Aware IM

Avantages

AwareIM is fully integrated with database, logic, security, web, mobile, and desktop. Coming for a 4GL C/S tool, it took 5 years of looking at other products to find a similar tool for web development until I found AwareIM. Every other product when it came to logic, it required coding in javascript, etc. AwareIM uses English like statements, has built in security, handles or the database automatically including any DB changes. The speed of development is unmatched. We can prototype a working a full app, in a couple of days. The ability to use the same logic but have different screens for different types of users makes development for mobile, tablets a breeze. There is no tool that can compare to this if you want speed of development, ease of mainteance, built in security; basically everything in one package. It's very rare that when working in a system that you marvel at the genius of it. You will with AwareIm.

Inconvénients

Everything that we requested, mainly mobile, and adding PhoneGap has been added. The only thing we would prefer is if AwareIM had an online activation server. If we want to move our C/S application using PSQL we can click deactivate and it will then allow us to activate on another system. With AIM it requires a written request and although it has never been an issue, there may be times in the evening, weekends we may want to move to a different server. In defense of that, AwareIM will work for 30 days. We just prefer the ability to activate and deactivate on our own.

Avantages

Impressive and neat presentation of developed applications to the end user.

Inconvénients

I found it hard initially, having come from a non-oop background. Things like to lack of local variables, strictly predefined relationships and others, but this has faded over time.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi choisir Aware IM 

Logiciel antérieur 

Pourquoi passer à Aware IM

Avantages

Get up to speed very quickly for basic features, ease of deployment

Inconvénients

UI is very clunky. Difficult to deliver a polished, professional looking UI unless you are an HTML/Javascript expert, or someone that has used the product for years. Internal support was poor, so getting advanced features to work was next to impossible.

Avantages

The platform is complete including email-provider | report-generator | workflow | import. It offers all you need to build amazing apps.
You can choose several popular DB's like MariaDB.
Tables (business objects) are strongly linked.

Inconvénients

The demo-applications are not the most attractive.

Avantages

AwareIM is a very well structured application development platform and takes care of creating the entire user interface of an application using clever visual perspective controls. The software allows a developer to build an entire application database structure behind the scenes without needing specialist database administration skills and SQL knowledge. Using AwareIM's version control and testing tools makes prototyping ideas for a proof of concept a very simple task before progressing to full application development. The sample applications, documentation and video tutorials that are available, provide excellent reference for building any application. This is all well complemented by excellent support from the AwareIM team and an active developer community.

Inconvénients

It is an extremely addictive software application, so tend to spend hours using AwareIM without getting bored :)

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi choisir Aware IM 

Pourquoi passer à Aware IM

Avantages

AwareIM allows you to develop applications in less time. Its business rule based engine allows for managing business logic in a simple manner from each table or Business Object as they are called in AwareIM. Creating queries and forms is fast. Built in library of Kendo UI widgets is very nice and expanding with each new release. Customization using CSS, HTML, java script is endless.

Inconvénients

Report writer needs to be improved. It based on Jasper Reports but has limited features compared to the Jasper Reports itself.
Processing a lot of records can be slow.

Avantages

I am a MS Access Developer of 28 years and have written many commercial level programs using that platform. I looked for quite a while to find a replacement for my clients who were using MS Access and I found Aware IM.
I found the software to be very easy to use, very intuitive, and the How to Use, User Manual & all the Training Videos made the process so easy.
The team at Aware IM were very responsive and gave me several one-on-one training sessions when I requested them.
So far I have built 6 systems using the program, two of which will be rolled out to clients in the next 6 months. My customers seem to be very happy with the results so far and with the cost of the licence.

Inconvénients

There has been a bit of an issue with linking current clients' SQL Server Data where the Foreign Key should link all the tables together. This is a bit hit and miss with the naming convention as you cannot use the same field name as the primary key in either of the tables. I am still trying to work away round this issue.

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi choisir Aware IM 

Pourquoi passer à Aware IM

Avantages

You can create web applications very quickly. It is very logical to use, so you can quickly learn how to use the software.

Inconvénients

There are still some minor bugs, but overall they are not that annoying.

Avantages

Good product for those not fluent in computer coding

Inconvénients

Some areas have a lack of instructions and there's a large reliance on the very good forum chat.

Avantages

I single-handedly built an end-to-end change management app with many tables, which wouldn't have been otherwise possible given my time, skill-set and budget. You can check it out at plantain.io. The updated IDE since version 8.0 is much more intuitive. And the new features with 8.1 are great. Aware really listens and responds to its customer base. The forum is quite active with and you can get most of your questions addressed there. The multi-device and multi-language support is fantastic. The platform is really flexible and can accomodate practically any customization you can imagine. Of course, the more you customize with Java, Javascript, stored procedures, HTML and/or CSS, the less RAD it is. So I try to stick with the built-in functionality as much as I can (and it goes a long way). I like the logic behind it.

