What is it?

The NeonBox Web-App Platform is a collection of Java objects and JSPs that provide a lightweight and flexible platform for a wide range of custom database-backed web applications.

It is compatible with any JDBC or ODBC data-source that understands ANSI SQL, and can be configured to access multiple data-sources from a single application. The software queries the meta-data of connected data-sources and automatically configures the application layer to allow access to database tables via easy to use objects and methods.

TENT - Table ENTry

To accompany the database access elements, there are a set of JSPs and accompanying objects to rapidly realise web based data entry and reporting systems. Dubbed TENT, this set of code incorporates a system for defining web based data entry pages using configuration files, with the bare minimum of coding. This allows an application to be rapidly modified to cope with changing data requirements.

The same configuration file based approach is used to define custom reports using the TENT reporting engine. The philosophy behind the reporting engine is not to re-invent the wheel on the web, but to provide a lightweight and easily customisable way of extracting data from a web based system to common applications such as MS Excel and Access for further analysis.

Feature Summary

• From database design to fully functional web application with the bare minimum of coding.
• Integrated TENT data entry and reporting allows rapid development of web based data management systems.
• Lightweight customisable reporting, with export to Microsoft Excel.
• Integrated email system linked to the reporting engine allows rapid development of mailing list management systems.
• Image handling capabilities allow for the rapid implementation of on-line product catalogues and photo galleries.
• Combines the ultimate in flexibility, the operating system independence of Java combined with the choice of database platform that most suits your application.
• Uses standard SQL92 for compatibility with the widest range of database platforms. It can use any ODBC/JDBC compliant datasource e.g. MS SQLServer, Oracle, IBM DB2, PostgreSQL or MySQL.
• Queries connected datasources and automatically configures the application layer to allow access to database tables via easy to use objects and methods.
• Logging and error reporting via email

We are currently conducting a code review of the Neonbox Web-App Platform, and are considering releasing the code under several licensing options, including an open-source licence. For more information, please email cjb@neonbox.net

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