If you question is not answered within this section do not hesitate to
contact support for an answer.
How many platforms are supported by SkillFusion Development Engine?
The list is so long that we're not sure how many different platforms and configurations can run an application based on the SkillFusion Software Architecture.
Developers can use SkillFusion Development Engine in Linux or Windows
programming environments. We include support for Linux,
Windows 2000 Pro, Windows XP, and Windows 2003; all applications
generated by Development Engine are based on the
SkillFusion Software Architecture (SSA), and all SSA-based applications
include production-environment support for Linux, Windows NT 4.0,
Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2003 Server, subject to availability of
supporting libraries and runtimes. SSA-based applications
can use numerous application and database servers on each
platform. For the full list, please see our
Environment Specifications.
Which edition is best for me?
If you are developing applications for internal use, and only need one language and database environment, you should consider Development Engine 5.2 Standard-Java Edition or Development Engine 5.2 Standard-.Net Edition.
If you need the flexibility of multiple programming and database environments, you should purchase the Premium Edition, which includes the features found in the Standard-Java Edition and Standard-.Net Edition.
If you have large development staffs or are developing products for widespread distribution, consider an Enterprise Edition license.
If I purchase a Standard Edition and step up to Premium Edition later, will my model files from Standard Edition work in Premium Edition?
Yes, your design models will carry forward with no problem. However, if you implemented custom methods and code, they will not be automatically converted from one language to another.
What about customizing application logic post-generation?
You have complete freedom to modify application logic in your application. You can define methods and function calls in Development Engine, customize code within the IDE of your choice, and even implement extremely flexible business rules within the application itself.
What about customizing look and feel of application screens?
You have complete control of the look and feel of your generated screen application. You have access to screen template files and cascading style sheets to insure that you get the professional look that is right for you.
How much overhead is Development Engine going to add to my development system?
Development Engine requires minimal overhead; a standard development machine should be just fine for the job.
For my Java applications, which JVM is best?
SSA-based applications operate best with JVM 1.4.2.
How much overhead is the generated application going to add to my production system?
In general, you should expect less overhead than for traditionally developed custom applications. SSA is designed to optimize server performance while balancing development costs.
Can I cluster application servers for a generated application?
Yes. Immediately. SSA-based applications support clustering out of the box.
Why should I choose Development Engine over other commercially available tools?
Development Engine provides a cost-effective balance between ease of use and extreme productivity in a simple package. Our customers have shopped and compared - and chosen SkillFusion. .
Why should I choose Development Engine over pure old-fashioned manual development?
The question pretty much answers itself. Why not begin your development with a fully functional, highly engineered software application based on an architecture that's proven itself in numerous mission critical situations? Make yourself as productive as possible.
How is Development Engine licensed and priced?
Development Engine is licensed on a single license per developer/machine basis. This includes an internal application distribution license, allowing you to deploy any number of applications within your organization per licensed developer. The Standard-Java Edition and the Standard-.Net Edition are each priced at $279 per developer seat, and the Premium Edition is priced at $479 per developer seat.
Contact Sales to request pricing on Enterprise Edition .
What about software maintenance?
Software maintenance for the first year after your purchase is included with your purchase. Beyond that time, you must purchase either a maintenance contract or a software subscription. Software maintenance provides product patches, upgrades, and early access to new versions.
What about support?
For developers, our annual support package provides technical support, advice on modeling best practices, general design assistance, and advice on modeling for improved production performance. Developer support pricing begins at $150 per incident. Developer support plans can be purchased beginning at $450 per year for Standard editions.
For administrators, we provide support, maintenance, patches, and
occasional modification services for generated applications in supported
production environments. Production System Support and Maintenance
pricing begins at $1,500 per year, depending upon the SLA that you
require. To discuss your precise needs on
Production System Support and Maintenance, please
Contact Sales to customize a support offering for you.
What about training?
We offer several training courses to meet your needs. For developers, we offer a two-day short training session and a full five day advanced session.
Also, we offer a Project Accelerator training exercise - in which our developers roll up their sleeves with your developers and work together on a custom project for you. Project Accelerator exercises usually last about one week.
For administrators, we offer a two-day course to enable you to compile, package, install, deploy, configure, and administer generated applications in production.
Is there a training guarantee?
Yes, we do have a training guarantee. If you are not
completely satisfied with a SkillFusion Software training course, you
are welcome to attend the same course as a refresher within
90 days - at no charge. To exercise this guarantee, you must
contact us within 90 days to schedule attendance at a refresher course.
More questions?
If you have more questions, our sales team is available to assist.
Contact Sales to request more information.