Inconvénients

8.0 was buggy as hell. I was just learning 7.1 when I jumped to 8.0 and half the time I couldn't tell if the issues I encountered were due to my ignorance of the platform or a bug. Word of advice - don't become an early-adopter unless you are more seasoned. At least Aware squashed most of the bugs quickly and advised on workarounds for known issues. Also, the learning curve with AwareIM is rather steep (less so with the new IDE). The user guide is dry as melba toast and I sometimes found it lacking. I wish AwareIM took greater advantage of the Kendo UI library, but that's on the todo list.

Avantages

You work with objects, not tables. When U create an object and define its attributes, Aware creates a database table accordingly with each attribute of the object being a field in the table. You then create different forms/layouts for each object, including or excluding attributes as required subject to the scenario in which the form will be used.

Add, modify or delete an attribute of an object and Aware automatically makes the necessary changes to the structure of its database table.

To create a Parent-Child (Master-Detail) relationship you do not have to get embroiled in join statements or defining key fields, or making sure the child database table has a field for, and child records contain a value in that field which is, the identifier of the parent, etc., so the two tables can later be joined togther by you when you write sql statements all throughout your applications.

INSTEAD, for the object which is to be the parent you simply add an attribute and select the type of that attribute as being the object that you want to be its child.

Then you tick a checkbox to indicate whether multiple instances of that attribute are allowed (think order line items) and another setting to indicate whether the parent object exclusively owns the object represented by the attribute, and you're done.

Thereafter, behind the scenes Aware maintains the relationship you defined between the objects via creating the attribute and selecting and ticking settings.

Inconvénients

Could do with a drag and drop WYSIWYG form designer which would speed up development further.
The runtime UI behavior of a couple of components/controls is slightly 'irregular', though not an impediment.

Avantages

Using AwareIM. I am able to focus on "Business Rules" rather than how to code those business rules. Prior programming knowledge is not essential (although helpful). What matters more is that you can think logically about the problem/business case, and I guess more importantly, what daft things users might do to mess things up, and then map out the business rules necessary to achieve a successful outcome.

The software suite enables me to design different login screens/experiences for people with different access levels, construct menus, auto generate forms for data input, create and design query grids, as well as schedule processes that run overnight when the rest of the world sleeps.

Built in Time Zones and Locales means I can quickly customise my app for any language/country and there is even an option to create mobile apps using PhoneGap . AwareIM's built in communication channels also makes it super easy to manage both incoming and outgoing mail that route directly to the users. CRM systems that keep track of all customer correspondence are a breeze to implement.

and finally, there is even a built in system for both exposing and consuming RESTful services.

With a Developer license, I am able to either run my software as a service, hosted on my servers or compile runtime versions for clients who wish to go it alone (additional runtime licenses need to be purchased from AwareIM

Inconvénients

The Report writer is not great - but with so much else going on - I neither need or use it. But I guess some people are still hell bent on consuming a tropical rain forest or two.

Avantages

AwareIM is a very powerful rapid application development tool. Technically, its based on Java platform which gives it more reliability, security and robustness. You can use most of the databases with it i.e. MySQL/MSSQL/Oracle and Derby. So far, we have developed 19 Enterprise Apps on AwareIM with an average user count of 1600 which are live in Production. Application development time gets reduced by 70% in comparison to conventional software development. It provides almost all the features which an application requires i.e. Email/Gantt Chart/ Reports/ Online doc,excel edit using Zoho and Office 365/ CSV downloads for data and much more. Along with web desktop app, you can instantly have mobile friendly app as well which works on browser or you can create an installer using Phonegap. It has so much in one package and price is very reasonable. You need not be a technical expert to develop an app using AwareIM. Eventually, its a "No Code" platform which enables almost everyone to develop a software application. However, if you are a tech geek, you can add more flavors with your skills and can achieve almost everything which is not a native offering from AwareIM. Through custom HTML/CSS and Java code, you can enhance its capabilities. My 100 out of 100 to this product.
Support is quick and AwareIM's forum helps a lot in case of questions/issues.

Inconvénients

It has a closed community as of now with very less experts and developers which makes it sometime difficult to overcome with a technical issue. Only one developer can work on one app (bsv) at one time so increasing manpower to meet timelines in case of critical deliveries does not work well here. Rest all is good. Very happy and satisfied to use the product.

Avantages

1- Excellent support - A developer that actually listens & responds DIRECTLY to customers and their needs s very rare today. The AwareIM support team does just that. Over my 10 year ownership of this powerful tool, I've experienced a dramatic evolution of the product because they listened to the needs of their user base & added new features accordingly year after year.

2- Leverage - AwareIM allows me to build powerful systems without the need to stay current in Java, HTML, SQL queries, Kendo framework, etc .... it handles all that coding auto-magically. As a result, I can spend my time focusing on building systems that focus on the needs of the end user rather than spending my time keeping up on all of the latest technical aspects of the underlying technology.

3- Engaged developers worldwide - Over the years, I have had direct communication with AwareIM developers from all over the world ... Australia, Canada Australia, South Africa, India, UK, Germany, and various places in the United States to name a few. Once a developer dives in to understand the AwareIM rules-based paradigm, I find they are very willing to help each other solve problems both through the AwareIM online forums, phone calls, private messages, or online video chats. Receiving help from others at crucial times over the past 10 years has been invaluable to me.

