Product Reviews

When we reviewed the previous version of NetObjects Fusion, we were impressed by the way it allowed even inexperienced users to add dynamic features to their websites. However, we didn't like its inflexible, heavily template-based approach to design, with its old-fashioned, clunky interface and its hefty price.

At first glance, Fusion 11's interface looks the same as before. Closer inspection, though, reveals many subtle changes. For instance, the page properties (called Layout Properties) are now easier to find. When you add an image, the program warns you if it's too big and gives you the chance to crop and resize it. When you add a table using the click-and-drag tool, the table fills the area you've dragged the cursor across, rather than simply using a default cell size. The preview function has also been improved, allowing you to preview pages in browsers other than Internet Explorer more easily and quickly. You can also now have multiple pages open in different tabs. These subtle changes mean it's easier and quicker to find what you want, making the design process faster and more enjoyable.

Also new in this edition are Ajax

ADVERTISEMENT

objects, dynamic page elements that can be updated from the server independently of the rest of the page's content. You can specify areas, called Multi Layout Regions, which work like a page within a page. Within a Multi Layout Region, you can have several 'areas', which the user can toggle between, only one area being visible at any one time. How the user toggles depends on the object chosen: they can move between tabs, flick through virtual cards in a Toggle Pane and so on. There's also a new timeline feature, similar to Adobe Flash, which gives you more precise control over when objects appear on the page and how long they remain visible for, and allows some animation.

As with the other dynamic elements, Ajax components and the Timeline are, if not exactly the cutting edge of dynamic web content, impressively easy to use. No programming or design knowledge is required, so even novices can make their site look modern and attractive.

The design approach remains unchanged. The fact that it's template-driven isn't a problem; Fusion is aimed at non-technical users who want quick results. However, the same cheesy templates that we didn't like before are back. Access to the underlying code is limited: you can insert and edit your own, but code created by the WYSIWYG editor is locked. This isn't a huge problem but a bit frustrating if you like to tinker.

A much bigger hurdle is that Fusion 11 is still far more expensive than its competitors. Older versions of Fusion have been included on Shopper's cover discs in the past, so if you can find one of these, you can pay the upgrade price of £87 rather than £154. However, even the upgrade price is £20 more expensive than the excellent Namo WebEditor.