Devices
We realize that GPS tracking devices come in many shapes, sizes, and speak different languages. The Foundation can communicate with devices from many different hardware manufacturers including Enfora, Digi, Orbit One, CalAmp, and others. We're continuously adding support for new devices. You also have the ability to write your own device interface or we can do it for you.
Wireless Networks
GPS tracking devices operate on different wireless networks and we've taken this into consideration. Whether you need GSM, CDMA, or satellite communication, our Foundation is compatible with a network that can meet your needs. We also provide wireless airtime services or you can provide your own.
Hosting
We provide scalable Linux-based hosting with our applications pre-installed, ranging from development to full-blown production-quality virtual servers. We give you a strong foundation for your application and support you all the way through deploying it for thousands of machines and/or people. You have fully available ports, sudo and shell access, so you can do as much as you want -- or we can help you wherever you need it.Gateways
Gateways are the glue that makes the Foundation concept possible. Gateways gather data from various remote devices and support several different protocols. They aggregate the data and make it available in a MySQL database. Your Foundation server will come with the proper gateway installed based on the type of device you're using.
Database
We understand the importance of open source software and realize very little of the Foundation would exist without it. The Foundation is built on top of the leading open source database server, need we say more?
Web Application
While we're on the topic of open source software, we've built our GPS tracking application with Ruby on Rails. Not only that, all Foundation customers get full access to the Rails source code to make any necessary modifications. You can skin and brand it as your own or we can do it for you. If you're a CakePHP or Django fan the Foundation makes data from remote devices easily accessible to you through a MySQL database. We focus on getting you the data so you can focus on what you do best.
Foundation for Enfora
Our Foundation starter kit comes with an Enfora tracking device, monthly service, and developer Foundation account. You'll have an end-to-end GPS tracking application that works right out of the box.
Need Help?
If you'd like to customize the Foundation and need assistance then check out our customization services page. We can setup a preliminary call to understand your needs and help you choose the best path for a successful deployment.
We Make it Easy
- Easy to Try
- Easy to Buy
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Deploy
Foundation and GeoRSS
The Foundation comes with many useful features out of the box. With built-in support for GeoRSS you can see how it easy it is to integrate the Foundation with your own application.
Join the Discussion
Head over to M2MForums.com and join in on the M2M discussions. Our community covers all aspects of M2M application
development ranging from hardware, embedded programming, wireless networks/protocols, and web applications.
