Oracle updates free Web development tool |
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By Mark Brunelli, News Editor
26 Mar 2007 | SearchOracle.com |
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Oracle today released a new version of Application Express, a free, browser-based tool for Oracle Database developers who want to build, deploy and manage Web-based applications.
Oracle Application Express 3.0, which first debuted as HTML DB in 2004, offers charting and reporting enhancements and new features designed to let users build more dynamic Web applications, said Mike Hichwa, Oracle's vice president of software development.
New features of Application Express 3.0 include .pdf printing, Flash Chart integration, Microsoft Access Migration support, drag-and-drop item creation and layout capabilities, and better Web services support, Hichwa said.
The .pdf printing feature lets users export report sections to .pdf files as well as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and HTML. With Flash Chart integration, users can build interactive charts directly into Web applications. The drag-and-drop layout feature lets users quickly re-order items, change select attributes and add or delete terms.
In addition, the software's new Microsoft Access Application Migration Workshop feature lets users turn Microsoft Access-based applications into Application Express applications, according to Oracle.
C2 Consulting, a Los-Angeles-based Oracle partner that specializes mainly in helping companies get more out of Oracle products, uses Application Express to build and deploy applications for its customers.
C2 president Anton Nielsen says the tool is also good for testing out ideas for applications because it lets users quickly come up with working prototypes for testing environments that can later be tweaked or refined. Nielsen says the system also provides a very simple-to-use interface.
"One thing that a lot of folks like about it is that it's easy to get up and running," Nielsen said. "Oracle in the past has had some issues with that regard [but] in this case Oracle Applications Express just comes right up."
Nielsen said that he'd like future releases of Oracle Application Express to offer integrated support for AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML).
"AJAX just gives you the ability to have a little bit richer [user interface], and to refresh regions on the screen without refreshing the whole screen," Nielsen said.
The new version of Oracle Application Express is available for download from the Oracle Technology Network. Oracle integrates the tool with all releases of Oracle Database 10g and Oracle9i Database Release 2 at no additional cost.
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