IBM Forms V8 · 2015-08-27 · IBM Forms Designer An Eclipse-based, drag-and-drop forms editor IBM...
Transcript of IBM Forms V8 · 2015-08-27 · IBM Forms Designer An Eclipse-based, drag-and-drop forms editor IBM...
IBM Forms V8.0
Forms Classic vs. Forms Experience Builder
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IBM Forms Experience Builder
Introduction Forms as Part of an Overall Web Experience IBM Forms Solutions When to use Forms Experience Builder When to use Classic XFDL Forms Development Environments for FEB and Forms Classic FEB and Forms Classic Portlet(s) for WebSphere Portal Forms Experience Builder Architecture IBM Forms Classic Architecture Forms Experience Builder Data Structure IBM Forms Classic Data integration JavaScript API(s) for FEB and Forms Classic Where to Find Information
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IBM Forms documents and web experiences complement each other by providing the entire spectrum of e-forms solutions.
Data-centric Web Solutions
IBM Forms Experience Builder
Interactive, dynamic UI steps user through the entire transaction Records are data-centric rather than document centric On-the-web Design and Deployment of whole data collection solutions High volume throughput Supports custom CSS
Hybrid Web Solutions
IBM Forms Documents+Web
Experiences Interactive UI of web experience drives data collection for document style form Combines ease-of-use of web experience with enterprise features of forms documents
Document-centric Web Solutions
“Like paper” forms for the web Dynamic behaviors can be added to provide “interactive paper” forms Allows end-to-end XML solutions Can be digitally signed Can be saved locally Can be archived to content manager as document of record for auditability
IBM Forms Documents
IBM Forms Solutions
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Different types of forms applications
Is it just about Data?
Is the Document and Data important?
Forms
A dynamicweb experience
for collecting information and engaging a user
in a process
Agile web experiences for
data centric application
eForms for document centric
applications
Agile web experiences for data collection
Capture InspectionOrder
Request
Survey
Enroll
Schedule
Select
eForms for document centric applications
ClaimConsent
Contract
Application
AgreementRegistration
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Expanding the capabilities of IBM Forms
IBM Forms solutions complement each other to cover the entire spectrum of e-forms solutions for social business.
Data-centricSolutions
Forms Experience Builder Server, Viewer & Designer
Document-centricSolutions
IBM Forms 8.0Suite
✔ Engaging user experiences✔ Web-based tooling ✔ Records are data-centric ✔ High volume throughput
Delivering CompleteWeb Solutions
✔ “Like paper” forms for the web ✔ Intelligent documents ✔ End-to-end XML solutions✔ Digitally signed records
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When to use Forms Experience Builder System is data-centric:
— You need to just capture the data - not concerned with the form, logic, or the document that was used to capture the data.
Existing SOA is REST based.— Forms Experience Builder comes with an HTTP Transport that can easily consume REST based
services. Expected heavy concurrent user load
— Forms Experience Builder is much better at handling high transaction volumes.— High concurrency has little to no extra demand on server.
Short lived or ad-hoc application needs— Need quick survey, or quick approval for a limited time.— Heavy need to leverage web based technologies — like JavaScript and CSS— existing skill-sets can be leveraged.
Need easy access to all captured data— Forms Experience Builder can easily export all captured data to XML, XLS, or Symphony.— Provides OOTB view into captured data, allowing filtering and searching.
Need to allow business users to build their own Forms without involving IT— Forms Experience Builder allow business level users to build and maintain their own
applications without having to involve or depend on IT.
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When to use Classic XFDL Forms System is document-centric:
— You need to store or archive document as record.— You need to digitally sign the document.— Electronic version of form needs to match existing standards.
Heavy printing requirements— Classic Forms provides high fidelity printing.— Can easily convert from or print to PDF.
Existing SOA utilizes SOAP based web services— IBM Forms Designer has Web Services Wizard
Need to support offline mode— IBM Forms Viewer can be used to view and fill in forms offline.
XML or schema based environment already exists— Classic Forms are entirely XML based, and can be built according to desired schema.
Highly complex dynamic UI is required.— Classic Forms can handle enterprise level business requirements with advanced validation and
complex mathematical calculations over many rows of data. Need to take advantage of existing product level integrations
— Classic Forms has OOTB integration with FileNet, ICM, and BPM products.
