Namo Interactive Simplifies The Art Of Web Development
Although CRN Test Center engineers like the use of WebEditor's database wizard to help developers gain access to database fields through tables, lists and charts, help for server-side languages is limited to basic explanations of each scripting technology. Although the database tables explanation is confusing, the editor arrives with a library of code samples, which provides concrete examples of how to insert table blocks and use server-side scripting to manipulate data.
With limited choices, the Resource Manager provides an even easier way to use the library. WebEditor arrives with only three server-side scripts and four FormMail code samples. There are more samples of tables, graphical templates and framesets. If developers want more, WebEditor points out all the major URLs for these technologies in its help files.
WebEditor fully supports JavaScript and comes with a Script Wizard that can generate up to 20 popular JavaScript samples. Some of the samples provide good insight into using JavaScript with animation effects, layers and pop-up windows. This Wizard also supports events and has built-in actions to help developers manipulate graphics, test for various client settings, control browsers and validate fields. Unfortunately, engineers did not find any AJAX examples.
The database wizard helps developers integrate graphical elements with fields. This functionality is similar to Microsoft Access' form wizard, which provides drag-and-drop graphical database elements on a page, allowing developers to quickly associate buttons, input boxes and drop-down menus with database fields. Web-Editor also provides hidden input elements, hyperlinks to external page connections and various property options to examine each graphical block that is generated.
When jumping between text and HTML, WebEditor provides icons for any special server-side element that is added in the code. This helps developers quickly identify where an element is located. WebEditor also supports attachments from external productivity tools such as Microsoft Excel, external HTML documents and even system time-tagging.
WebEditor's support for controls from third-party applications is a key feature that can help programmers quickly add client-side functionality. The editor supports ActiveX controls, Java Applets and any third-party plug-in that conforms to specific browser technology. The Script Wizard has a built-in action that generates code to test a plug-in, which helps developers working with remote executables.
XHTML 1.0 is now fully supported. Developers can validate loose, transitional framesets in XHTML files. The editor also supports XML documents and can insert various XML tags into files. However, to preview XML files, users need to have Internet Explorer 5.0 or later installed. Native previewing works if developers use XSL style sheets to transform XML. XML document validation is currently limited to DTDs.
Version 2006 supports blog posting for Blogger.com and Moveable Type publishing platform. WebEditor walks users through posting and re-uploading, including initial server setup, and also includes a spell checker, macro recording to eliminate retyping and an Office file-conversion tool that automatically changes DOC, XLS, and PPT files to HTML.
For channel players, products such as Namo's often present a problem. Namo sells a development tool, which is designed for usage by developers, and solution providers in many cases are developers. With that in mind, channel programs for companies offering development tools tend to be very limited at best. In Namo's case, there really is no defined channel program. The company focuses on selling its products via retail routes, and only with a few major distributors that offer Namo's products to superstores or other retail outlets. The only opportunity for channel players is to use the technology offered and roll that into part of their service offerings, where profits will be derived from billing for support, development and consultation fees.
