As a developer who often finds myself with less time to develop projects than I would perhaps like, the lure of purchasing a plug-in that saves time on database creation is more than a little tempting. This is what the NeXTensio2 plug-in offers for PHP-driven systems that use Dreamweaver.

NeXTensio2 (note that it is not just developed for the experienced programmer, but also for the novice) enables the developer, in next to no time, to provide a database system that includes the access screens for the end users.

InterAKT, the company that created NeXTensio2, has taken into account the needs not only of a developer creating a suitable database on a tight timescale, but also of the user that has to utilize the completed system. NeXTensio2 aims to provide a full list of tools that offers the developer a fully conceived structure via a behavior interface. The NeXTensio2 system should also save vital planning time, allowing the developer to concentrate on the content issues of the system. By using precoded behaviors, this shortened development cycle should improve turnaround time and give the client a clear sight of the intended goal from early on.

InterAKT admits that much of what NeXTensio2 is capable of is possible for an experienced programmer who has the time, but that is not the aim of the product - NeXTensio2 is a labor-saving alternative. It provides the end-user interface that is essential, which can be tailored during production to take into account most standard data input and extraction needs. This also extends to master/detail list management enabling database linking, expanding the capabilities of the system.

This is not InterAKT's first product. NeXTensio2 appears to have been developed to answer the needs of their previous systems, including their tNG transaction system, from which NeXTensio2 is partially developed. This development and extension into an InterAKT family of products results in a whole transaction data management system in PHP. All this has been designed with speed and efficiency in mind, aiming to allow developers to use NeXTensio2 to create powerful databases quickly.

The user interface of NeXTensio2 is a series of entry boxes running with a wizard-style interface, which guide you through the process of creation of the list information and end-user interface (see Image I). While I do not prefer wizard-styled interfaces, this one fullfilled my expectations and was flexible in its execution. The acceptable data types cover most of the types needed by the typical system; if the required database system is more specialized, then it's likely that it would be developed from scratch, which is outside of the program's intended role. The layout of the input screens is clear and concise, although a little difficult to grasp at first, owing to the lack of a clear overview of all the table field information. An impressive feature is the open-ended way in which you can use this system, implementing as much or as little of it as desired. The developer is free to pick and choose, although the creation of specialized additional behaviors for integration into the existing NeXTensio2 code would obviously be more difficult than for a bespoke system.

The system end-user entry behaviors are particularly handy. They enable the creation of a clear and separate data-entry style interface for general usage and the list management system to be used by authorized users, via the form creation behavior (see Images II and III). The ability to create a multiple-user entry system is attractive when displaying the final database system to a client, since it would save the client time and money in transferring files to their new system. This is supported by the standard safeguard features for data entry with validation for entry fields. It would be nice to see some development made in further segregating access between standard data entry screens and the more powerful list management areas. This could be via an automatic password facility or similar for page access - the "check credentials" function does not extend far enough for my liking.

NeXTensio2 extends from InterAKT's tNG (transaction Engine) system, making this family of packages very useful for a small- to medium-size retail company. A user interface that is clear and easy, which takes no more than a few minutes to create, makes NeXTensio2 powerful indeed.

InterAKT is well aware of the needs of their clients and developed this tool with them in mind, so it fulfills many requirements. The documentation is well presented and easy to digest, and the company is very forthcoming and helpful. This lends to an image of the company as dependable and loyal to their customers. They are aware of the current version limitations and already have plans for the next update.

A welcome feature would be to enable further customization of the PHP pages created, which is presently handled by the KTML program included in the package. This is helpful, although the next KTML release will be a separate product.

Conclusion
NeXTensio2 is a very useful tool for creating small- to mid-scale database systems whose main lure is the shortened development cycle. This makes the product suitable for creating smaller test and display systems for larger specialized projects. It is a very handy plug-in to have around for the database-oriented developer. The accessibility for the nonprogrammer is also good, although the level of database programming knowledge needed is still slightly above that of the average nonprogrammer. With NeXTensio2, you can create powerful and versatile transaction systems to suit a multitude of business needs. Visit www.interakt.ro/products/NeXTensio to learn more.