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FLEXIBLE APPLICATION BUILDER

by AppliWare

At your applications' base

FlexAB is a tool for the non-programming application creation, withobject-oriented flexibility, and utilizing robust relational databases.The developer interacts only with objects, the data and their relatio-nal structure are transparent for the configurator, and there is notime losing in relations, indexes, tables, etc. Thus, reducing the deve-lopment time in the application creation. The Objects utilization

makes possible their reutilization in other applications, as well astheir link with other applications, sharing the information in all thefamilies of systems developed directly by FlexAB, without interme-diate processes or interfaces.

FlexAB leans on a special, standardized, fixed, and optimized struc-ture of tables on relational databases which makes possible theobjects storage in a transparent way. This structure of tables and

their associated functions for information handling is known asApliWare OrDBC (Object Relational Data Base Core).

FlexAB is developed from its bases oriented to Objects and to theobject application towards the information technology processes.Due to this, it is a powerful tool when it comes to data processing.

FlexAB tool by AppliWare is a software which allows you to createyour own information system applications in a simple, dynamic, fastand safe way without programming. FlexAB has embeded functionali-ties for file management in a transparent way.

What is FlexAB's main idea:to generate software appli-cations capable of meetingcompanies' needs withouthaving to develop a custom

software, and without theconstraints of having tochoose a shelf-ware or"canned" software. Thebest solution for any com-pany lies halfway thesetwo ends. It is widelyknown that custom solu-tions end up being expensi-ve to maintain, too depen-dent on the implementa-tion designer, and difficultto enhance at an affor-dably cost. On the otherhand, shelf-ware solutionsnormally cover the compa-nies' general solutions,rather than the specific orparticular needs. It is herewhere they fail, and thecompany has to make aneffort, or even a change intheir usual procedures tofit the software.

Custom or Shelf-ware Solutions?

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FlexABFlexAB is a combination of boththings: it is a tool which provides theframework to develop a fully custom

application, but on a platform whichdoes not require programming so itstandardizes the software creation.What does this mean? : The customsoftware constraint elimination,since the FlexAB-built applicationsare not programmer-dependent, areopen, the application know howremains with the end-client, are fle-xible, and can be fully enhancedwith no surcharges.

Data processSolutionsby utilizing

CustomSoftware

Data processSolutionsby utilizing

Shelfware

ExpensiveDifficultto maintainProgrammerdependent

Difficult to adjustRigidNon-integrableProcess-oriented

Combinesboth

world'sbenefits

Disadvantages Disadvantages

Why is FlexAB beneficial to Software developers?For the application development it is necessary to have tools designed or oriented to the develop-ment of applications capable of meeting the development needs at the lowest possible cost ofresources, both human and technical. Every professional needs its tools for the development ofhis/her activities, and such tools are conceived from the beginning to meet the end-user's demands.FlexAB is an environment that links databases for the object handling with the tools to providefunctionality to those objects and not only to store them.

Less Development Time: Because there exists a previously done base work, a Standard interfa-ce ready to be used, there is no need to begin with the database structure development, it isobject-oriented. Work Reutilization: All the applications have the same structure, and are object-oriented. Theclasses defined in an application can be exported and used in other ones, taking with them theirdefinitions of attributes, methods, validations, etc. Fully scalable applications: Since the applications are object-oriented created, in order tomodify or enhance the application it is only necessary to define the new classes and configurehow they interact with the others. Standardized and integrable applications: The business rule is defined by the class structure tobe created and by the rules and validations to be placed in each object, this way of creating an

application is not dependent on the person which performs it, as it is the code creation. Theapplications are "open"; any trained person can understand a palliation created directly by ano-ther person. Standardization in documentation: The same application generation, as it is standardized,automatically generates the system documentation, both the internal one and that of the user's. Faster staff training: Staff training is much faster and less expensive. People with not a necessarily programming profile: It is not necessary to have highly trainedstaff as regards programming languages, since there can be an application generation by trai-ning staff with functional orientation. Closer to trial and error. Quick going back: To modify an application does not generate awaste of weeks and weeks of codes, it is just a redefinition of a class and the creation of thenew and necessary ones. One hundred per cent Object-oriented: The applications are one hundred per cent object-oriented, with a much faster transition from the real life to the definition of classes than havingto break the real life down into tables, keys, and relations. High System Building Speed: All the aforementioned factors increase the speed for the appli-cation creation.

