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Beginner's introduction to the premier electronic forms product on the market today .. IBM Lotus Forms.
Citation preview
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
IBM Lotus Workplace Forms™
Kemal Danisman, Lotus Technical Sales, United Kingdom
Summer 2007
ibm.com/software/forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Agenda
Business Value of Workplace Forms Case Studies / references IBM Lotus Workplace Forms
• e-form Components
• Solution Suite
• Architecture
Integration Scenarios XForms & XFDL Forms Services Framework
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Business Value of Lotus Workplace Forms
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Paper Driven Processes
Incur traditional costs… Paper and printing Unused form disposal Archival and storage
...as well as hidden costs that can slow business Lengthy completion times Validation and error checking Data re-keying Physical routing time Complex approval chains Data aggregation across forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Cost of Forms
• A single paper form costs $30-$165 to use, enter, process and retain• $22.5B is spent on pre-printed forms in the US alone• 30% of pre-printed forms are wasted
The costs of using and processing paper forms in many organizations today is staggering:
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Cost of Forms
High degree of errors and rework• Form users fill out forms incorrectly or illegibly
• Data entry personnel re-key data into backend systems incorrectly
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanners read incorrectly
• Mailing or faxing time lengthens business processes
Increased call center / Support costs• Lack of ‘wizards’ or business logic in paper forms causes
increased calls to support centers for clarification
• Incomplete or illegible forms require outbound calls to resolve
Difficulty proving regulatory compliance• Difficult to link forms, signatures, and attachments throughout
an end-to-end business transaction
Decreased business flexibility• Updating, printing, and distributing new paper forms is costly
• Transition to new forms creates a window of increased errors and rework while both ‘old’ and ‘new’ forms must be accepted
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms helps reduce the time, costs and problems inherent to manual, paper-based forms processes.
Providing far more than simple electronic print and fill capabilities, IBM Workplace Forms aids in streamlining and automating end-to-
end business processes that are initiated by forms
IBM Workplace Forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
What are e-forms ?
Automating Forms-based Business Processes
A secure, XML-based form technology to replace manual paper-based processes or as a front-end to web-based applications where the capture and re-use of data is important.
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
e-forms – Enabling on demand processes
“80% of Business Documents are Forms”
“Enterprises are seeking electronic process enablers, not just forms on the web”
“e-forms based on XML architecture will become the standard for web-based form input and document delivery by 2006”
“The real value of electronic forms lies in its ability to reduce the bureaucracy associated with paper forms rather than simply replicating it”
- All quotes from Gartner
ComplianceSecurity
IntegrationRecords
DynamicBusiness Rule
Driven
Infrastructure
Integration
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Business Process Automation
Va
lue
DocumentCentric
Business Process Centric
Business Process Automation (ECM, Workflow, BCS)
Fill, (Sign) & SubmitOn-line
Store Preserve
Print & Read
Print & Fill
Fill & Print
Fill, (Sign) & Submit Off-line
View Compliance (Pixel Perfect, Sec 508)
Store Preserve Simple Process
Regulatory Compliance (HIPPA, etc)
e-forms - Spectrum
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
What is e-forms all about?
e-forms offer end-to-end software and service solutions which make high-value on-line transactions:
• Automated - Manual processing adds errors and time, creating unnecessary costs
• Secure - If someone attempts to alter a signed transaction, it is detected immediately
• Auditable - Can keep track of all the steps taken
• Enforceable - Secure enough to take into a court
IBM Workplace Forms supports all of these out of the box
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Case Studies
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM leadership position in major solution areas
Forrester Wave: E-Forms Software, Q2, 2006
The Forrester Wave is copyrighted by Forrester Research, Inc. Forrester and Forrester Wave are trademarks of Forrester Research, Inc. The Forrester Wave is a graphical representation of Forrester's call on a market and is plotted using a detailed spreadsheet with exposed scores, weightings, and comments. Forrester does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in the Forrester Wave. Information is based on best available resources. Opinions reflect judgment at the time and are subject to change.
