foxopen - UK DTi to open source XML based alternative to 4gl

---

I've been talking to ICT guys at the Oil and Gas department (or whatever) of the DTi, they're starting the process of moving to open source some software which they developed to get around the lack of openness in 4gl RAD .

Its here - http://www.foxopen.net/ There's no code available yet, something to do with checking the legality of it all, but watch this space, and read the docs!

Basically it allows you to use any good XML editor to develop and maintain complex B2B web-based applications quickly and reliably.

What I really like about it is the fact that they've had to make it work for "real" regulatory processes, processes involving complex workflows with many review and approval steps, and because they've had to comply with the DTi's requirement for zero paper processes it also supports electronic signatures for documents.

It is a framework for delivering web based applications which require any of these features:
On line forms data entry
Workflow
Document generation
Web services
Data reporting
User account management
Security (digital signatures)
Statefullness

I think it has great potential, check it out.

---