Summary: As you can tell, I am a huge AwareIM fan. I could keep going if there was not a character limit in the "Pros" section.

Inconvénients

This sounds trite, but my biggest con is that I can't allocate more of my time to using AwareIM to build more systems.

Avantages

I hate writing traditional, procedural code. Its what kept me from working my way through the K&R "C" book in 1985. I was already into 3GL tools and just didn't like writing low-level code. AwareIM isn't "no code"... but thats if I need to add in some Javascript (or Java) somewhere. And there's still "Logic" related steps/rules/"code" to write. But a lot of the work is done in AwareIM... not like a code generator makes tons of code behind the scenes for you, but an environment thats built for business to help assist you in making applications.

Inconvénients

AwareIM developers have things we wish were improved, sure. Nothings perfect. But most of us are in close-contact with a development & support team that listen and respond to requests and bug fixes regularly.

Avantages

AwareIM gives the opportunity to individual irrespective of a professional developer or regular administrator to create the application without boundaries.

Inconvénients

The Configuration tool is little flaky sometimes and builds updates could be easier.

Avantages

Web App development of line-of-business is easy with this fully featured application configurator - low code tool. Our line-of-business apps require robust UI and non-procedural rules engine performance and AwareIM has all of it. I have 35 plus years of 4GL framework experience with multiple framework products and I have never seen a more complete product. We develop apps that extend ERP systems with REST services (very complete) in AwareIM.

Inconvénients

The automatic documentation part of the tool should be template-ized as we must provide documentation of complex apps. The fast application development using this agile development tool would greatly benefit from additional capability in this area.

Avantages

Aware is fantastic at managing the database so I don't have to. Maintains consistency of attributes and business objects meaning that all those "test_rename" attributes that you made can be renamed in an instant and every reference is updated!

Auto generates forms for every business object, makes it fast to get a prototype out and that prototype can be an iterative development artefact - no wastage.

Now with REST API calls.

Active and helpful community that can usually answer any of your questions.

Inconvénients

Integration with Tomcat is a little opaque and I'd like the CSS implementation to be more visible in the development platform.

Avantages

I like the fact that AwareIM provides a complete RAD solution enabling you to develop more or less anything you want (without needing to have all of the technical knowhow). You can use the default RAD GUI and develop complex applications but you can also "tinker" and do more complex stuff, integrations, JS stuff etc. etc. if you want to as AwareIM is "open" for things like that. I also like Awaresoft consistently releasing new versions year after year with new great stuff and the goodness just keeps on coming.

Inconvénients

The learning curve is quite steep and it is sometimes difficult to get feedback through to Awaresoft about things I as a user want, bugs I see etc. but I can´t blame that on Awaresoft as I am one of their users and they surely get a lot of different feedback ideas, suggestions etc. etc. on a daily basis.

Avantages

fast learning curve, rapid development of applications with the ease of being able to create hybrid applications, is excellent for any type of company very useful in the modemdo of planning a robust and versatile development at the time of development. Database management with object-oriented methodology, multiple developments in web environment, allowing the use of data base engines more commonly used in the software market. the faclity to create documented projects.

Inconvénients

The policy of selling by users is very expensive for medium-sized companies, the location is to say the management of several languages should be more automatic, or allow a better editor for the translation. for developers we have a hard time convincing our clients (I speak of Latin America) the reason why they should buy the AwareIM server plus the application that is developed and additionally a value for the number of users that the application will have. It must be understood that not all users are developers.

Avantages

Defining and maintaining a domain model is a snap.
Generating the UI, even with multiple levels of nested collections is simple but very powerful.
Deployment of updates can be previewed in test mode and confidently applied to production.
Extensions in Java are powerful and straightforward.
The system easily supports over one hundred objects/entities with excellent performance.

Inconvénients

Earlier versions did not support having multiple developers working on the same project. That weakness has been corrected in more recent versions.

Avantages

Aware IM allows me to not have to deal with most of the minute details of building database driven websites, unless I really want to. I can concentrate on the things that are most important and not have to worry much about what goes on 'behind the curtain'.

Inconvénients

There is a significant learning curve.

Like many frameworks, it is opinionated and expects things done in certain ways.

Avantages

For Rapid Application Development, there is no better product. It has so many unique features, too many to mention, but some are: Runtime engine, code free development, database centric design

Inconvénients

there is a learning curve. It is NON-procedural, rules based system, so you have to embrace the mindset that the engine knows when to trigger the rules.

Avantages

Nice look, easy navigation and easy integration with other applications.

Inconvénients

The import tool is clunky and needs to be improved so end user (non - developers) can import data themselves.

Avantages

The software is really easy to use and is based on several standards. What I like the most, is the continuous improvements and updates of the software. Aware IM always brings new features that you can easily implement on current applications.

Inconvénients

Aware IM doesn't have out-of-the-box integrations with other solutions. Maybe it is because it is a developer tool, but it would greatly be appreciated to provide those integrations. I have to say that the mechanism for doing the integrations are included in the software.