In my current contract, I need to generate database-driven PDFs on the fly. I’ve done the first prototypes with my copy of Aspose.Pdf for .NET*. It’s an enterprise-ready, robust, and extremely functional component with a rich API, XML content input, good documentation and professional support. However, at $1797 for the Developer OEM Subscription (the required license for software-as-a-service apps), my client asked me to look at less-expensive options.
While researching alternatives, I came across a little-known, light-weight PDF component called PDF Duo .Net from DuoDimension Software company in Russia. PDF Duo .Net uses a different approach in that it generates the PDF based on HTML markup. You just feed it a URL or a string of mark-up and it returns a PDF. The developer, Constantine Turov, says the latest version supports headers and footers but the component doesn’t handle advanced features like PDF file properties or security.
As of this writing, PDF Duo .Net is selling for $100 for a developer license. I’d need to add $135 (also on special) for a server deployment license.
We’re still evaluating the options (and there are several great PDF components out there), but at $235 vs $1797 PDF Duo .Net is one to keep in mind if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
* Full Disclosure: Like many software vendors, Aspose provides free NFR (not-for-resale) products to Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals as a way of rewarding community leaders, creating a ‘buzz’ about their products, and receiving valuable product feedback from experts.