Alpha Software's New Database Targets VARs

Alpha Software has rolled out an improved version of its database aimed largely at VARs. It reportedly allows them to create and deploy both Web-based and desktop applications less expensively than competing open-source-based databases and tools.

Alpha Five Version 7 is designed to allow both accomplished and nonprogrammers to create new, or to customize existing Web-based applications, which raises productivity levels.

"To build applications today you need a back-end database engine, Web server and tools like PHP, Javascript, Cold Fusion or .Net. This requires a pretty sophisticated programmer. Our approach here is to let people build these apps without having to learn these tools," said Richard Rabins, president of Alpha Software.

Because VARs and other developers can more quickly develop applications than they could using Microsoft's Access or File Pro, they can charge clients significantly less, enhancing their competitive position.

"If you can build the apps in substantially less time, you can charge people less for them. It is all well and good to do a custom CRM system and charge the client $60,000 for it and deliver it in four months. But for most people today, that is just out of the question," Rabins said.

The product gives VARs more flexibility in building applications, particularly Web-based applications, because of its ability to work with data stored in its database engine in multiple SQL-based sources, including Oracle, MySQL, DB2, Microsoft's SQLServer, as well as MS Acess and Excel, according to company officials.

Besides faster speed and better performance, Version 7 has improved the product's PDF driver, which allows users to password-protect PDF files from unauthorized access. The product also has new Web-component features, including new search options, data validation and field-level security.

The product also has a built-in Web applications server that results in higher transaction volumes and contains native SSL support, which allows Alpha Five to be used in building financial and HIPAA-compliant medical applications.

The new version also makes it easier for VARs to build credit-card processing features into applications. The product can now interface with Authorize.net to provide a secure Internet Protocol payment gateway that enables merchants to authorize and manage credit-card or electronic-check transactions.

In concert with the announcement of Alpha Five Version 7, Alpha Software also debuted an integrated database hosting service called Alpha Five-Online, designed to offer seamless hosting for Alpha Five Web applications.