Officeray is a software for creating web forms, web applications and websites. It is based on Php 5 (procedural) and Mysql 5. The best way to run this software locally is using Xampp for Windows or Xampp for Linux. For production server, the best way is to get a webhosting account from a webhosting company.

The precursor for OfficeRay was developed as an un-named software since 1999. It was used on a commercial website which was closed in Aug 2001. Since then, various un-numbered versions has been used in a few dozen small projects. By 2006, it was clear that development should focus on producing a software that is open source, downloadable and easily installed by users and clients.

OfficeRay 1.0

Released on 15 Dec 2007.

It was first used in a non-profit organisation internal website to record visitors who attended a walk hunt event in late 2007. There are over 1000 participants and the registration/confirmation process need to be done 1 hour before the event began.

The most active part of the development was since May 2007 after many meetings with the staff, to decide what the requirements needed by the software. Basically the software should help to create Web Forms easily using WYSIWYG Editors like MS Frontpage or Marcomedia Dreamweaver.

The client do not want to edit raw php codes because this should be handled by the software.

When they first used OfficeRay 1.0, the first reaction was WOW! Now everyone who knows how to use Frontpage can easily create web forms and insert, sort, manipulate and save the data in a database (mysql).

This is the holy grail of software for creating Web Forms. However, our euphoria didn't last long. There are some bugs with the installation of multiple copies of OfficeRay in the same server.

This version was never released to the public.

OfficeRay 1.1

Released on May 2008. It fixed most problems in the first version. Some experimental advance features are also included like support for table joins. After several weeks of using the software on a production server, it becomes clear that the advance features need to be redesigned.

This version was never released to the public.

OfficeRay 1.2

Released on Mar 2009. It was used on an International Event website and several smaller projects. After several months, it is clear which features are very useful and which features are not. Then I decided to write a new version based on all the experience gathered on these projects.

This version was never released to the public.

OfficeRay 2.0

This is the first Open Source version, released under GNU GPL v3. Development starts in Oct 2009 and it is released as progressive tutorial, culminating in the full final release in Jun 2010.