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FlexAB Components

The approach for the application creation by utilizing FlexAB is totally different; the main idea isto orientate everything, not only programming and its routines, to objects. That is, to define whichare the objects related with the process we need to data process, and how these objects interact

with their environment (other objects). FlexAB allows us to create objects and handle them easilyand without having to worry about the way in which data is stored (in which tables, and withwhich items). The application creator's only concern is what the objects have to do, and how theyhave to relate among themselves. Another important factor is that there is no programming. Thismeans that the code generation for the objects handling is unnecessary. The question would be: Ifthere is no code, how do I generate the processes which obtain information from the data? Theanswer is that each object is capable of defining how its own data interact, how it interacts withthe other objects. This functionality translates into FQL functions, that is, SQL functions oriented tothe objects information handling. All the application logic is done through FQLs. Besides, it is possi-ble to define operations that take data from FQL results, and they operate it as indicated in theclass configuration. Also, each object's integrity validations are loaded similarly. On the other hand,part of the configuration enables the handling of messages and the running of external programs,which can interact with FlexAB objects by utilizing COM functions.

How does FlexAB work?

MOBILE

WEBWAP

WIN

Interfaz Estndarde Usuario

Funciones COM

FS SRV2FS SRV1

File SystemServer

OrDBC

Transacciones

de Objetos: Altas,bajas, vnculos,mtodos, etc.USUARIO

DB SRV2DB SRV3

DB SRV1

Base de DatosRelacional

Aplicacionesde Usuario

Otras AplicacionesAutoCAD

Otras AplicacionesExcel - Word - Project

WIN

Editor de paquetes

DE UNIVERSOS

Interfaz Estndarde Configuracin

OrdBC:Object-Relationship DB Core

COM:Communication ModuleOED: Object EditorXRPv: X Report ViewerHLPV: Help ViewerWSKc: WinSock ClientLNG: Language translatorMSS: Message send (SMTP client)OPA: Object Packing Administrator (UpLoad & DownLoad)VER: Object Version AdministratorAUD: Object Audit Viewer

FS SRV:File System ServerWSKs: WinSock Server

SCI:Standard Configuration Interface (for MS Windows)HTM: HTML EditorHTB: HTML BuilderFQL: FQL Builder (SQL + XQL)XRPb: X Report BuilderXRV: X Report ViewerHLPM: Help Maker

PRJ: Project ManagementWSKc: WinSock ClientLNG: Language translatorAUA: Object Audit Administrator

UCI:Universe Configuration Interface (for MS Windows)

SUI:Standard User Interface (for MS Windows)FlexAB.DLL (Communication module)

WUI:WEB User Interface (for Any WEB Browser)FlexAB.DLL (Communication module)

AUI:WAP User Interface (for Palms)FlexAB.DLL (Communication module)

MUI:Mobile User Interface (for Mobile Telephone)FlexAB.DLL (Communication module)

POE:Packing Object Editor (for MS Windows)eMail: eMail ClientSMTP: SMTP ClientPOP3: POP3 Client

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Apart from this object handling,which is based on a object-relationaldatabase plus object access COMfunctions (what we call OrDBC), theFlexAB suite delivers a standardinterface in order to create applica-tions as soon as possible. The confi-gurator can or cannot use this inter-face, according to how he wants tosolve the interaction with the user.We understand that 90% of theapplications can be solved by usingthis interface, thus reducing deve-lopment time and costs.

