The following brief feature descriptions describe the features in the table above, and provide links to live examples and documentation.

Client Features (Summary): SmartClient LGPL and Smart GWT include all in-browser components, including all UI components and all client-side databinding systems, with the sole exception of the UI components involved in the Analytics module (CubeGrid and Chart) and communications code designed specifically for interactions with the SmartClient Server Framework. A complete system ready for binding with any REST or WSDL services or with GWT-RPC.

Server Features (Summary): Server features are based on the SmartClient Java Server Framework, a set of standard Java .jars, servlets, jsp tags, tools and other resources that work with any standard J2SE or J2EE servlet engine or application server and with any standard Java IDE. The SmartClient Server Framework can be installed into existing projects and is compatible with popular Java frameworks such as Struts or Spring.

Adaptive Filter & Sort: Combines large dataset handling with adaptive use of client-side filtering and sorting: to handle datasets that are too large to download completely in advance, filtering and sorting initially take place on the server. When all matching records have been loaded client-side, SmartClient automatically & transparently switches to client-side filtering and sorting. This provides immediate responsiveness and dramatically reduced server load. Works with any server platform; Java Servers with SmartClient Pro or better have built-in support for server-side filtering for SQL, JPA, and Hibernate. (Adaptive Filtering examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT. Adaptive Sort examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Pluggable Data Model: UI components support a "pluggable" data model that provides both a description of the data (fields, types, validation rules, etc) and operations to fetch and modify data. This "pluggable" data model approach means user interfaces can be re-used with any data provider without change. Screen designs such as master-detail navigation can be easily captured as custom components that are then usable with any data model — you can even swap the data model on the fly. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Drawing: Cross-browser vector graphics engine, without browser plugins, with full drag and drop support and interoperability with other SmartClient components. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Server Data Binding: Provides a simple Java API for handling requests for data from SmartClient visual components. Automatically parses complex nested search criteria, multi-level sorts, batch requests (multiple operations in one request), binary uploads, optimistic concurrency information (for "long transactions") and other data into a Java request object with clean OO APIs. Can filter response data without the need for separate DTOs (Data Transfer Objects). This avoids hand-written code for request/response handling, which cannot reasonably be generated by eg JAX-B - see FAQ

Requests can be routed to Java classes via simple XML declarations, with a simple architecture for creating custom data connectors which are reusable across different entities. Can intelligently populate Java beans with validated request data, including automatic handling for nested objects, Enums and Generics, and optional XPath-based mapping between request/response data and Java structures.

(Examples: XML routing of requests to methods: SmartClient; SmartGWT. Custom data connectors: SmartClient; SmartGWT. Reusable custom data connectors: SmartClient; SmartGWT. Populating nested objects: SmartClient; SmartGWT. XPath-based structure mapping: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Server-side Validation: Both client and server validation are driven from a single XML declaration, with a built-in set of validators similar to XML Schema or JPA restrictions. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.) Custom client and server-side validators can be added, and a powerful expression language can turn complex cross-object validations into one-line declarations. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.) Server contact is automatically managed for validators that require it. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

UI Generation: Automatic generation of grid, form, detail and tiled views from Java Beans or SQL tables. Unlike "scaffolding" approaches that leave you maintaining generated code, generation is dynamic, and you can customize any detail of the generated components without losing automatic generation. Without this capability, every screen of your application duplicates the information you already have in your server data model, leading to highly redundant, brittle applications. See the QuickStart Guide, Server Framework Chapter, first section.

Component XML: Component XML is a format for specifying UI components declaratively in XML. Using Component XML, you can separate the layout of your application from its business logic, so that less technical users can edit the layout while Java developers implement business logic.

Components and layouts defined in Component XML can be freely intermixed with programmatically created components.

Since Component XML can be interpreted at runtime, you can store modifiable Component XML screen definitions in a database, or even generate Component XML on the fly from metadata. (Examples: SmartClient, SmartGWT)

Screens created with Reify are created in Component XML and can be easily loaded into an existing SmartClient project.

