I  have seen Pendragon Forms, what new functionality do I get with the Distribution Toolbox?

None! This Distribution Toolbox is only a way to rebrand and componentize your existing Pendragon Forms application.

I built my Pendragon Forms application in 15 minutes; will the Distribution Toolbox be as easy to use?

No.  The Distribution Toolbox assumes a familiarity with Windows Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL's), the Windows System Registry, and installation scripts. 

You can learn more about installation processes by reading Bulletproof Installs: A Developers Guide to Installing Programs for Windows, by Leslie Easter.

What installation tools are compatible with the Distribution Toolbox?

Any general purpose installation tool will be compatible with the Distribution Toolbox.  However, the toolbox only generates a sample script for the Wise Installation System (Wise InstallBuilder).

The Distribution Toolbox can also generate a simple installation program without the need for third-party tools.  However, the resulting installation program provides only minimal customization options.

How do I view/edit/manage data on the desktop?

You will need to write a desktop application with Microsoft Access, Visual Basic, or some other database capable tool.

Which Development Tool should I use to build my desktop application?

Microsoft Visual Basic .Net applications can read Access database tables and it is possible to create self-contained applications that do not require Microsoft Access to run. Visual Basic applications are also relatively easy to write.

Borland Delphi is another great development tool that is similar in capabilities to Visual Basic.

What are the basic steps needed to install an application with the Distribution Toolbox?

To install a Distribution Toolbox application, you will need to:

1. Copy DLL files into the Windows System Folder

2. Set registry entries corresponding to your project.

3. Copy Customized files to the program directory.

4. Copy your configuration database to a database directory. Make certain not to overwrite or uninstall this file if it contains data.

5. Set registry entries that point to the installed files.

6. Create shortcuts that enable the end-user to configure the server and install software on handheld devices.

Does the end-user need to have Microsoft Access?

What is ADO?

ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) is a framework for accessing a wide variety of different database types.  ADO includes drives (know as Providers) for Microsoft Access 97 and 2000/2002, and can be downloaded from Microsoft as part of the Microsoft data Access Components (MDAC). 

• Your end-user may not design new forms. The form designs must be fixed.

• Pendragon Software will not provide any support to your end-users.

• Pendragon Software disclaims all liability and warranty for the products you distribute.  Your end-user license agreement must acknowledge this disclaimer in general terms.

The royalty-free distribution does not extend to multi-connection SyncServer licenses.  Please see the following question.

Does Pendragon Forms Distribution Toolbox work with Pendragon SyncServer?

Pendragon SyncServer is now integral to every Distribution Toolbox application, so you no longer need to install Pendragon SyncServer separately. The built-in SyncServer incorporates a free, single-connection user license, enabling one handheld user will be able to synchronize at a time.

If you want to deploy multi-connection licenses for your end-users, you must separately purchase Pendragon SyncServer licenses for each end-user installation.  Pendragon SyncServer License pricing

For more information, see the Pendragon Forms Distribution Toolbox Reference Manual.