Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS) was Ford's link-based diagnostic application for a Pocket PC used with a Vehicle Communication Module (VCM). Ford describes it as offering a subset of IDS diagnostic functionality. IDS ran on a laptop and added measurement capabilities and internet access. Ford IDS, PDS and NGS+ FAQ.
Shared interface and limits
The same VCM hardware could be used with PDS and IDS, subject to the appropriate cables, setup and software. A Pocket PC running PDS could not connect to Ford's Vehicle Measurement Module (VMM); it was a vehicle-link scan tool rather than a replacement for the complete IDS measurement package. The VCM was also used with the NGS+ handheld and caddy. Ford FAQ; Ford VCM hardware manual.
Contemporary use
Ford service bulletin 10-2-6 names IDS, PDS and NGS+ VCM as tools for specific 2010 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, demonstrating overlap rather than a single handover date. The bulletin is evidence of those applications, not a universal coverage list. Ford TSB 10-2-6. See Ford diagnostics overview.