I've got a good-sized spreadsheet containing 70+ companies and 200+ products with prices for the purposes of comparing prices. Needless to say prices change. Will the end-user be able to update the data in the spreadsheet? If not, can I make, say, quarterly price adjustments and then update the spreadsheet so that all users get the update? Thanks

'As far as I know' the excel plugin only displays data. In a case like this, what you may want to do is use a 'dataURL' for the file source; keep it on the internet somewhere. Then periodically, you upload a newer version of the document, change the dataURL in your control panel, and the next time the user selects that screen, the data will be refreshed. Keeping in mind of course, the user will require a data connection to download updated info. Cheers! -- Smug

I also read something about saving the .xls to a .html which could then be put in the app. We'll see. I don't want to do the 'dataURL' by keeping the document in the Cloud somewhere. Perhaps the thing would be to offer a quarterly update, allowing appusers to email me if they notice a price change or new product. Still mulling this over. Thanks

This is not how things function in the mobile world. If it were that simple, just plug in the Excel file and off you go, there's your mobile app!, the apps would not exist as we know them now. In reality, the size of the screen is the main factor. Mobile devices are so small, and using horizontal "spread sheet" data just does not function. If you want your data to be shown to the user, you will have to find another way, and that means using lists, each item of which further points to another set of data. To cut the long story short, you will need databases in your app, the editor for the data in those databases, the events handler (Yes, I want to buy it; No, I want a refund) and so on. A search mechanism will also be needed. What you want is not easy to achieve, neither with Buzztouch nor with any other app creating solution.

Thank you, Dusko I've already realized that it's not going to be as simple as plugging in a spreadsheet, and have been looking at lists. So how do I find a database that will work in an app? I've seen the excel plug-in, but haven't seen a database plug in. Is there such a thing? I've got the Open Office Base, but not sure if that would work in an app. Thank you for your help, clhend

>So how do I find a database that will work in an app? >database plug in. Is there such a thing? For Android, I don't think there is one such plugin. You would have to find a developer to code one such solution for your case. Not exactly why you came to Buzztouch in the first place, I believe? Still, you may be able to do quite a lot with the plugins that are already there. Assuming your spreadsheet is about products of some kind, make a list of your products, using a Menu with Image plugin (there are other plugins, but this one is the best). Let each product -- which is now an option of the menu -- point to a Custom URL plugin, which in turn points to a file on the server. That would be an HTML file, or a PHP file or whatever, and would contain the data for the product. (Instead of Custom URL you may want to use HTML Pro plugin, BTW) You can later change the data on the server, and that would show dynamically in the app. Does that make sense?

It does somewhat make sense. However, I'm am wondering about the server. Where is the server located?

>Where is the server located Somewhere on the Internet, of course. You can host your app on Buzztouch servers, or you can use the self-hosted solution. If you use Custom URL plugin, the files can be just anywhere, on any server you have access to. If you use HTML Doc plugin, the files will be on the server where the other Buzztouch files are... I suggest you try to make a very simple app, using Menu Simple, create one or two screens with HTML Doc, Custom URL or what have you, try to compile it in Eclipse and see what an app looks like on the device. Then everything will kind of, sink in and after that you may want to "shop" for the solution of your spreadsheet.

I have several websites, hosted elsewhere, so I could probably host the files thru one of those websites. I think a "very simple app" is definitely what I have to start with. Thanks.

Try to change your thinking from "database" to "catalog". In this blueprint example, I describe a catalog of stamps. It will help you understand how to make your mobile app with BT without doing any coding. https://www.buzztouch.com/forum/thread.php?tid=47D35231F571EE9A1AB0660 -- Niraj

Thank you, Niraj. I'd already begun to focus on compiling all the data; however, your blueprint is exactly what I need to be able to turn it into an app.

There are a few marvelous plugins in the BuzzTouch Market that will help you show off your Companies and Products. Check out their screenshots: 1. Ultimate Screen Creator and DroidCreator 2. Instant Database App 3. Cubbyholes -- Niraj

Thanks Niraj Will check them out.