Declarative Security: Attach role-based security declaratively to DataSource operations. UI components are security-aware and automatically disable UI for disallowed functions. Zero code integration with J2EE Security, Spring Security, or JAAS. Documentation can be found here and here. Also available as a preview for Enterprise Edition is a pre-built login process and user administration interface. To begin using this functionality now, take advantage of the Jump Start program to receive training and starter code.

Export Excel, PDF & Charts: Excel Export allows any grid component to export to a spreadsheet or CSV file without writing any server code. Exported data respects column order, sort, search criteria, shown vs. hidden fields, data types (e.g. dates) and hiliting rules. Works with any DataSource type: SQL, JPA, Hibernate, or custom. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

PDF Export facilitates the export of any screen or set of widgets as a .pdf without the need to write any server code, with just a single API call (RPCManager.exportContent(widget)). Even works with charts, or with a mixture of widgets and charts. As with other export features, custom server code can take exported PDFs and attach them to emails, save them to databases, or forward them to other systems (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Chart Export, our HTML5 charts, and other widgets based on DrawPane can be exported to PNG & other formats. Charts also support PDF export, so you can export a grid full of data and corresponding chart to the same PDF.(PNG examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT. PDF examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Basic Connectors (SQL, JPA & Hibernate): A one-line declaration enables all CRUD operations (create, retrieve, update, delete) against any SQL table, SQL View, JPA entity or Hibernate entity. No server code is required. Java business logic may be added to modify requests before they are executed by the connector, modify responses, or take any other action. For an overview, see the QuickStart Guide, Server Framework Chapter. Note: Basic connectors enable query-by-example search; for Advanced Search, purchase Power Edition or better.

• Hibernate Connector in action: SmartClient, SmartGWT examples.
• Auto-derived DataSources in SmartClient: Hibernate and JPA examples.
• Auto-derived DataSources in Smart GWT EE: Hibernate and JPA examples.

Queuing: Queuing allows multiple data load or save requests from different UI components to be transparently combined into a single HTTP request with guaranteed in-order execution. Queuing makes it easy to reuse data operations across different screens and in different combinations without needing to write screen-specific code to combine operations together. Queuing also makes it simple to define transaction boundaries when data in different UI components need to be saved together. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

"Reify" Mockup Importer: Reify takes mockups from Balsamiq and turns them into working screens backed by clean, clear code that is easy to extend and customize. Instead of having developers painstakingly re-create the layout shown in a mockup, just use Reify to import it - a much more efficient development process. Learn more >

File Upload & Binary Storage: Single and multiple file uploads can be handled as normal DataSource operation, including normal handling of validation errors. Optional automatic storage to SQL, Hibernate or JPA (no server code required). (example)

HTTP Proxying: The HTTP Proxy allows an application to access to web services hosted on remote servers, which are normally inaccessible to web applications due to the same origin policy. Once installed, the HTTP Proxy provides transparent proxying of requests without further configuration; public sites may wish to whitelist specific services that may be accessed via proxy, for security reasons. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Reify Integration: Reify is a Low Code, collaborative, visual screen design tool that can be used by non-programmers, such as business analysts or product managers.

Reify screens are simply Component XML, so they can be easily integrated into any SmartClient or SmartGWT application. We call this Hybrid Development, and it means that the simpler parts of your application can be built and maintained inside of a visual tool, while the most complicated parts can still be coded in an IDE by developers. This provides a huge productivity boost for your whole team and also means that developers can focus on the more interesting problems instead of the drudge work of building screens from mockups created by business analysts - now the "mockups" are the real screen!

Take a look at samples of Reify Integration (SmartClient | SmartGWT), or read about how Reify works for Developers (SmartClient | SmartGWT)

You can also run your own private Reify server behind your firewall - this is called Reify OnSite (SmartClient | SmartGWT). With Reify OnSite, your data and designs never leave your premises, and you can customize the Reify interface itself - it's just a component! - by adding custom data connectors, custom components, or even new capabilities Reify design environment!

