How does Spectraforms® compare to Microsoft's InfoPath™

Microsoft's InfoPath is an electronic forms product first available in Office 2003.  So how does it stack up against Spectraforms?

1.  Multiple Forms/Document Binder:  InfoPath is a "one-form-at-a-time" product.  Spectraforms allows you to group multiple forms into a binder, along with any other files, such as Word, Excel, or PDF documents.

2.  Superior Tablet PC Support:  Spectraforms provides pen-based computer for the Tablet PC.  Spectraforms Tablet PC ink support is more extensive than InfoPath's. Spectraforms supports pen writing in solid or highlighter more, ink selection, erasing, and changing properties. Also, Spectraforms has built in support for data entry through handwriting recognition.

3.  Data Grid Control:  Spectraforms uses a powerful data grid control to generate well-formatted data tables that span multiple pages.  InfoPath and the other competitors have data tables that are much more limited.

4.  COM Automation Interface:  Spectraforms provides a COM Automation interface to automate filling out forms and retrieving form data.  Because Microsoft has chosen to abandon COM for .NET, InfoPath has no COM Automation support.

5.  ActiveX Control:  Spectraforms is available as an ActiveX control to allow you to develop your own electronic forms solutions.

6.  Precise Form Design:  Spectraforms has the power to create printed forms exactly as you want them to look on paper, down to the 100th of an inch.  InfoPath just can't beat Spectraforms' precision for form design.

7.  Audit Trail and Security:  Spectraforms has form revision and data entry tracking.  Spectraforms automatically creates database entries every time a form is accessed or modified, leaving an audit trail for all documents.  InfoPath has no such capabilities.

8.  Display Barcodes:  Spectraforms has extensive built-in support for barcodes.  InfoPath has none.

9.  Partner Relationships:  InfoPath ties you to the whims of Microsoft.  Do you need a new feature?  How long do you think it will be before Microsoft implements it for you.  With Spectraforms, you get fast response times on project analysis and support.

The Bottom Line:. Spectraforms wins for features, implementation, and strategy.