| Updated mobile database goes into beta |
Apr. 25, 2008
 Syware has released a beta of an update to its development tool aimed at letting non-programmers create databases for devices running Windows CE and Windows Mobile. Visual CE version 11 adds new XML handling and server sync'ing capabilities, along with .WAV playback and SMS message-launched forms.
(Click here for a larger view of Visual CE)
According to Syware, Visual CE allows users to rapidly create feature-rich database applications that can be deployed on any Windows Mobile or Windows CE device. Drag-and-drop controls enable the creation, maintenance, and operation of database forms without programming, it claims.
First introduced as far back as 1996, Visual CE has been regularly updated. Version 10, released in 2006, most notably added a macro editor and remote device control. More recent incremental updates have added support for Google Maps, and non-touchscreen devices.
Version 11, which can now be installed from a storage card, lets incoming SMS messages launch database forms, says Syware. It also plays .WAV files, imports and exports XML, and can be programmed so specified operations occur when a device's screen has been rotated.
As before, the software allows device databases to be synchronized via ODBC (open database connectivity) with server software such as Filemaker (with an ODBC plugin), Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Sybase, or Oracle. A new "publish" function lets servers push new content to multiple mobile devices when desired, overwriting their previous databases.
Other new features cited by Sybase for Visual CE, version 11, include:- Macro step to open/read/write/close/delete text files
- Macro step to dial a phone
- Autonumber does not reset if all records in table are deleted
- New functions:
- @landscape (return 0 for No, 1 for yes, 2 for square)
- @endoffile (return 0 for No, 1 for yes)
- @listview (return 0 for No, 1 for yes)
- @battery (0 to 100 percent)
- @backupbattery (0 to 100 percent)
- File selection on click (edit controls) can designate Open or Save files
- Edit controls can mask passwords (******)
- Double-clicking expression box brings up larger window (in calculated controls, alarms, macro editor, and command buttons)
- Stoplight control can be used on "always connected" forms to show status
- Support for COM9: and COM10:
Visual CE is offered in two versions. A Personal edition, priced at $129, includes full forms design, relational database, and synchronization capabilities. A Professional edition, priced at $399, includes all the functionality of the Personal edition plus royalty-free application distribution rights, according to Syware.
Upgrading to version 11 costs $45 for Personal edition licensees, and $135 for Professional edition licensees. Purchasers will receive access to the beta immediately, plus a free upgrade to the final version when it is released. Syware also offers a free 30-day demo of Visual CE, downloadable from the company's website, here, but did not state whether the demo code is version 10 or version 11.
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