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I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

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    I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

    23 Years ago I posted this question on a bulletin board in search for an application that would make it easy to develop database applications. I found alpha 4 and stuck with it ever since. After a brief review of Alpha Anywhere and in light of the questions and rumors posted on this board over the last year, I find it ironic that I am once again asking this same question (with some modification). I am looking for an application that makes it easy to create desktop applications that can be distributed on a standalone basis or in a network environment. I have listed some of my basic requirements:

    1. Compiles the application files into an .exe or other commonly used runtime format so that it can be branded with my trademarks.
    2. License fee structure, however it is, not to exceed $1,200 per year.
    3. Active user board.
    4. Capability to build a website from scratch is not necessary. Capability to communicate and interact with a website is.
    5. Easy to use interface with an abundance of user tools or community examples that can be implemented into any project.
    6. Company must actively support and have a vision for the future that emphasizes shorter development time through tools or added content.


    I really like were Alpha 5 was headed with v11 especially as it pertained to utilizing web components on the desktop. I developed several apps using nothing but web components and found it much more professional and efficient to build. Unfortunately, continuing to use v11 for new projects is not good business now that it is obvious v11 will be the last desktop version from Alpha. If you haven't noticed, v12 does not have the ability to create installation packages. As such, all of the tables, reports, and other sections associated with the desktop are only there to support web projects developed in prior versions. For those of you waiting for some type of announcement on the direction of the desktop, their silence is very clear and a smart business decision (There may still be milk in those cows!).

    For the last 2 years I have played around with the Net Beans Application and I really like what I see. It appears to produce very professional applications that can be run on the desktop. I would really appreciate any input from a current alpha user that has experience developing desktop applications with Net Beans. I'm interested in the similarities, pros, and cons from the perspective of an Alpha 5 developer.

    Not to stray from the task at hand but, now that I am thinking of it, how is it possible after 23 years of development, Alpha was unable to develop a version of this software that compiled or a version were the end user is unable to tell the application was developed using Alpha? It leaves a somewhat unprofessional feel to an application.

    One other thing, during my 23 years, Alpha did an outstanding job defining and molding the rapid database development market. It is truly a unique product that has filled the needs of many independent developers. How do you throw this away just to target the development of web and mobile apps? The fact that most of these developers have to give their product away for free to get people to use them should be a clue that this target audience has an issue.

    Thanks in advance for your responses.
    Thanks,
    James

    #2
    Re: I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

    check out filemaker - not sure but I think they are compiled
    Cole Custom Programming - Terrell, Texas
    972 524 8714
    [email protected]

    ____________________
    "A young man who is not liberal has no heart, but an old man who is not conservative has no mind." GB Shaw

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      #3
      Re: I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

      What about ????. Long history new name.

      edit: Others do not need this information
      Last edited by kkfin; 07-18-2013, 03:29 AM. Reason: edit

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        #4
        Re: I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

        Good points. On points 1,2,and 6
        One I can comment as a fact, because I have been told explicitly by at least three companies that I have presented to - because I have had past good relationships with them that;-
        Quite simply the biggest problem they grapple with

        No "program" visa vie Executable, that I have compiled, for which I have ALL the source code in custody?
        There is an Alpha.EXE - someone else's , so where exactly DOES my program reside? distributed in over 100 files. What if...

        One of them I got - despite that question - because they have too much invested in me over 25 odd years, knowing rules of their operations intimately and documented still, in original dbase/clipper source code.

        License fee, not a problem - Alpha provides a single cost alternative. Too high in local currency for the opposition quotes I have to compete with in the small business market. Even though I prove to provide a far superior 100% solution product with Alpha5, they can settle for 90% solution at 20% of the cost using off the shelf combinations and VBA or scripting. Not Alpha's fault - that's the state of the economy and Alpha's move from the lower price high volume model (it seems to me).

        I don't wish to go the route of discussing alternatives and pros and cons on this forum.

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          #5
          Re: I'm looking for a database application that can ...............................

          James,

          Understandably, Alpha doesn't appreciate alternative products discussed on this forum. You can join the IADN forum for free to discuss if you like.

          I do think the desktop market is important and I don't think it's dying even as web/mobile grows. I hope Alpha will revisit desktop apps and provide future enhancements.

          P.S. Nice logo!
          Peter
          AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

          [email protected]
          https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


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