Comparison with other software

Haplo is best for developing applications where the built-in database and user interface forms the basis of your application.

Here’s how it compares to some alternatives.

Ruby on Rails, Django, etc

While Haplo contains a complete application framework which allows you to do anything you can do with a web browser, it’s best used to build something around a collection of information.

Framework Haplo
Almost infinite flexibility of functionality Best for applications which manage semi-structured information.
Appearance and UI completely defined by developer Appearance and UI largely fixed with defined extension points
Simple application takes a week to get going, coding required Simple application can be built in a matter of hours, no coding required
Huge ecosystem of components available to support wide range of uses Small set of well-integrated and consistent components, focused on solving information management problems
Choice of relational and NoSQL databases, full access to all database features Integrated non-relational object store blending graph database and search engine features, constrained relational database API
Frameworks available for all common languages and deployment choices Plugins written in JavaScript

WordPress

Like Haplo, WordPress provides an extensive out-of-the box configurable web application, from the database to the user interface. On top of this platform, plugins provide specific functionality.

WordPress Haplo
Blogging engine and CMS Universal content repository
Public publishing of information with ability to manage private information Primarily designed for working inside a closed team, with a subset of the information publicly available
Very simple permissions system Advanced permissions, able to support rules required by complex organisations
MySQL Built in object store based on PostgreSQL and Xapian
Themes to completely customise appearance Change the colours, add header and footer, insert HTML into extension points, but otherwise fixed UI
Plugins written in PHP, can do whatever they want Plugins written in JavaScript, run in constrained sandbox. API is “secure by default” to make it easy to write secure applications
Hosted commercial version available from WordPress developers Hosted commercial version available from Haplo developers

SharePoint

Haplo is often more appropriate than SharePoint for applications involving information management. Features common to both Haplo and SharePoint include:

SharePoint is optimised for enforcing standardised processes. Haplo works best where you require a more flexible approach to information management and are supporting collaboration within professional teams.

SharePoint Haplo
Closed source Microsoft product Open source with commercial support and hosting available
Integrates tightly with other Microsoft products Supports Internet Explorer from v6 upwards
Best used in Internet Explorer Best used in any standards compliant web browser
Authentication via Active Directory Authentication via internal user database, or pluggable authentication mechanisms including Active Directory LDAP
Positional approach: Organised as hierarchical collections of document libraries Descriptive approach: One namespace with automatic sub-setting based on permissions and metadata
Complex information architecture Easily understood information architecture, with advanced features through simple concepts applied consistently
Focus on collaboration Focus on managing information effectively, as a by-product of working together efficiently
Heavy and slow web interface Lightweight web interface, responds as quickly as a desktop application even on low bandwidth connections
Training required Typical deployment has 100% user engagement, no training required
Upgrading customised SharePoint installations between versions is painful API and data structures designed to allow easy upgrades—we have 6 year old code running on the latest version

 

Corrections and clarifications are welcomed.