AppSheet vs Zoho Creator

2021. Google brings AppSheet automations to Gmail


Google has introduced a new feature for its AppSheet automation service, enabling developers on its no-code platform to create custom apps and automation that directly interact with Gmail. Through dynamic email, developers now have the ability to construct applications that users can trigger and execute directly from their Gmail inbox. Although dynamic email was announced by Google in 2019, we haven't witnessed a significant number of developers fully utilizing these capabilities. This enhancement allows AppSheet developers to build functionalities such as approval workflows or asset management systems that users can conveniently update within an email itself.


2020. Google binds no-code tools, API management into new Business Application Platform



In a strategic move to tap into the thriving low-code/no-code market, Google LLC has introduced its new category of software called the Business Application Platform. This comprehensive platform encompasses various components, including application programming interface (API) management, no-code application development, process automation, and business analytics. Leveraging the technology obtained through its recent acquisition of AppSheet, Google aims to simplify the application-building process by enabling users to create applications without the need for coding, distinguishing it from traditional low-code solutions. The Business Application Platform will also incorporate API management capabilities from Apigee, a company acquired by Google four years ago. Google plans to enhance the platform with additional features that leverage the power of Google Cloud, hybrid and multicloud architectures, artificial intelligence and machine learning development tools, lifecycle management, as well as security and productivity/collaboration functionalities.


2020. Google App Maker is shutting down



Google has announced the gradual discontinuation of Google App Maker due to its low usage. The process of phasing out App Maker began in 2020, and it will be officially shut down on January 19, 2021. For those who relied on App Maker to automate business processes, Google recommends transitioning to AppSheet, a newly introduced addition to its application development portfolio that offers similar capabilities. In the case of app development, Google suggests utilizing App Engine, which provides a fully managed platform for building and deploying applications. Additionally, for data collection purposes, Google Forms is recommended, as it now offers numerous new features that were not available when App Maker was initially launched.


2020. Google buys no code application development startup AppSheet



Google strengthens its cloud capabilities through the acquisition of Appsheet, a company that offers tools empowering "citizen developers" to build data-driven applications. Appsheet provides a "no code" platform for application development, enabling Google to assist companies in creating mobile apps without the need for extensive developer teams. The platform extracts data from sources like spreadsheets and utilizes field and column names as the foundation for new applications. With its existing integration with Google products such as Sheets and Forms, Appsheet was an enticing choice for Google. Furthermore, the platform seamlessly collaborates with other renowned services including Amazon Web Services Inc.'s DynamoDB database, Box, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office 365. Google has assured that Appsheet will continue to support these platforms even after the completion of the acquisition.


2014. Zoho Support integrated with Zoho Creator



Zoho Support, an online help desk software, has now been integrated with the online database tool Zoho Creator. This integration enables the seamless creation, updating, and retrieval of information between Zoho Support and Zoho Creator. To align with your business processes, you have the flexibility to construct custom modules for the Zoho Support application. Additionally, you can incorporate data from Zoho Support into your custom app in Zoho Creator, allowing you to generate reports and collaborate with other users. For example, within your Zoho Creator Order Management app, customers can submit complaints, instantly generating a support ticket in Zoho Support. Agents can then access the order details, empowering them with the necessary information to address the issue effectively.


2014. Zoho Creator adds form automation



Online database tool Zoho Creator has introduced a new intelligent feature called Form Automation. This valuable addition streamlines your daily tasks, allowing you to easily establish business rules and workflows. The best part is that you can achieve this without writing any code. By leveraging this feature, your application can dynamically display or hide fields and sub-forms, as well as perform a series of actions when specific form rules are met during user interactions such as filling, submitting, or modifying a form. You have the ability to trigger various actions, including presenting custom confirmation messages, redirecting users to different web pages, and sending predefined email/SMS notifications based on specific rule criteria. For instance, in a service request application, you can effortlessly configure a notification to be sent to the appropriate team when a customer selects a product from the dropdown options.


2014. Zoho CRM and Zoho Creator mobile apps become free for all customers



The mobile Zoho apps (available for iOS and Android) have achieved a remarkable milestone with over 1,000,000 downloads, and this number continues to grow rapidly. In light of this success, Zoho developers have made the Zoho CRM and Zoho Creator mobile apps free for all customers, regardless of their edition. This exciting update ensures that users now have complete functionality, including read and write access, on the mobile apps. Zoho's online CRM, which allows for managing sales, marketing, customer support, and inventory within a unified system, is already free for up to three users. Additionally, Zoho Creator serves as an intuitive online visual database app builder, empowering business users to effortlessly create their own custom applications. Furthermore, other Zoho apps such as Zoho Vault, Zoho Mail, and Zoho Campaigns also offer free mobile apps for users to leverage.