Dacris Software Announces NetXP 3.0
DACRIS SOFTWARE INC., March 2, 2004 --Dacris Software today announces a major overhaul of the NetXP component suite. Codenamed "Ceres", this update consists of numerous fundamental changes to the command bar controls and improved renderer support. NetXP 3.0 (Codename "Ceres") is also the first version of NetXP which will require a license fee for use in commercial projects. However, NetXP 3.0 will still be free for personal use.
NetXP is a component suite for .NET that developers can use to enhance the way their applications interact with the user. NetXP provides a library of rich user interface controls and components. Development on NetXP 3.0 began in February, and NetXP 3.0 is slated to enter beta later this month, most likely by March 20. Alpha builds are already being internally tested. If you wish to sign up to become a beta tester for this project, please complete an application form at http://www.dacris.com/betasignup.aspx. No applications will be accepted after March 31. The final release is scheduled for sometime in April.
There are many changes in NetXP 3.0, compared to previous versions. Here are some of the most notable changes in this version of NetXP:
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New command bar dock control with full MDI support and Office 2003 behavior.
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New command bar manager component that can save and load layouts using XML or binary format, or the system registry.
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New status bar control with consistent Office 2003 style and progress bar panel.
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New list bar control (a.k.a. Outlook bar) with Office 2003 / Office XP / Windows renderers.
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New Outlook style "desktop alert" form.
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New drop-down tree view control.
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New reusable, inheritable popup form, providing functionality of a popup window.
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Improved popup menu control: greatly enhanced speed.
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Improved status bar extender for showing status bar messages from command bar items.
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Enhanced command bar layout: supports wrapping.
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Redesigned renderer framework.
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Added tabbed groups support for docking (for tabbed MDI).
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Command bar supports embedded controls, including special flat combo box.
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Ability to change colors: setting color table for Office style renderers.
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Custom color tables now supported by Task Pane.
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Configurable padding for command bar items and command bar controls.
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Auto-hidden dock windows can now be resized when they pop up.
Please note that NetXP 3.0 will no longer support .NET 1.0. That is, it requires the .NET Framework version 1.1. This is because there are many functionality differences between .NET 1.0 and .NET 1.1, and providing support for developers using Visual Studio .NET 2002 would be very difficult.
Below are some screenshots of NetXP 3.0 alpha 1, build 5260.
For more information about NetXP, visit http://www.dacris.com/netxp.