The objects present the information to the user in mar-ket applications such as MSWord, MSExcel, MSProject,MSOutlook, AutoCAD, besides having the possibility forgenerating online reports (presented on-screen). Theinformation to be extracted from the object database isobtained by an FQL. Then such data is formatted bymeans of style sheets or templates, and lastly, thatinformation is sent to the aforementioned applicationsin order to enable the user to handle it freely (distribu-te, print, sent, etc) as if the information had been gene-rated in those applications.

Object visualization in market applications

All files are managed by the FlexAB File System, whichonly makes it possible to work locally with them, and thismeans that there is no (by default) access to the server'sFile System. Therefore, it has functionalities in theFlexAB's DDL which (by utilizing WinSock) is in charge ofstoring them in the server and transferring them to thelocal equipment (client workplace) in order to enableuser to handle it. File transference tasks between client

and server are managed by the FlexAB File System auto-matically and by observing the rules configured for theFileLink's of the particular class.

File managing

DCLASE

TEMPLATES(Formatos / Diseos)

CLASES(Objetos)

VISUALIZACION(Aplicaciones)

ALMACENAMIENTO(Inaccesible al usuario)

CCLASE

BCLASE

ACLASEMETODO

SQL+XQL

METODO

SQL+XQL

METODO

SQL+XQL

File Copy of Server

New Edit View

FlexABData Base

FlexABFile System

Server

FlexAB CLIENT(user workspace)

SERVER(Only Admin)

FlexAB DLL

File Link

OBJECT FlexABFile System

Client

Object and Itsstru ctural

relationship

ObjectAttribu tes

Function Bar

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The following figure shows the network structure of the applications with FlexAB. This structure is flexible and the figu- re shows the complete application.

Design architecture

FlexABFS Server

FlexABDB Server

FlexABWEB/WAP/Mobile

Server

Domain Controler

YOUR BIG APPLICATIONS SMALL APPLICATIONSSAN

Web Browser

Client+Com+STD Interface

Client+Com+STD Interface Client+Com+STD InterfaceFlexAB FS ServerFlexAB DB Server

Optional=WWM Server

TCP/IP

TCP/IP

TCP/IP

VPN

HTTP/SSL

PALMMOVIL

TCP/IP

TCP/IP

1

2

9

S E C U R I T Y

A D MI N I S T R A T I ON

O

F T H E

OP E R A T I ON

INTERFACES OF SERVICES OF USERS

USERS

C OMM

U N I C A T I ON

FlexAB StandardConfiguration

Interface

FlexABStandard

User Interface

FlexABObject

Packing Editor

FlexAB UniverseConfiguration

Interface

UserApplications

FlexABWeb/Wap/Mobile

User Interface

FILELINKOperation

Components

XMLOperation

Components

TranslationComponents

ObjectMethod

Components

Logical Componentfor Data Access

Logical Componentsfor File Access

with Winsock Client

3

7 8

4 5 6

Data Source File Systemwith Winsock SRV

The following picture shows the FlexAB Application three layer model which is the base for any application created with FlexAB.

FlexABThree layerModel

Since all the Applications developedwith FlexAB are carried out on thesame base or platform, and with thesame data structure, ALL the objects tobe created can be used in anyApplication. This is FlexAB capability: itallows scalability and integration. I cancreate independent applications and

then make them interact in a simpleway, without interface programs. Inaddition, all applications developed bymeans of FlexAB form a family ofapplications which can be used in such

a way that they can empower thecompanies' own developments, andachieve complete solutions with lessdevelopment effort.In this way, a company utilizing FlexABcould e-mail a bill of sale (Object) toanother company that uses anotherFlexAB tool, and the latter could use

the Object without having to enterthe data again: TOTAL INTEGRATION.

Are FlexAB Applications Integrable?

