Blist: A Database For the Rest of Us?
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The Blist folks claim it's "the world's easiest database" and "a database for the rest of us." When I think of statements like that, I think of Filemaker Pro, which Blist looks like it resembles, at least in a general way--it's got a grid view and a form one, and can incorporate items like images as well as traditional database data types. But unlike Filemaker, Blist is browser-based, so everything you store is available online.
Seems to me there's a good opportunity for somebody to come up with the definitive Web-based database--Google Base sure didn't turn out to be it--and Blist could have a shot at earning that honor.
Like most of the Web debutantes at this year's DEMO, Blist is not yet in public beta. But I'll try to wrangle an invite...
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Ease without power is like a car without gas. You need both, and this app, and FileMaker, both run out of gas pretty quickly. The same can be said for virtually all of the Web-based databases. They're all lightweight. One day perhaps they'll grow up. But for now, if people want ease of use with power to spare, they should take a serious look at Alpha Five from Alpha Software. It does desktop apps. It does Web apps. It does hybrid apps (desktop+Web). It does SQL, if you need it. And if you can use Excel, you can build professional-grade databases with Alpha Five. And best of all, it's not demoware, pre-beta, beta, version 1.x, etc. IT'S at version 8, has a 25+ year lineage, and it's SHIPPING NOW. http://www.alphasoftware.com if you're interested. (Yes, I work for Alpha Software.)
I agree with Mark. Alpha has come a long way in the last 2-3 years and Alpha 5 Version 8 is truly astonishing in its power and simplicity.
I can design a multi-form CSS web application with 1-many relationships, based on SQL tables, without the need for a single line of Javascript (actually without ANY programming language - although you can even use Xbasic within the web page - how cool is that?).
I particularly like the SQL modeller which designs complex table joins and live data-driven drop-down lists with just a few keystrokes. And Alpha have security and login components ready out of the box.
Hi I use Alpha 5, see www.alphasoftware.com I am not saying it's the best, but from personal experience, seems mega easy to use, brilliant performance and cheap. Just thought I would share this with all you db fans.
I would agree with Mark on the power of Alpha Five. It is a great product. I maintain a membership database with lots of requirements and Alpha Five is always up to the task. We routinely do FTP transfers, bulk email, combination email/snail mail, web interaction, do news feeds, share with Excel files, print custom mailings and variety of other tasks - all of this from Alpha Five. It is a great product.
Mike Reed
I agree with the Blist statement that there are many tasks where a database is superior to a spreadsheet, and if this product is in the free to $19.95 range, it may be a good way for beginners to try out a database without making a commitment. However, when Blist runs out of capabilities and the user wants to do something useful, then it will be time to move up from the "B" list to the "A" list and go with Alpha.
I have been using Alpha's database products for over 15 years now and whilst I always look at other offerings that come along as well as revsiting Access on a regular basis I have yet to find a database package as versatile and powerful as Alpha Five.
Ease of Use is NOT the defining characteristic of a Database. It is one of three essential components and is only useful when teamed with Power and Flexibility. It?s like a three legged stool. All three legs must be in place for it to work properly. Ease of use, Power and Flexibility is the very definition of Alpha Software?s Alpha Five Version 8. It gets you up to speed quickly, can turn on a dime, plays well with others and has the power to get you where you need to go. I?ve worked with Alpha Software products for over 12 years and yes, have tried others along the way but to date have found nothing that really compares.