Internet Web Sites & Publishing

Access Form and Database Code Generators & Conversion Software

February 14, 2005

Executive Summary:

The best product for converting Access forms and providing a full functioned web application was #2 – Microtools’ Access Wiz - MS Access to .NET Converter $149.

Second best was #3 ATAF Database to web application converter - $30.

10/7/2005 New program identified – free. See end of the list, #??

Review of Each Product:

1) RapTier Code Generator – Lite version is FREE – Pro ver $299 single seat – Enterprise $499 single seat –

http://www.sharppower.com/Default.aspx?path=products/home

“RapTier is an ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET and SQL Code Generator that helps you build powerful and robust database-driven .NET applications quickly and easily.”

My usage comments:

RapTier was the first code generator to generate code that worked! Tables from an Access database were converted with grid-based pages for each table and query. Each table had view, paging, add, edit and delete capabilities. Forms are NOT converted.

The generated grids have a standard line for additions.

To edit, click on the edit symbol in the left side of the row.

The line will change into a set of editable fields. At the left, the icon options are to delete, make changes or discard changes.

Tables have built in paging and are sortable by any column (features of the grid object)

After the code is generated it prompts you to import it into VS.NET and make two changes:

1) Set Web UI as the startup project

2) Set default.htm as the start page

Run Visual Studio.NET

File – Open Solution – the file is in c:\mydocuments

Make the two changes

Build Solution

F5/Debug – Start

It creates the project as a subdirectory under the webroot.

Location of converted sample:

http://bobdell4400/unitedwaycomputerdonationsfinal/

Location of generated code:

C:\mydocuments\unitedwaycomputerdonationsfinal

Advantages:

1) FREE

2) Worked first time!

3) Results easily imported into Visual Studio .NET 2003

Disadvantages:

1) Does not convert Access Forms!

2) Did not support my ODBC access to Access databases (per error there is another one supported)

I tried to use a predefined System DSN

“Cannot create a new project with the following connection string:

Provider=MSDASQL.1;Persist Security Info=False;Data Source=UWayHWSW.

The .Net Framework Data Provider for OLEDB (System.Data.OleDb) does not support

the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers (MSDASQL). Use the .Net Framework

Data Provider for ODBC (System.Data.Odbc).”

2)Microtools Access Wiz - MS Access to .NET Converter – by Microtools –

Forms only $35 – Full application $149

Free trial that works with Northwind Access database only

http://www.microtools.us/

My usage comments:

Easy and straightforward to run. Generates code quickly.

Notes “Microsoft IE Web Controls installation required for tabbed controls”

After conversion it opens the generated web site automatically (and leaves the conversion program open).

Initially I had difficulty getting it to work. (I finally had to remove and then reinstall IIS 5.1 and then .NET Framework 1.1. Apparently I had reinstalled IS but not reinstalled .NET afterwards).

Very good, responsive support via email!!!

My files located:

\\bobdell4400\northwind

Advantages:

1) DOES CONVERT Access Forms! Basic forms have built in database access and paging.

2) However, additions, edits and deletes do not work. Get an error message at the bottom of the form. Note that the delete code was commented out. That may also be the case for adds and edits – the vendor was not very clear.

3) Converted dropdown listbox correctly.

4) Does convert a three level form – customer, order, order detail. Only A/C/D for customer shown but these do not work. But the order and order detail are shown properly and are page-able

5) Has an option to automatically open Visual Studio .NET after generation. (You must select the generate a PROJECT option.) However I got 62 errors when I went to Build it.

6) Very good, responsive support via email!!!

Disadvantages:

1) Limited documentation. Only a few FAQs on their web site. No definition of what controls/features will be converted fully and what must be done manually.

2) Not all forms convert cleanly. Got errors on some forms. No info on how to resolve.

3) Some forms did not convert at all (ex. Sales Analysis).

4) Flaky. Build errors in Visual Studio .NET

3) ATAF Database to web application converter $35

http://www.ataf.biz/design/ataf/ataf.asp

I personally have used this for two applications. It is great!!!!! Takes a bit to get used to how it all works but now I really like it. And it is lighting FAST. And, it produces several forms – a one record per page view, a list view, Excel export, etc.

4)Refactor Express Service – NetEdge – Expensive – approx $100-200 PER FORM!

http://www.netedgesoftware.com/proof_irie.asp

http://refactor.netedgesoftware.com/RefactorExpress/default.aspx

Features and Benefits:

Converts MS Access forms to .NET in minutes
Quick, easy and inexpensive service
Reduce manual effort
Reduce errors, Increase accuracy of conversion

MS Access applications are made up of Forms, Reports, Business Logic and the Data. NetEdge offers this form conversion service to accelerate migration, couple that with Microsoft tools and your migration projects can be achieved quickly.

Microsoft tools like the SQL Server Upsizing Wizard and the Report Designer from the Reporting Services Wizard allow you to migrate the data and reports over quickly. Combine that with Visual Studio.NET's ability to migrate VBA code and you have significantly reduced your migration efforts and costs.

Conclusion: Did not pursue due to high cost.

Done

5) Application generator for MS SQL Server 12/19/2003 - johnshear...@aol.com - (201 665 8906)

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/comp.databases.ms-sqlserver/browse_thread/thread/8ea5b79496eb0d7c/5115bb975859de13?q=microtools++microtools.us&_done=%2Fgroups%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26c2coff%3D1%26q%3Dmicrotools++microtools.us%26&_doneTitle=Back+to+Search&&d#5115bb975859de13

Could not locate the software or the author.

