Blist, shmist
Blist, the Flex-based database that debuted this week at Demo is getting lots of buzz. That shows you interest in databases -- or, precisely, interest in "easy to use" databases -- remains high.
While the product appears easy-to-use, it's obviously too lightweight for any serious database work. This isn't to say that Web databases such as Blist don't have potential. But it will be years before developers will be able to build mission-critical apps with them, if ever.
On the other hand, Alpha Five today does desktop apps, Web apps, hybrid apps (desktop+Web), and even SQL, if you need it. It's also easy to use, so if you know how to use Excel, you can build professional-grade databases with Alpha Five.
Oh, and Alpha Five isn't demoware, pre-beta, beta, version 1.x, etc. Rather, it's at version 8, with a 25 year lineage with a track record of producing results for over a million users world wide.
The concept of developing your database from the Web is an interesting proposition, and something we take seriously. We are, however, less giddy about them than our friends in the press (who often don’t have to run businesses or organizations themselves). Our customers have real data management problems now that are far too complex for any Web-based proof-of-concept to solve.
1 comments:
One merit of Blist that cannot be overlooked is its simple and approachable interface.
Compare Blist first pages to the intimidating initial desktop screen Alpha Five presents its new users, and it becomes obvious that even the might A5 can learn a few tricks from a weak upstart.
I've already read reviewers comment on the time they spent deciphering A5 interface, a barrier to adoption that should be examined for the next version (Platinum, is it?).
Filemaker is another example of a good looking, easy to understand interface. This makes it likable despite its many shortcomings past the nice face.
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