HTML5 Charts: Get high-quality charts pre-integrated with Smart GWT components. Our HTML5-based charting engine works in all supported browsers, including Internet Explorer and mobile browsers, with no plug-ins required and no requirement to write browser-specific code. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.) Note: prior to Smart GWT 3.0, the HTML5 Charts feature required Power Edition + Analytics. In Smart GWT 3.0 and onward, only Pro Edition is required.

Saved Search: Every grid you create automatically has the ability for users to save & reapply stored grid configurations, inclusive of criteria, visible columns & sizes, sort direction, and user-created columns. Saved Searches are automatically stored via HTML5 browser capabilities, or can alternatively be stored to any DataSource, which then enables application administrators to pre-define searches that will appear for end users.

Advanced Search & Aggregation: Complex searches assembled via the FilterBuilder component can be executed against SQL, JPA, or Hibernate without the need to write any code. (SmartClient example) (Smart GWT example)

Declarative aggregation allows server-side grouping and summarization to be performed, including defining DataSource fields as aggregations of data in related DataSources. (Documentation: SmartGWT, SmartClient)

SQL/HQL Templating: Allows the SQL or HQL queries automatically generated by the SQL and Hibernate connectors to be easily customized directly in the DataSource definition, by overriding specific clauses from the automatically generated query, without the need to write Java code. SQL Templating makes it trivial to use SQL joins while retaining built-in features like advanced search (SmartClient, SmartGWT examples). Even complex reporting queries can still leverage search, data paging, and other built-in features (SmartClient, SmartGWT examples).

Automatic Transactions: When using SQL and Hibernate connectors, any batch of save operations submitted to the server is automatically combined into a database transaction. Since UI interactions such as Mass Update and Multi-Row Drag and Drop automatically submit a batch of save operations to the server, these and many other UI operations are automatically transactional in Power Edition and above.

Batch Uploader: An end user interface for batch upload of data as a pre-built, customizable component. User can upload data, have it validated, make corrections, and save the data to a target DataSource. Supports a variety of upload formats and any data store that can be connected to SmartClient. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Network Performance Module: A set of services designed for enhanced delivery of SmartClient applications in WAN, internet and extranet environments, including:

• Background download of the SmartClient runtime and application resources while users are interacting with a login/registration page, splash screen or other non-SmartClient content
• Automatic compressed delivery of all of compressible content, including browser-specific workarounds where required.
• On-the-fly JavaScript stripping, combining and obfuscation driven from XML configuration.

Network Performance Module Documentation

Analytics Module: Specialized components for viewing, navigating and editing very large, multi-dimensional data sets (also known as data cubes) for business intelligence, analytics and reporting applications. (Basic CubeGrid samples: SmartClient, SmartGWT. CubeGrid samples with load on demand and charting: SmartClient, SmartGWT.)

Real-time Messaging Module: Real-time data delivery via HTTP streaming (aka "Comet") for monitoring, command & control, trading desk and real-time collaboration applications involving time-sensitive, continuously updated data. SmartClient Messaging supports data delivery rates sufficient for continuous full-screen refresh and works through firewalls, HTTP proxies and other intervening network devices that can cause issues with other HTTP Streaming / Comet implementations. Supports codeless integration with JMS (Java Message Service) and a custom connector architecture for other message sources. (Examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Optional Modules: (Optional) features are available for purchase at an additional cost. The Analytics Module and Real-Time Messaging Module are only available as paid additions to Power and above licenses and cost $500 each per developer.

Dashboards & Tools Framework: Enables you to build interfaces in which a set of UI components can be edited by end users, saved and later restored.