My Conclusion: Software is not available.

Done
6)Microsoft Access 2003 to Visual Basic 6 Object Converter – Irie Software - $200-250

http://www.download.com/Access-to-Visual-Basic-Object-Converter/3000-2210_4-10174889.html?tag=lst-0-3

This is an add-in for Access and it is run from within Access.

It is the users responsibility to make any changes necessary to convert it to VS.NET (see below for more info on this).

Be sure to get the right evaluation version as Access 2003 is different from 2002/XP.

My experience:

Is focused on converting Access to VB6.

You can import the generated VB6 objects into Visual Studio and VS.NET will do an automatic conversion for you. However, before doing so, you must open the <project>.vbp file and delete any references to .ocx files. Apparently these are not used in .NET but will cause the converter to abort.

After I had figured that out, with some email assistance from Erie, I was able to convert the VB6 into VB.NET. Unfortunately I have 57 build errors.

Advantages:

Works pretty fast. About 5 minutes for the Northwind database.

Disadvantages

Doesn’t really support Visual Studio.Net fully. You must remove the .ocx references and then fix any build errors in VS.NET.

My Conclusion: Likely a good tool for a VB.NET experienced person. Not recommended for a rookie like me.

Done

7)Evolution Access to VB.NET Converter –ver 1.2XP - $125 –

Free trial version limited to converting sample DB

http://www.evolutionsoft.co.uk/

Does not appear to be web oriented.

Conclusion: Vendor confirmed this product converts to .NET Windows only

done

8)VBeXpress.NET $450.00

http://www.programmersheaven.com/zone28/cat1022/27448.htm

“VBeXpress.NET is a code generator for .NET developers. It can generate entire Winform and Webform applications from an existing SQL-Server or MS-Access database. It contains over 150 code generation templates and has support for over seven different Winform grids. The code generation engine leverages Visual Studio for Applications (VSA). This means that code generation is controlled by scripts which are fully-customizable using VBeXpress.NET’s in-built template editor. The latest version has been updated to include support for VS.NET 2003.”

Not clear if it converts Access Forms or not.

My assessment:

Seems to provide grids with editing ability or a fixed column oriented form with individual fields. No typical form layouts.

My conclusion: Expensive and not as functional as the Microtools product.

Done

9)Access to ASP.NET ver 1.0 – Sehman – limited time, fully functional free trial

License $9.95

http://www.sehman.com/products.html

“Convert your Microsoft Access forms to ASP.NET Web pages in seconds. In this intuitive, wizard-like application, just point to the Microsoft Access database file and then select forms that you like to convert. This application will create ASP.NET pages for you. They will look just like your Access forms. The only difference is that now you can publish them on the Web as well. You don't have to know anything about MS Access or ASP.NET. Just select the forms that you like to convert and it will convert all the user interface controls (like textboxes, labels, checkboxes, etc.) into ASP.NET controls. It generates .ASPX, .RESX and .VB files for you. All you have to do is just simply include those files in your ASP.NET applications. This wizard can save you days or even weeks of tedious manual conversion.”

My experience:

The aspx objects it generated seemed to have “inherited” statement errors. Once the offending statement was removed, I seemed to have a very basic form displayed but no data.

The www.sehman.com site does not seem to be alive. Web site down ?????????????

As noted by one reviewer, the generated code seems to have the form name modified:

Frm_xxxxxx becomes frmfrm_xxxxxxx

My conclusion: Vendor existence is doubtful. Generated forms and code might be useful for an experienced VB.NET programmer.

Done.

10)Frm2vb13.zip - FREE

http://www.simtel.net/product.php[id]722[sekid]0[SiteID]simtel.net

For VB version 5

My conclusion: Converts to VB5 not internet/web

Done
11)My Generation Code Generator – FREE

http://www.mygenerationsoftware.com/Default.aspx

I just don’t think this is on target

1/25/2005 sent email to vendor asking if it creates web apps

Vendor says it creates anything…..

12) Caspio – Web forms & Apps in Front Page

http://www.caspio.com/a/v4/default399.asp

Hosted (on their site):

http://www.caspio.com/products/hosted_pricing.asp

$ 50 – $300 per month based on data storage, number of pages and access volume.

For 10 pages min monthly is $50 per month

Entreprise (installed at your site)

http://www.caspio.com/products/enterprise_pricing.asp

$4500 - $14,000 based on number of servers and processors per server.

Has 14 day free eval.

My conclusion: Quite expensive!!

Done

13) Easy Code 2.2 - $76.00

http://www.webservertalk.com/archive134-2004-4-183905.html

http://www.eazycode.com/Features.htm

Vs.net 2003 compatible version

EazyCode is a RAD tool that integrates into Visual Studio .NET and helps you
develop and maintain front-end GUI of database applications. EazyCode is a
powerful code-generation tool that creates ready-to-use database-driven
front-end GUI applications. The main benefit from using EazyCode is the
enormous time saving. EazyCode generates thousand lines of code in a matter
of seconds.

EazyCode 1.0 generates VB.Net code and supports SQL Server 8.0 and MSDE 8.0.