GIS Provider to Exclusively Distribute TDC's Mobile Solution in Canada, Enabling BlackBerry Users to View and Edit Maps and Data on the Move

TORONTO – November 10, 2010 – ESRI Canada today announced that the company has signed an agreement to become the exclusive Canadian distributor of TDC Group's Freeance Mobile for BlackBerry.  The solution helps organizations maximize their investment in ESRI's geographic information system (GIS) technology by pushing out GIS data and applications to field workers using BlackBerry smartphones.  Users can search, view and edit data and maps stored in their enterprise GIS while on the move, reducing costs and increasing productivity and efficiency.

“The ubiquity of BlackBerry smartphones makes them ideal devices for extending enterprise GIS to the field,” said Alex Miller, president, ESRI Canada.  “With Freeance, remote workers in every industry can easily access valuable corporate geographic information needed to make decisions on the go.  The ability to edit data in the field also ensures that there are no information gaps and that the data in their GIS is always up to date.”

Communicate GIS Data in Real Time To and From the Field
Freeance allows organizations using ESRI's ArcGIS Server technology to securely deliver maps and location-based data live to an unlimited number of BlackBerry smartphone users within the organization's network.  Field workers can capture and publish data and imagery without returning to the office to upload the information to the GIS, resulting in significant time and cost savings.  The solution also enables real-time tracking of personnel and assets, helping to ensure the safety of mobile staff and the effective deployment of resources.  Freeance is designed for organizations with a dispersed mobile workforce, including utilities, energy, business, public safety, public works and government organizations.  It enhances operations including customer service, emergency management, infrastructure management, work order management, network planning, property assessment, asset inventory and inspection. 

Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) in Atlantic Canada has deployed Freeance to enhance its electrical distribution system model, which will help enhance service reliability for its nearly half a million customers.  They use the solution to collect data about individual components of their distribution system including transformers and disconnect switches, as well as the components' precise location.   Data entered through Freeance is automatically transferred to their ArcGIS Server, and used by technicians to update the electrical model.  With a more accurate picture of their distribution system, NSPI is able to better predict and resolve outages.  “Freeance on BlackBerry allowed us to avoid the need for collectors to travel to local utility depots for data uploads each day.  Two hours saved per day for each of the 14 collectors translates into nearly $200,000 worth of labor savings,” said Brian Shannon, GIS Connectivity Project Manager, NSPI.
 
Licensing and Availability
Freeance is a commercial off-the-shelf software that runs as a server-based solution.  It integrates with ArcGIS Server and other enterprise systems, and can be deployed in as quickly as a few hours.  It is offered in three editions:  Freeance Pro, which  can be used to build an unlimited number of GIS applications and includes editing capabilities;  Freeance Basic, which allows the creation of up to two map applications; and Freeance View – available at no cost, this software allows you to publish and view ArcGIS maps on your BlackBerry.  The solution runs on all versions of BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry OS version 4.5 or higher. 

To download the free edition and obtain more information on Freeance, visit: esricanada.com/products/freeance

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About TDC Group, Inc.
TDC Group, Inc. (TDC) is a pioneer developer of cost-saving mobile location solutions that accelerate workflow and enhance productivity for the enterprise market. Freeance Mobile software brings enterprise GIS to BlackBerry smartphones by way of intuitive applications that feature interactive maps, database forms and searching, tracking and geo-tagged digital photos. Customers can easily build mobile applications that extend rich enterprise data and resources to users wherever and whenever they need it. Government, utilities and corporations of all sizes use Freeance Mobile to complete work faster, save money and increase service responsiveness. For more information, visit www.freeance.com. 

About ESRI Canada
Founded in 1984, ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information systems (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography.  The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from ESRI, Telvent, Azteca Systems and other technology partners.  Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada and has been named as one of the top 250 Canadian IT companies and top 25 IT professional services providers in Canada by the Branham Group.  Information about ESRI Canada can be found at esricanada.com.

Media contact:
Joy Chan
PR Specialist
ESRI Canada
416-386-6488
Email Contact
esricanada.com