The other day I was given a briefing by Sunny Ghosh from Wolf Frameworks. Founded in 2006, WOLF is a 100% browser (Ajax, XML and .NET) based standards compliant, PaaS that is targeting users who need to create mashable and interoperable SaaS Business Applications. Wolf is targeting the SMB market that is resource poor and is concerned about quick development and application portability – this portability is one of the main strings to Wolf’s bow as we’ll see later.
When asked what the point of difference Wolf had when compared to the myriad other PaaS providers, Wolf articulated it simply as “No Development PaaS”. Sunny went on to articulate four key points;
1. Wolf allows users to setup a database server in their private cloud or just extract their entire relational Database with a single click.
2. Wolf doesn’t require programming language knowledge – rather their PaaS follows design discipline in their browser-based environment.
3. In terms of application portability and interoperability, users can work code free, and utilise web services calls from the Wolf Business Rules Action list.
4.An application created on Wolf allows for migration of the application design (Entity Relationship, Business Rules, etc) in a portable XML Format.
As well as a development environment, Wolf has a marketplace of applications built on the platform that can either be used outright by customers, or further customized. Sunny ran me through customizing one of the standard applications – while I didn’t have an in-depth try,what I did see looked pretty easy and intuitive. The standard offerings run the gamut from CRM to inventory management, issue manager to expense tracker. See video below;
The PaaS/marketplace space is getting a little crowded – in the past few months I have reviewed a couple of other offerings that provide a similar WYSIWYG development location – both Ubikwiti and WorkXPress have similar offerings – it’s hard to see how they’re all going to differentiate themselves going forwards.
Wolf has something of an advantage by having a strong network of channel partners using their solution for development jobs – despite being based in Bangalore India, they have an extensive presence elsewhere – particularly in the US and Australia. They’re also catering to the customer base that want to develop on their own private cloud – this will be another opportunity to them, especially when selling into larger businesses.
So… watch this space to see if Wolf can… keep the wolves at bay?