This includes interfaces such as:

• Dashboards: where a library of possible widgets can be created & configured, arranged into freehand or portal-style layouts, then stored for future use and shared with other users
• Diagramming & Flowchart tools: tools similar to Visio™ which allow users to use shapes and connectors to create a flowchart or diagram
• Form Builders & Development Tools: tools which enable end users to create new forms or entirely new screens and add them to the application on the fly

(Dashboards & Tools examples: SmartClient, SmartGWT)

For more complete, more advanced options take a look at Reify Embedded. Reify Embedded enables you to easily make any of your applications visually extensible.

Automatic Auditing: Enables any DataSource to capture a log of all changes made to its Records, include the time of the change and the user that made the change. Changes are captured to a second DataSource that can be hand-specified or automatically generated.
Because audit data is kept in a DataSource, it's simple to build a UI for viewing and searching audit data.
(Examples: SmartClient, SmartGWT)

Indemnity, Warranty, custom terms: (Not strictly a feature) Enterprise licenses come with the legal protections typically required by large enterprises for risk management reasons. Exact terms can be modified to suit your organization's legal requirements.

Batch DataSource Generator: A supported tool, with source code included, that can produce SmartClient DataSource definitions automatically from database metadata, Hibernate mappings and Javabeans. This tool uses the same technology as the SQL Wizard and Hibernate Wizard, and is specifically designed to be easily extensible to suit your own needs.

Client-side Events and Adaptive Filtering: Because of the inability to write client-side event handlers, server-centric technologies such as Vaadin, JSF and ZK have severe limitations:

1. Offline or intermittently connected operation is impossible. If the network is unavailable the application becomes inert.
2. Common application scenarios in which logic must run for every mouse movement (custom drag and drop) or every keystroke (rapid data entry) cannot be achieved with acceptable user experience & server load.
3. Because of frequent server trips needed to run application logic, the application will always feel sluggish relative to client-centric solutions like SmartClient & Smart GWT, reducing user productivity. This is especially true when latency is high (mobile) or the server is heavily loaded. While this problem can be partly mitigated in hand-crafted demos, in actual application development this problem gets worse as more customizations are added, requiring more and more frequent server contact.
4. Scalability issues because of greatly increased server load, due to:
   • many additional server requests
   • server-side memory footprint from having the entire UI component model in server memory, which can hamper virtualization efforts
   • replicating the server-side state between servers in a high-availability clustered environment (NOTE: sticky sessions doesn't solve this problem, as replication to at least one slave is still required to avoid data loss on server failure)

Because of these severe limitations, Isomorphic does not regard server-centric technologies as suitable choices for modern web applications. They are also extremely poor choices for enterprise-wide technology standardization: since there are so many scenarios in which an alternative technology must be used, the benefits of standardization (standard architecture, common tools, single set of skills to train and retain) are lost.

Server Data Binding: As compared to our completely free offerings, server-oriented technologies make certain trivial server binding scenarios easier, such as hardcoded / tiny datasets. However they do not handle advanced data binding scenarios with the simplicity available with SmartClient Pro. (Master-Detail examples: SmartClient; SmartGWT.)

Sencha Price: Single user pricing is not offered. The minimum purchase is for 5 users, costing $4,635 for GXT or $3,225 for Ext JS.

Timely access to Sencha patches requires a support subscription, otherwise, patch availability may be delayed by several months, as only major dot releases are available to licensees who have not have purchased support.

In contrast, patches to SmartClient and Smart GWT are immediately posted publicly, and licensed users are given special treatment on the SmartClient Forums.

For this reason Sencha's combined license plus support price is more directly comparable to the license price alone for SmartClient / Smart GWT. Isomorphic then offers further support services, such as SLA-backed support plans with response time and resolution effort guarantees appropriate for mission-critical applications.

Vaadin pricing: Features provided for free in our open source product are commercial add-ons in Vaadin, including Automated Testing support ($1200/developer), mobile support ($750/developer), and a Calendar component ($150/developer).

Furthermore, by the time you have also added Vaadin's basic JPA support ($300/developer), you are now at price which exceeds our Power license with capabilities far less than our Pro license, and with the architectural drawbacks explained above.