Windows Phone Thoughts: Real Forms-Based Databasing

Recently in a Thoughts discussion thread, a couple of readers mentioned a nifty little forms-based database system from Grandasoft, 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.



The Grandasoft system is comprised of two parts: XSDesigner is a desktop PC tool for designing data collection forms, and XSForms is the Pocket PC application for using the forms to collect data and perform queries.

The list of features and functions is long, but the most important ones are:

• Very easy to use (no programming skills required)
• Quick transfer of forms to Pocket PC
• WYSIWYG view for easy layout
• Data export in XML (MS Access compatible), CSV and HTML
• Data import from XML, CSV and TXT
• Data transmission via HTTP, FTP or email possible
• Data storage in Pocket-Access database (CDB file)
• Wide selection of field types

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!

You can download and register both XSDesigner and XSForms from the Grandasoft Web site.