British software firmSoftPress Systems is now shipping version 2.0 of
Freeway, a popular Web design program for Apple Macintosh.
The new version has over a hundred new features, including HTML 4.0
layout, cascading style sheets, frames, tables, FTP uploading, ability to
import Web sites from other applications, and what the vendor calls “a
powerful actions technology.”
“We have been very pleased with the response to Freeway,” said Richard Logan, managing director
of SoftPress. “Over 20,000 people have now downloaded the trial version and we continually have
designers
contacting us to express their amazement and delight at how quickly they
can produce new Web sites.”
In a market dominated by products originating from the United States, it
is unusual to find a mainstream Internet product developed in the UK
that is winning admirers overseas. SoftPress, however, appears to have
made a big impact with Freeway.
“Thanks to new features like Freeway Actions and the extremely
versatile table tool, we’re able to not only update our site, but create
advanced database integration features entirely within Freeway, and in
less time than we thought possible,” said Mark Kawakami of Chapman University, California.
The new actions technology in Freeway enables modular design for
Web sites, helping designers to create and manage dynamic, interactive
Web content. It simplifies the integration of complex scripting and
back-end functionality, allowing designers to concentrate on design
while programmers concentrate on scripting and coding.
Designers can select actions from a starter pack which is provided with
the software. Among the actions included are: graphic and text
rollovers, layer movements, redirection based on browser type or time,
and controls for QuickTime, Director and Flash content. The vendor said it will
add further Actions to the library in coming months–and designers may
also create their own.
SoftPress is offering Freeway 2.0 at a special introductory price of $199
until December 31, after which the price will be $299. Upgrades from
version 1.0 are free.
