I just attended a webinar put on by MindJet for SnapXT - a Mindjet partner and creator of unique software that allows easy creation of feature-rich mashup applications.
SnapXT begins with a MindManager mindmap. Users create a map of the information they want to show to users. Using special SnapXT menu items, information is mapped to the topics.
For example:
In this example a teacher page is being built where we can show detailed information about teachers in a school district. By mapping to the personnel database we can get a home address for the teacher and which school the teacher is assigned to. With a couple of clicks, we can generate a web page that shows where teachers live, compared to where they work.
Furthermore, a Workgroup function allows users to edit the information right from the web. Edits are propogated to appropriate servers, spreadsheets and mindmaps.
SnapXT can also be used for database applications. A rental store wants to set up system to rent and track video rentals. A mindmap lays out the rental process:
The associations are made through easy, clickable interfaces and the result is a full-featured web application.
What excites me most about SnapXT is that it is doing for mashups and web applications what Frontpage did for plain websites - making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of programming expertise. As with FrontPage, those people with programming experience will be able to take this to the next level.
Some features of SnapXT are in Beta right now, with more features being rolled out this month and early next year. While expensive for a lot of people ($299+ a year per user), it beats the price of paying someone to code a mashup.
My wish list? I'd like to see a partner program with extensive training for consultants who want to set up and sell SnapXT to their clients.
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