The Malacca application environment is currently only for Simputer-based native applications. It is comprised of a set of object-oriented tools that support rapid development and high productivity. The Malacca framework includes a full featured set of tools designed to create usable and powerful Simputer applications. The object-oriented design simplifies application development and debugging.
Malacca provides developers starting new Simputer-only projects the fastest way to full-featured implementations. Applications from Linux can also be brought to the Simputer quickly by using Malacca to build easy-to-use user interfaces while retaining most existing core code.
1.Facilitates three-tier applications
In the manner of all modern client-server architectures, the Simputer allows for clean separation of the data, business logic and presentation layers. Simputer applications output IML mark-up code, which is then rendered in the Malacca interface. Here is an example of how a Simputer application may be architected:
- Data Layer: MySQL relational database
- Business Logic Layer: Perl
- Presentation Layer: IML displayed in Malacca
Three-tier architectures offer several benefits to developers, such as easy database migration and effective monitoring.
2. Makes it easier to take advantage of the Simputer's special features
Malacca has native support for the Simputer's special features such as Text-to-Speech, Display in Indian Languages and SmartCards. Taking advantage of those features is a snap - often it is just a matter of adding the right tags. Additionally, Malacca allows for easy communication with the business logic and data layers using the ITP protocol.
3. Lets you concentrate on the business logic
Malacca makes available standard widgets (like dropdown menus and checkboxes) and navigational elements (such as "Home" and "Back"). The result is that you spend your time fine-tuning the business logic, rather than plumbing the front-end. Further, Malacca ensures that all Simputer interfaces are consistent, for superior usability.
4. Allows for code reusability / portability
It is easy to slap-on an Malacca-based interface to many a PC-based Linux application. Similarly, large chunks of one Malacca-based program may be used in another program.
5. Extensible: Is standards compliant
IML is an XML-based markup language, and hence inherits all its properties. For example, IML allows for efficient communication between applications. Additionally, IML will benefit from any improvements made to XML / other Internet standards.
6. Malacca is being ported to other devices
Currently, Malacca is available only for the Simputer and Linux PCs [download]. PicoPeta is currently developing versions for Windows PCs, iPaq and PalmPilot. Once complete, you would easily be able to port your Simputer front-end to any of those devices and vice versa. This protects your investment in technology.
