Over several months we worked closely with them to prototype and test early versions of our mobile application. The project demands pushed the envelope of what was possible with entry level handsets of the time. The rudimentary web-based survey designer also began to take shape.

In the early days, the Mobile Researcher back-end was a PHP/mySQL implementation which utilised the CakePHP framework (a Ruby-on-Rails port). As the solution grew in complexity and response volumes swelled with large scale data collection projects with the Medical Research Council and Human Sciences Research Council, we felt that a migration to a more robust ASP.NET/SQL Server platform was warranted.

Once we migrated to what is now our current architecture, we launched our API which has facilitated the development of bespoke systems, providing capabilities for real-time logistics management, monitoring and evaluation in addition to paperless data collection.

Starting out, we weren’t exactly sure what we’d end up with or even whether what we wanted to achieve would be possible with such limited devices. But now, almost 4 years later, Mobile Researcher is an enterprise level SaaS field research and data collection platform which includes many of the features of solutions designed for “high-end” hardware. Whilst the feature set is continually growing, it’s the simplicity and familiarity of the solution which we keep central as we forge ahead with development.

The MobileActive08 conference, due to take place between 13 and 15 October in Johannesburg, South Africa will bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders to explore, discuss, debate and discover methods to “unlock the potential of mobile technology for social impact”.

Being avid proponents of the important role which mobile and web technologies can play in addressing real-world issues, be they in a commercial or social context, we’ll be participating. Through the demonstration of our Mobile Researcher service we’ll collect, crunch and analyse real-time data at the conference. We’re really looking forward to the exciting lineup of speakers and other contributers.

Mobile Researcher has been leveraged by a number of organisations involved in areas of social impact such as Health, Education and Service Delivery. This conference, provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the service which allows for surveys and forms to be designed online and deployed to standard mobile phones for conduction. It also provides a platform for ideas to be exchanged and collaborations forged.

For more information on the conference, visit www.mobileactive08.org.