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How does one develop Flex database applications without having to configure or deploy complex server environments? Is there a way to do this without having to set up different data services for every application but still have secure communication? Budgets are mostly limited nowadays, so after evaluating several existing frameworks we decided to use Flex and build our own client/server Flex framework that solves these tasks:
Server:
- No back-end development for new projects. The server is always the same
- Server handles multiple connections to all kinds of databases at the same time (Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL, Sqlite and others)
- Server has a very small footprint and literally requires no configuration besides the connection to databases
- Communication between server and Flex client is compressed and encrypted and not accepted otherwise
- Server filters SQL queries to prevent SQL injection attacks
Flex Client:
- Applications are based on templates for menus, forms and data lists - the design is preset and each new applications looks professionally designed without having to go through a separate design process
- The basic structure of lists and forms is always the same and buttons are always in the same place (e.g. Save button in forms is always in top left corner) to create a consistent user experience
- Data lists have all controls to handle search, sort, pagination and totals
- Forms have capability to handle and show 1:1 relations (editable) and dependencies (1:N relations)
- Integrated bridge to access hardware like barcode scanners directly from within Flex without installation
So, long story short, based on this framework we now create new Flex database applications in a matter of days. Applications are easily deployable in different environments and don't require any server-side configuration besides setting up the database.
Everything is fully customizable and we use the framework to build all kinds of rich Internet applications that require the manipulation of data in databases. We also build add-ons to existing software like ERP systems. Even hooking up hardware like barcode scanners directly into Flex is now possible.
Our framework is open source (free for personal use but commercial license fee) and we are in the process of publishing everything within the next few weeks.
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Interesting. Can we have an URL?
Current online demos are these:
http://www.comparatio.com/p21order
http://www.comparatio.com/products/web/training.html
http://www.comparatio.com/products/web/corrective.html
There are several other systems like survey systems, scheduling systems or inventory management for industrial environments but they are not public (yet).
The source code will follow shortly.
Hiz!
Sounds pretty cool. i am currently writing one for my personal usage, so would love to see your framework. Can i have the link to your framework?
Yea, this mythical open source framework, where is the link?
Very cool -- very similar to what we did with the Intuit Partner Platform using a proven server-side user-configurable database with user management, a deep and powerful role-based security model, with a REST-like API, all of which has stood up to full enterprise-class use in Fortune-100 companies and small-businesses alike, then married it with a complete FLEX framework to make it drop-dead simple to work with our server side. We also take care of the billing & provisioning of users so you can get paid by your customers painlessly.
http://ipp.developer.intuit.com
Peter+
I'll post more about the security aspect of the client/server connection. We built the framework so that you can also access different, existing databases and bring them together in a common Flex interface. There is still a role based security model but it's independent from the database(s). E.g. you can access Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL and Sqlite within the same application at the same time and thus create add-ons for software that otherwise does not support custom modifications or components.
Jan
Seems like there are login problems here http://comparatio.webhop.net/p21orderentry/index.html when trying to access it from Firefox on Linux (mine is Ubuntu 8.10)
What Flash version are you using? Would like to track this down with you.
From what FF tells me, Shockwave Flash V10.0 r22.
Please email error logs/screen shots directly and whether the problem occurs with any of the other demos. We'll post the solution here. Btw: user name to log in is "demouser" with blank password.
Please let me know when this is available.
Hi all...
Where we can download that framework?
regards
Dear Jan Poehland,
Can we have the source code for "Training Management System" @ (http://www.comparatio.com/products/web/training.html).
This exactly how we want to develop our new application with same server side database.
Thanks & Regards,
Srinivas.
The source code for the Flex framework is now public: Download directly from http://www.comparatio.com
Other, more specific examples can be provided on request.
Thanks Jan for source code link.
We're doing something very similar with the X2O Framework (http://www.x2oframework.com). It lets you create an object-relational data model through a web app. Then, it generates a remotely-hosted server-side infrastructure and AS3 value objects for a Flex or Flash app.
Since the entire platform is generated, all the connective parts are done for you. There's no SQL code, server-side code, integrating with a WSDL or having to parse data on the Flex side...you get to do read-writes on the generated value objects without having to go behind-the-scenes.
Please check it out...let me know your thoughts! http://www.x2oframework.com.