In the months since Apple released OpenDoc, software developers have flocked to the cutting-edge technology to create new and innovative Open Doc Parts (subsequently renamed “LiveObjects”). Recently, Apple recognized a dozen outstanding developers with the first-ever OpenDoc Part Awards. Parts were recognized in two categories: Human Interface and General Stability.
Human Interface
This category showcased parts that adhere to Apple’s newest interface guidelines. Because OpenDoc’s user interface is “document-centered” rather than “application-centered,” users encounter significant changes even at the most basic level. The ubiquitous Quit command, for example, does not exist in OpenDoc. Instead, users simply close the document they are working on, and the OpenDoc parts close transparently and automatically. OpenDoc includes other subtle interface changes, and part developers must respond to them correctly and consistently if users are to benefit. “[These winning parts] are great models of how to implement the OpenDoc user experience,” concluded Apple’s OpenDoc team.
Human Interface Winners
- Outliner, by Eclipse Services
- diF Database Parts, by the Theta Group
- Omosi Part, by Oberon Microsystems
- Physics Education Parts, by Minds In Motion Software, Inc.
- Script Bar, by the SimCalc Project
Stability
Most OpenDoc parts are quite new; many are still under development, with “beta” versions being distributed to demonstrate concepts. The Stability category recognized OpenDoc parts that performed reliably even in their early stages, which allowed Apple to test OpenDoc with a variety of software components.
Stability Winners
- Outliner, by Eclipse Services
- Tiger Translator, by SoftLine, Inc.
- ImageMuseum, by Planet Computer
- TacTix PPC, by Tac Tix Software
- LedIt!, by Sophist Solutions
- diF Database Parts, by the Theta Group
- Route 66, by Route 66 Software
Most notable were Eclipse Systems’ Outliner and Theta Group’s diF Database Parts, each of which received recognition in both categories. With these and other cutting-edge parts entering the market, Apple’s OpenDoc continues to gain momentum.
Eclipse Canopy Outliner Now Shipping!
The retail version of the award-winning Canopy™ Outliner by Eclipse is now shipping. Canopy Outliner is an OpenDoc™ tool for outlining any kind of information.
Canopy Outliner lets you include, use, and organize embedded Live Objects within an outline. You can interactively link content, define auto-numbering and style preferences level-by-level, and do text searches and spell checking.
Canopy Outliner allows embedding of other Live Objects™ so that any kind of data including graphics, text, sound, and video can be organized interactively in outline form.
Canopy Outliner retails for $24.95. More information and a free demo are available on the Eclipse Services web site at www.outliner.com.