The program, according to both companies, is designed to "foster innovative approaches to solving government problems through the combined use of GIS, GPS, mobile and server technology."
"We are offering these grants because mobile applications are such an important part of government operations today," said Christopher Thomas, government industry solutions manager for ESRI. "The applications our grant winners create will offer immediate solutions to governments facing similar challenges. Though only a limited number of grants will be awarded, an unlimited number of governments can benefit."
The program also requires grant applicants to develop their applications so that they can be shared among other agencies.
The 2009 Mobile Government Grant Program has been accepting applications since Sept. 8 and will continue to do so through Nov. 20. Winners are scheduled to be announced Dec. 18, 2009.