Hello Martin,

MySQL only if you are using the built-in database support implemented in the Forms.

Otherwise you can output your form variables to a PHP script of your own and connect to MSSQL from there.

Kind regards,

Paul

Hello Paul,

thank you for your answer. As this is quite important, I would suggest that Incomedia incorporates this information into the product description so that future customers can make qualified decissions regarding hosting prior to the purchase of the software.

I must say that I am becoming more and more disappointed by the approach that Incomedia has towards the customers. Regretfully, I have to buy the Pro version because of a running project, but due to lack of features and information this is definitely going to be the last money Incomedia is going to see from me.

I am really sorry that I have to say that, because X5 was very promising, but over the past months I was disappointed so many times and had to struggle with so many unexpected issues (especially missing or very limited features that were advertised) and lost so much time finding workarounds that I decided to look for other solutions.

Martin

And just a remark. How can you dare to name a product Professional that does not support industry-standard database engine and even not mention it in the product description. This is really a major FAIL.

Hello Martin,

I don't work for Incomedia.  I'm just a regular user, however I am highly supportive and appreciative of the product.

I don't know of any other software at the price point which can do the things Professional can do.

I'm sorry your experience with the software has been less than positive.  However, MySQL is the world's most popular open-source database, and as such is the one which the vast majority of end-users could reasonably be expected to use, especially given the ease with which it can be partnered with PHP.

I've built successful and complex database-driven sites with WebSite X5 rapidly and easily, and I know the process would have taken considerably more time if I didn't have access to it as a web-building tool.  But I appreciate your mileage has differed in that regard.

The software is continually evolving, and the developers do listen to the end-users (despite what some think).

I would be interested to know of any software which you feel can offer all of Professional's features (and more?) at such a low price point.

All the best,

Paul

Hello Paul,

thank you very much for all your effort. I do appreciate it very much.

I do not say that X5 would be completely useless. It is a very helpful piece of software. But there are things that are driving (not only) me crazy. The technical limitations themself are much less of a problem than the misleading communication and strange marketing strategy.

The product description in general is overpromising and so logically the product is then underdelivering.

The product description says EASY, Database, User management, On-line editing, E-commerce. Nothing more specific, no detailed technical whitepaper. There are features that you just can not test in the demo prior to purchase because publisihing is disabled. That is the database connection for example.

From a product that is called Professional, I would expect that it either supports MySQL AND MSSQL, or that the product description clearly states MySQL support, not MSSQL. Because it only says Database support, I just go and buy hosting on a Windows platform and now I have to loose time and money to change this. And I have to explain to my client why the project is delayed. This is not professional at all!!!

And there is not a word about that in the documentation either. You just HAVE TO FIND OUT YOURSELF. And for the support... Why is it that a fellow user responses my request earlier than Incomedia????

There is a business policy called "Fake it until you make it" that is good for a startup and for a very limited time only, but it seems to me that this is Incomedias business model. I prefer to work with partners who underpromise and overdeliver. An who inform me correctly about all aspects and possible problems that I could run into before they arise.

Not to speak about the, let me call it strange communication strategy rather than scam, about the release of the Professional version. Why there was no information about the release of a Pro version prior to the release of X5 Evolution 10? Why did they make people upgrade from X5 9 to 10 and then again to Professional? This is just plain STUPID.

Best regards

Martin

Hello Martin,

On our website on http://www.websitex5.com/en/system-requirements.html it is stated where the program supports MySQL as database.

The documentation is provided in the help file in the program and the manual, can be also downloaded from your profile. It contains the same informations like the help file in the program.

There is no upgrade to the Professional Version from the Evolution. It is a standalone program where we offer to the existing customer a special price if they want to get the new program we introduced. It is not required to buy the Professional Version. The Evolution and Professional Versions are 2 different products. They will be both continue to exists and the Professional is not replacing the Evolution Version.

Many thanks!

I am talking about the Professional. Where in the product description is stated that the database engine supported will be MySQL only? Where exactly is this in the product documentation?

Thank you

Hello Martin,

These are the general requirements for the products and it is not only referred to one version.

http://www.websitex5.com/en/system-requirements.html

As example in the Manual you can find the information also here:

http://help.websitex5.com/professional/en/index.html?area_riservata.htm

"If the Automatic Registration option has been set, a MySQL database must be available."

It has never been written where MsSql will work and it only refers to MySQL.

Many thanks!

In the first link there is a picture of a X5 10 Evolution box. How am I supposed to know that the Professional version has the same features when it is, as you state above, "The Evolution and Professional Versions are 2 different products."?

It really needs forensic work to find out that piece of information, especially when you want to find reference related to the e-commerce.

Excuse me that I am not Sherlock Holmes, but only a paying customer who would very much appreciate to find relevant information fast and in relevant places.

But OK, I am getting used to the fact that with Incomedia the customer is alway the stupid one.

Many thanks!

Hello Martin,

It was never stated it supports MsSql but all the informations available speaks about MySql and since there needs to be compatibility  between the Versions they will use the same type of database. You can use also MsSQL Databases with the program but it will be necessary to write the custom code to connect to it in the HTML&Widget Object in step 3.

Many thanks!

Hello Claudio,

you are still not getting the point. The main problem is not X5 not supporting MySQL, this is an issue I can easily deal with, the real problem is often missing, incomplete or even misleading information about the product and the features. This is what I am complaining about, because this causes me to run into complicated issues that could have been easily prevented if I had enough information. If you wish to, I can give you several examples for that.

Martin

Hello Martin,

All informations about the product are present and for further details you can ask here on answers.websitex5.com where we from the technical support provide all informations like you see on all other entries you opened.

Many thanks!

If you think so...