Laserfiche WebLink
therefore be complex products or products that are not fully supported in all computing <br />environments. However, existing software may not be easily converted to a portable form. <br />Platform specific GUI builders are also available. For example, many GUI builders are available for <br />the X Window System and Motif. These GUI builders may use an intermediate library or may create <br />native graphics code. TeleUSE is a Motif GUI builder that generates native code with a few <br />references to TeleUSE routines. TeleUSE uses a macro language to store GUIs for future edits. <br />Code generated by TeleUSE can be isolated and compiled on any system that support Motif. <br />In summary, the use of any GUI builder may have the following drawbacks: <br />Reliance on the GUI builder for control of GUI code development, possibly to the extent <br />? <br />that the GUI builder will influence operating system and compiler versions. <br />The GUI builder code may not integrate with native graphics code. <br />? <br />Code developed by the GUI builder may not be readable outside of the GUI builder. <br />? <br />A commitment to learn the features of the GUI builder so that development is cost- <br />? <br />effective. <br />The GUI builder may not offer a required feature. <br />? <br />A commitment to pay for the software, training, and yearly support. <br />? <br />A commitment to support one or more personnel to maintain software that is developed <br />? <br />with the GUI builder so that future changes to the code will not require extensive re- <br />training in the use of the GUI builder. <br />Similarly, the use of a GUI builder has the following benefits: <br />Cross-platform portability, if a portable GUI builder is used. <br />? <br />Changes in native graphics environment are handled by the GUI builder provider. <br />? <br />GUI development is consistent and efficient. <br />? <br />Yearly fixed costs are associated with maintenance and support, and training is available. <br />? <br />Review of Specific GUI Builder Products <br />A review of several GUI builder products has been performed by the consultant within the budget <br />constraints of the project. In particular, study concentrated on the portable GUI builder products <br />XVT and Galaxy. A cursory review of Motif-based GUI builders has also been performed. <br />However, the great deal of propaganda distributed for Motif-based GUI builders, and the conflicting <br />reports on product effectiveness have convinced the consultant that no ?clear winner? can be selected <br />for such products. In fact, there is no clear winner among any of the GUI builder products, whether <br />portable or Motif-based. This is partly due to the fact that the industry is still young and that there <br />5 <br />A275 07.28.94 1.05-15 Malers <br />