Brad Adrian
12-14-2004, 09:00 AM
Recently in a Thoughts discussion thread, a couple of readers mentioned a nifty little forms-based database system from <a href="http://www.grandasoft.com/default.aspx">Grandasoft</a>, called XSDesigner and XSForms. Since finding an easy-to-use database system has been a bit of a holy grail for me, I decided to take a look at their newest release, v. 1.50.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/xsforms.gif" /><br /><br />The Grandasoft system is comprised of two parts: <a href="http://www.grandasoft.com/Products/XSDesigner/">XSDesigner</a> is a desktop PC tool for designing data collection forms, and <a href="http://www.grandasoft.com/Products/XSForms/">XSForms</a> is the Pocket PC application for using the forms to collect data and perform queries.<!><br /><br />The list of features and functions is long, but the most important ones are:<br /><br />• Very easy to use (no programming skills required)<br />• Quick transfer of forms to Pocket PC<br />• WYSIWYG view for easy layout<br />• Data export in XML (MS Access compatible), CSV and HTML <br />• Data import from XML, CSV and TXT <br />• Data transmission via HTTP, FTP or email possible <br />• Data storage in Pocket-Access database (CDB file) <br />• Wide selection of field types<br /><br />The most amazing thing about this cool setup is that both XSDesigner and XSForms are absolutely FREE for private use! And easy!?!? Within ten minutes of starting to use XSDesigner I had a workable draft created. Within 45 minutes, I had a clean, honed, multi-page form all ready to use (and I am most definitely NOT a programmer). Grandasoft even has an online community for sharing the forms/databases that users create. If you have any need for a Pocket PC-based data collection system, you have GOT to give XSDesigner and XSForms a try! <br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.grandasoft.com/Products/FreeDownloads.aspx">download</a> and register both XSDesigner and XSForms from the Grandasoft Web site.