Formstack Documents vs Windward Core

Formstack Documents is a cloud, no-code document generation service that turns business data into dynamic files. Users can create templates with the AI-powered Document Builder or upload DOCX, PPTX, PDF and CSV templates. Data from CRMs, form builders, databases and other business systems populates those templates. Conditional logic can show or hide sections, while routing can combine files or generate multiple documents from one source. CRM data can produce proposals, contracts, invoices and reports. Bulk generation, data merging and an open REST API support larger workflows. Documents can be sent to Formstack Sign or DocuSign for electronic signatures. Listed protections include SSL, encryption, firewall protection, secure downloads and document encryption; Formstack says merged data is not stored. HIPAA and GDPR compliance are listed. The service runs on the web and through an API, with documentation and ticket support. A free trial is available, but there is no free plan.

Windward Core is an embedded document-generation product combining a template Designer with an Engine. Users build templates in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint with tags and conditional logic, then generate data-rich documents from application data. A template can combine multiple sources, including SQL, JSON, XML, OData, and connections to 147 vendors. The Engine is available for Java, .NET, and REST, allowing calls from other programming languages. It supports outputs such as DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, PDF, HTML, direct printing, PostScript, bitmap, CSV, RTF, and TXT, plus batch personalization and API access. Engines can run on existing or dedicated servers; Docker and Kubernetes materials are provided for Manager. The Designer is a Windows Microsoft Office add-in and requires Microsoft Office for Windows. The Java RESTful Engine runs in Apache Tomcat environments, including Windows and Linux. Windward Core is now Fluent by Apryse. Pricing is available on request, with a free 30-day trial.