Fusion 3.0 to get DHTML
NetObjects Inc. last week rolled out a new version of its Web authoring package at the Internet Showcase in San Diego.
Version 3.0 of Fusion, NetObjects' flagship site-building tool, will pack support for dynamic HTML, automated creation of JavaScript code and electronic-commerce integration tools.
The company said it will release a Windows version of Fusion 3.0 by the end of March; a Macintosh version is expected in June or July. The software will carry a street price of $295, and upgrades for Windows users will cost $99 each. Information on upgrade pricing for Mac users was not available.
NetObjects said Fusion 3.0's support for the emerging DHTML standard will help users add animation and sophisticated design to their Web pages. The upgrade will also include improved text-editing capabilities, according to the company.
On the Windows side, Fusion 3.0 will ship with Allaire Corp.'s Homesite, a text-based Web editor often compared to Bare Bones Software Inc.'s BBEdit; the latter was included with Fusion 2.0, but NetObjects would not say whether the package will come with Fusion 3.0 for the Mac.
The upgrade will also offer Dynamic Actions, a visual environment for creating the JavaScript code required for DHTML actions. NetObjects said the software obviates the need to code JavaScript manually.
A feature called Everywhere HTML will ensure that pages created in Fusion can run on all Web browsers; the software can also customize pages to run in specific browsers or browser versions, NetObjects said.
On the Windows side, Fusion 3.0 will include components for Lotus Development Corp.'s Domino Web server and Allaire's Cold Fusion Web development system; NetObjects said it will reveal more Mac-specific features when it officially unveils the Mac version later this year.
NetObjects Inc. of Redwood City, Calif., is at (650) 482-3200 or (888) 449-6400; fax (650) 562-0288; info@netobjects.com; http://www.netobjects.com.