I must admit, it’s the first time I’ve heard the phrase “dirt bound” – and judging from a Google search for its definition, I think it’s a recent invention. Presumably, it’s something “not in the cloud” 🙂

Reid Carlberg blogged over on Model Metrics about an interesting new project that’s he’s just added to Code Share: Cloud Converter.

From the description: Cloud Converter is a Java application that inspects dirt bound database table metadata and then uses the Salesforce.com metadata API to create that object in the clouds. It creates the object, updates the default page layout and creates a tab. It then migrates the data from your dirt bound database to the clouds. Supports any dirt bound database accessible via a JDBC driver. This has been tested with Apache Derby (as a sample), MySQL and Lotus Notes.

Presumably, because the Force.com database automatically generates CRUD screens, you also get a fully functioning app around your dirt bound db too. (If you’re new to our database, check out my article).

This is an open source project, so if you have some Java/Force.com skills, please join in. I’d love to see some support for relationships. Starting with 1-1 and 1-Many. Ahhh. With the auto CRUD stuff it’s almost like reverse engineering of an application!

Oh, and if you’re a graphic designer, I think the project could do with a nice logo too 😉