NetObjects Fusion 8 Version 8.0 Debuts Lee Underwood
On April 28, 2004, Website Pros announced the release of NetObjects Fusion version 8, the first major upgrade for the website-building product since June, 2002. Version 8 adds some major improvements to the software program, including advanced publishing options, a component manager, a table properties interface, and data importing ability.
NetObjects Fusion is a comprehensive application used for website development. It features a WYSIWYG interface while still accomodating those who want to get to the "guts" of the code. Targeted to individuals and small businesses, NetObject Fusion makes it quite easy to build a website from scratch and publish it to a server with a limited amount of expertise.
The Beginning
The program opens in the Online view. This is where most projects begin (it is possible to change this within the program's options). Here, existing sites can be opened or new ones created. New sites are created in one of three ways: using the Site Wizard, the supplied templates, or from scratch. The Online view also includes how-to movies, access to online support, and additional products to enhance your NetObjects Fusion-crafted website(s). The package comes with a 676 page "User's Guide" and a 219 page "Getting Started" guide, both in PDF format, accessible from this same area.
Site Wizard
Using the Site Wizard, you can create a site in three easy steps. In the first step, a type of site is chosen — i.e. "beauty and fashion," "books and publishing," "sports and recreation," "non-profit," etc. There are a total of 16 categories in all. In the second step, the page type is chosen ("about," "contact us," "testimonials," etc.), along with the layout for each of the pages.
In the final step (an optional one), the contact information about the site is entered. NetObjects Fusion then automatically inserts the information into
the proper pages and creates the web pages for the site. After that, it's just a matter of changing some information on the pages, and, presto, instant website.
NetObjects Fusion makes it quite easy for someone with only a little experience to create a website with very little time invested. The Site Wizard is especially helpful for those that want to create a web presence and who only need to list some basic information regarding their products or services.
Remember, though, the site will be "stock," just like all the others of those who bought the program. However, there are additional SiteStyles available online for free and a "SiteStyles CD", with an additional 250 styles, is available for online purchase for $9.95.