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Forms Experience Builder Designer is 100% browser based
FEB browser based design tooling delivers powerful fill and submit experiences. ● Complete tooling
Full set of web data capture items Flexible layout using grids & sections Graphical rules & formula editor Routing editor
● Rapid development Preassembled items with default values Automatic binding to data records Apply advance features quickly
● Familiar techniques Drag & drop design experience
Easy discovery of item properties
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IBM Forms Classic uses an Eclipse Designer
IBM Forms Designer Powerful, easy-to-use
design environment to create secure XML e-form and process wizard front-ends
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IBM Forms Classic is Used for Digital Signatures
Presentation LayerBusiness LogicData InstancesFile Attachments
Digital Signatures make form a Secure “E-Envelope”
Sign multiple, overlapping sections or complete form
Use built-in signing, digital certificates or signing pads
Significantly smaller file sizes compared to proprietary binary formats
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IBM Forms Classic has a Viewer
IBM Forms Viewer Standalone or browser-
based plug-in application to present, manage, interact with, integrate, digitally sign and submit IBM Forms XML e-form and process-wizard front-ends
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IBM Forms Classic WebForm Server
Eliminates need for client-side software install when online
Web 2.0/Ajax functionality – dynamic, modern UI
Strong support for Web services, REST, ATOM-based services
Supports highly fidelity, signatures, dynamic behaviors, and all other forms functionality
Compatible with viewer deployed forms
Renders to a broad array of platforms, Mac/Safari, IPad, Firefox, IE, …
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FEB Allows Flexible IntegrationRapid deployment process enables forms to be placed into production fast, embedded with other web applications or run stand-alone. Versatile
— Embed links in existing web applications — Embed in Portal applications— Embed in servlet applications
Cost effective— Easy integration with Web/REST services— Service based access to databases or
content storage systems
Expand your reach— Deploy forms in front or behind the firewall— Enclose links in emails, social sites or
mobile applications
Extend, streamline and automate business processes or social engagements
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Forms Experience Portlet for WebSphere PortalA single out-of-the-box portlet can render any number of Forms Experience Builder solutions within a portal application.
● Specify an active form URL for display in a portlet.
● Edit forms directly in a portlet and automatically redeploy.
● Ready-made portlet for displaying forms. No programming is required.
● Supports JSR-286 eventing (open, data in & out, and submit).
● Configuration leverages Portal profiles.● Works with Portal’s Web analytics
aggregation.
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IBM Forms Classic Portal Integration
Portal Integration
One can pass dynamic URL/URI into the form for submission. There are several methods for doing so.
State management is an important consideration when creating a IBM Forms Portal application; one must manage ‘parking’ the Viewer in memory to ensure that interactions with other Portlets do not wipe out in-progress form data.
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Forms Experience Builder ArchitectureReduces the gap between end-user development and IT administration to get solutions deployed quickly.
Create
Deploy
Run
REST
REST Output
(HTML, JS, Tables)
Source(XML, CSS)
Forms Experience Builder Server
Data
ExportImport
ServiceInterfac
e
Form
Manager
Responses
Form
Stages
Settings
● Collaborative framework LOB User: Look & feel, routing, privileges, logic IT staff: ACL, SOA services & plugins Others: CSS, JavaScript, data tables Export/Import with source control
● Proven methods Packaged as an EAR Security provided by J2EE container Database connection via data source
● Extensible REST interfaces (others work with) Services interface (works with others) Data feed API for captured data
● Scalable Client-side web processing 100% stateless server-side
Generator
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The IBM Forms Classic Architecture
IBM Forms Designer
An Eclipse-based, drag-and-drop forms
editor
IBM Forms WebformServer
A Web 2.0 client for inside or outside the corporate
firewall
IBM Forms ViewerA rich client for mobile or
disconnected users
IBM Forms APIAllows your Web
application to manipulate IBM Forms
FileNetP8
WID/WBM
DB2
WebsphereProcessServer
FileNetP8
FileNetP8
WID/WBMWID/WBM
DB2DB2
WebsphereProcessServer
IBM Forms Services Platform
Websphere ApplicationServer
Websphere ApplicationServer
Websphere PortalWebsphere Portal
IBM Forms with Workflow
Human centric workflow for electronic forms routing
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IBM Forms Classic Architecture
Servers
CorporateFirewall/Proxy
Browsers with Forms Viewer
Rich Client PC
XFDL Form
Internet/Intranet
SSL
HTML Render
Web Server
Web Server
Webform Server
Webform Server Servlet Class
Forms API
3rd PartyAPIs
Customer Application/Forms Services Platform
Browsers
Browser Only PC
Browsers
Browser Only PC
Webform ServerTranslator
Webform ServerTranslator
Forms Designer
Intranet
Designer PC
Forms Designer
Intranet
Designer PC
XFDL Form
Data Repositories
OracleSQL Server
DB2
Document Repositories
IBMFileNet
BroadVision
Workflow SystemsWorkflow Systems
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Essentially the data for a given FEB application is stored in a single database table.— Each record in this table corresponds to a form submission or form instance— Table structure is very similar to what you see in View Responses— Some exceptions are forms with attachments and forms with tables in them
Forms Experience Builder Data Structure
DB2
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IBM Forms Classic Data integration:
A Reference Application is available on the Content Manager Demo Platform— Enables a “one-click submit” and “one-click update” into Content Manager.— Deployed with a range of demo forms.— Extensible to allow simple demonstration with other forms – no coding required!— Connector is owned by the Content Manager team, ensuring future compatibility and
enhancement. The Content Manager Connector makes it simple for developers to:
— Store forms as items in Content Manager (with attribute values set based on form data).— Retrieve form items from Content Manager.— Update existing form items within Content Manager.
IBM Forms integrates with WebSphere and DB2 Content Manager.
