NetObjects Fusion MX

Targeted primarily to small business, NetObjects Fusion is a desktop-based Web site development and publishing platform that allows both novice and professional Web coders to design and publish Web sites to a server. Using NetObjects Fusion, developers can create or update sites using a drag-n-drop visual layout, while also having the ability to add custom tags or scripts using an internal HTML editor. Additionally, the product supports the importing of externally developed HTML code, and can import an entire site or selected sections per the developer's direction. According to NetObjects, no HTML experience is necessary to create sites; as the product is able to generate the necessary code and scripts per the user's desired page layout. Finished sites support both CSS and CSS positioning (DHTML) for version 4.x browsers, and developers may also choose to publish a static version of the page to work in lower numbered browsers.

Additional key features of NetObjects Fusion include the SiteStructure editor, which allows developers to design the structure of their site using visual tools (with automatic navigation link updating), the ability to change the look and feel of a site through the selection of over 200 "SiteStyles," a new Site Wizard allowing first time site builders to create sites by selecting a template, a style, and filling in content, and one-click server publishing for finished sites.

The latest release of NetObjects Fusion, entitled NetObjects Fusion MX, includes integrated services available to Internet connected developers from directly within the development environment. Through the new Services Tool, developers can drag-n-drop 3rd party tools and components directly into their Web pages; a process which is facilitated by NetObjects' new ActiveX-Based Fusion Scripting Interface. (3rd party services are typically subscription based and are priced separately.) Additional new features include an auto-update function for automatically receiving product updates online, an enhanced Services view providing instant access to online resources such as help links and hosting options, and remote directory management allowing for the deletion of files on your server from within NetObjects Fusion.

NetObjects Fusion MX is available now at a retail price of $99.95. Upgrade pricing is available.