AplicacinEGP II

Aplicacin

PIM

AplicacinEGP

UNIVERSO 1 UNIVERSO 2

AplicacinRCM

OBJETOORIGINAL

OBJETOVINCULADO

OBJETODUPLICADO

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FLEXIBLE APPLICATION BUILDER

FlexAB has the capability of representing their Objects in a graphic environment, as with CADapplications (AutoCAD InteliCAD, etc). In this way, once the Objects and their Attributes havebeen defined these can be inserted as blocks in the plans or drafts maintaining synchronism and

integrity with the objects of the database. This type of functionality is tremendously powerful forthe realization of Engineering, Architecture, GIS, etc., Applications which require that their"object" be visualized in an administrative environment as well as graphically.

GRAPHICS

As shown in the above diagram ofFlexAB work, the latter enables themanagement of all the software applica-

tions needs of any company distributedin different Universes (database serversand servers of different files). On theother hand, in each Universe, within theModel or Definitions Environment, seve-ral Systems (Invoice and Other) can bedefined with the definitions of Classesand Spaces that they may contain. Thefigure shows the Model Environment inwhich three Spaces of work have beendefined: Bill for the handling of thebilling (Billing) information (Objects),Cities for the Cities information, and

Other for additional information. In eachof these Spaces, Classes that may beentered and operated by Users havebeen defined. Each Class defines the

information to be handled. For example,Class H, that defines client data, shallhave a certain type of Attributes such as

Name, Client Number, Description, etc.Note that the definitions of Classes aregeneral and shared among the differentSystems.On the other hand, within the sameUniverse, the Real Work Environmentexists which is that of the Systems instan-ces in Applications and instances ofObject Classes. This work Environmentenables a system User to load data fromone of the defined Classes into theModel Environment. For example, whencreating in the system Objects of the

above defined Class H, data will have tobe completed for, for example, the speci-fic client Carl, Ben, Kim, etc. Users in thisenvironment have restricted access to

the information they access in terms oftheir permits per Users Groups as shownin both North and South groups.

The graphic also shows that only theAdministrator-type Users have access tothese work spaces: Model and Real,having Users that belong to the Northand South Groups access only to theenvironment of Instances and Objects.For end users all information and techni-cal nature is transparent since they justsee forms which allow them to load andhandle data (grouped in types of objectssuch as Clients, Cities, Billings, etc.).

Technical work synthesis with FlexAB

OBJECTVERSION 1

OrDBC

OBJECT

OBJECTVERSION 0

FlexAB SUI

Edit: XML + HTML

FSSERVER

COM

H T M

L

X M L C

A D

CADXML

S PA P OR I TA F RE G ERENG

H T M L

X M L C

A D

Attributes (data + files)

Relations (ST + Func + Inc)HTMLMethods (for Events)ReportsHelpsIconsAutomatic ID's

S PA P OR I TA F RE G ERENG

Creating a DOORClass Object

PROPERTIES

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If you still have any doubt aboutFlexAB power give us the chanceto show you how FlexAB worksin a real case, in a case you mightbe keeping in folder and whichhas not been already developedor that you might be currentlydeveloping. AppliWare creates itfor you in FlexAB, free of charge,with no obligation, and in halfthe time you have already estima-ted. Please contact our sales divi-sion for a meeting. You are notloosing your time, get a realdemonstration, and compare theresults directly.

FlexAB is Powerful.Would you like a

demo?

AWAppliWare

SOLUTIONPROVIDER

How to become an AppliWare PartnerAppliWare does not develop applications. We understand that the applica-tions must be developed by people with a specific knowledge of a solution,who incorporate that added value into the tool they choose for the develop-ment. That is why in AppliWare we promote the creation of alliances withdevelopment companies or business consulting firms interested in usingFlexAB as a tool for their solutions.

Advantages of becoming a FlexAB Solutions Integrator (SI)The advantages of becoming a member of FlexAB Official Integrators are:

Access to discussion forums Periodic product updating Solutions Promotion developed in AppliWare web Access to joint promotions in fairs and events

Sent us an e-mail tosales@appliware.biz