SubmissionServlet
SubmissionServlet
FormViewerForm
Viewer
Form Viewerin Web
Browser
Form Viewerin Web
Browser
SimpleCM
Connector
SimpleCM
Connector
ContentManager
SubmissionServlet
SubmissionServlet
FormViewerForm
Viewer
Form Viewerin Web
Browser
Form Viewerin Web
Browser
SimpleCM
Connector
SimpleCM
Connector
ContentManager
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Forms Experience Builder Services Architecture
WebSphere Application Server
Experience Builder
Service Definitions
Every Experience Builder application is exposed as services
- Retrieve- Search- Delete- Submit
Definitions can be created for any REST or Web Service including:GeneralExperience
Builder - SAP- Oracle- DB Systems- many others
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The Forms Classic Services Platform A simple, extensible platform to facilitate the
integration of IBM Forms with partner technologies utilizing technologies such as WebSphere Transformation Extender (TX), etc.— Shorten time-to-value and reduce cost/risk for
customers, partners . — Provide re-usable components— Ensure integration interoperability
Integration with key IBM/partner technologies.— Provide “out-of-the-box” functionality— Direct Integration - Portal, CM, Process Server— WebSphere TX – DB2, SAP, SOA, etc.
Example modules and integrations. Best practices and integration guidelines.
IBM Forms Viewer
IBM Forms -Forms Services Platform
• Mapping Services• Transformation Services
•Pre-population• Meta-data management• Create, Read, Update,
Delete
Repositories,e.g.
CM, JCR,Domino
ApplicationDesign,
e.g. Notes Designer
Workflowe.g.
Bulit-in,ProcessServer., FileNet,
etc,
PackagedApplications
e.g. SAP,Siebel
IdentityManagement
e.g. Tivoli
UserInterfaces
e.g.Portal,Notes
ApplicationServers
e.g.WAS
IBMForms
WebformServer
IBM Forms Viewer
IBM Forms -Forms Services Platform
• Mapping Services• Transformation Services
•Pre-population• Meta-data management• Create, Read, Update,
Delete
Repositories,e.g.
CM, JCR,Domino
ApplicationDesign,
e.g. Notes Designer
Workflowe.g.
Bulit-in,ProcessServer., FileNet,
etc,
PackagedApplications
e.g. SAP,Siebel
IdentityManagement
e.g. Tivoli
UserInterfaces
e.g.Portal,Notes
ApplicationServers
e.g.WAS
IBMForms
WebformServer
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FEB - Agile RoutingFEB's Role-based access control and adaptable business processes automate user notifications and approvals.
Automate your form management processes, enabling you to save time and money.
● Customized interactions Guided data capture experience User-specific access to form items Personalized submission actions
● Dynamic experience Content show & hide based on role Automatic generation of email notifications Invoke services at routing steps Flexible routing using rules
● Quick setup Easy to automate routing process Simple role & user security assignments
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IBM Forms Experience Builder JavaScript API
FEB's JavaScript provides a programmatic way to interact with a Forms Experience Builder application at run-time
JavaScript is triggered by events Can place JavaScript in event at various level
● Application● Form● Page● Item
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Forms Classic's JavaScript API
IBM Forms Server – JavaScript API is a collection of tools that allow you to programmatically interact with XFDL forms on web pages.
The API gives you direct access to an entire form and all of its nodes. And allow you to manipulate the properties of fields, labels, lists and other controls.
You can retrieve information from a form that is embedded in a Web page, manipulate it with your own JavaScript code, and then insert it back into the same form or into another form on the same Web page.
Can get information about the digital signatures on the form (if any), and verify that the signatures are valid.
The JavaScript API requires three files which are distributed with the Viewer and the Server installation
● L_FormNodeP.js● LF_ViewerScript,js● LF_XFDL.js
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Forms Classic's Java API's
Java API is a wrapper on top of native C libraries (.dll / .so) Provides low level access to XFDL forms in Java™, C, and COM Create and manage applications that analyze, route, validate, and create
electronic forms Provides a collection of “Classic API” Java/C/COM functions for manipulating
IBM Forms, including: Read and write forms Retrieve information contained in a form's elements Assign information to the elements of a form Create and remove elements within a form Extract images or enclosures from a form Verify digital signatures
“Java Streaming API” also part of Form Library Read and write forms Retrieve information contained in a form's elements Assign information to the elements of a form
Form Library
Java Streaming API
Classic API
C API
Java API COM API
Not 100% pure Java due to JNI
calls
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Forms Classic's Java API Architecture
Java API is a wrapper on top of native C libraries (.dll / .so) Provides low level access to XFDL forms in Java™, C, and COM Create and manage applications that analyze, route, validate, and create
Web Application Server
IBM Forms API
Servlet
Form
Processing
Data Repository
Form
XML
Workflow
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IBM Forms Website– http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/forms/
IBM Forms on YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/LotusFormsEnabl
ement
IBM Forms Wiki– http://www-10.lotus.com/ldd/lfwiki.nsf
IBM Forms Catalog– http://www-
01.ibm.com/software/lotus/forms/catalog/
Experience Builder Download– http://www-
01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/forms/designer/beta/
Where to find more information
Portal
iPad
Android
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