Forrester Wave: ECM Suites, Q3, 2005
ECMPortaleForms Portal ECM
Magic Quadrant for Portal Products:Gartner: May, 2006
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Partial list of customers
Securities ExchangeCommission (tax filing)
United States Office ofGovernment Ethics
Royal Canadian Mounted
Police
State of WashingtonElectronic registries
State of OhioDepartment of Mental Health
City of Los Angeles
Ministry of Public Safetyand Solicitor General
Woodmen of the WorldInsurance
Law courts e-filing
700,00 users18,000 forms
1.4 million users$1.4billion ROI
United States JointChiefs of Staff
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Applications:•HR: Leave Approval,•Staff Evaluation, etc•Procurement•Logistics•Medical
Case Study: US Army, Air Force and Navy
Largest eForms deployment in the world (Gartner) Single solution for all enterprise business processes Workplace Forms chosen as open-standards + IBM SOA Reduced cost of business transaction automation
• Quickly automate enterprise transactions• Route via ad-hoc or defined workflows • Enterprise-wide tracking and reporting• Digitally sign all documents • Shut down redundant systems• Store and manage official documents/records• Collaborate on-line
Legal compliance through Records Management ROI in 2006: $1.4bn Solution includes
• WebSphere Portal, IBM Content Manager, Records Manager, Process Server, Tivoli
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Land and Property Programs,Corporate Registries of Service Nova ScotiaUsing Workplace Forms to make the property-buying process quicker and easier
CHALLENGE Enable citizens and businesses to have their land transactions completed
more quickly and conveniently, without reliance on lengthy paper forms Integrate the new registration process with the existing online database of
property records to accelerate verification and finalization
SOLUTION Established a convenient, Web-based data submissions process that
includes automatic records verification and electronic payment processing Leveraged the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) compatibility of IBM
Workplace Forms™ software to easily integrate the electronic forms system with the existing database
BENEFITS Cut transaction time for most locations to just one business day Improved rejection rate caused by submitter’s data entry errors from 15
percent to 3 percent Minimized reliance on courier services and trips to agency offices
Industry: GovernmentURL: gov.ns.ca/snsmr/property
“With the IBM solution inplace, we can provide better and more secure document submission services to our clients, and we can receive and process land transac-tions faster and with moreerror checking up front than ever before.” — Nancy Saunders, Acting Director, Registry 2000 Project, Corporate Registries ofService Nova Scotia
Case Study: Nova Scotia Land Registry
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Case Study: Woodmen of the World
• Challenge
• Needed to modernize and automate core customer-facing field rep activities (policy applications, form updates, quotes)
• Significant data entry errors and excessive application processing times
• Needed compliance with industry regulations
• Solution
• Field reps now use intuitive eForm wizards for forms on laptops
• ePad integration allows for table based signing
• Benefits
• Reduced data entry errors
• Reduced process costs
• Improved field rep productivity
• Cycle times from weeks to a couple hours!
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Case Study: BC Vehicle Inspectorate
The CVSE roadside inspectors are capturing 31,000 inspections per year from rural and urban locations all over British Columbia.
The inspections are done to international Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance criteria, which have been adopted by all North American jurisdictions.
The initial processes for collecting, assessing and using this information are labour, cost and time intensive.
These processes are also time sensitive as vehicles with infractions need to be identified as soon as possible and the information distributed to other jurisdictions in a timely fashion.
Objectives:• Reduce the time for the information to be available for
internal and external agencies, via legacy systems, from 14 days to mere minutes, greatly reducing manual effort and improving quality of data.
• Eliminate the need to handle and microfiche every inspection form
• reduce training by simulating paper forms Ministry of Public Safetyand Solicitor General
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Case Study: BC Vehicle Inspectorate
Solution consists of IBM Lotus Workplace eForms and a custom Java Client Server application on ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook tablets using the TELUS 1X wireless network for voice and data and the TELUS Victoria Internet Data Centre (IDC) with a link to the BC Government data center.
The 85 inspectors have the Panasonic Toughbooks mounted in their vehicles and are able to roam the BC transportation system and capture valuable information on the state of the different commercial vehicles that use it…
• Workplace Forms simulating the client multi-part form, with near-real time driver and vehicle information look-up
• TELUS 1X network with NetMotion Wireless to provide session persistence where required for other applications
• Web Services and Java provide connectivity to Mainframe legacy
• Industry standard XML format describing format, business rules and content.
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Workplace Forms brings customers real business benefitsJust Some Examples: US Army: 100,000 forms, used by 1.4 million Army personnel around the world – expected ROI
more than $1.3 billion. USAF: 18,000 forms, serving 700,000 employees globally – ROI: $50 Million annually. Global Apparel Manufacturer: Reduced process time by 75%. Estimated cost savings per
year $787,500 Woodmen Insurance: accelerates application process from weeks to hours! Nova Scotia Land Registry: Reduces transaction time from 7 days to just 1 day. Reduce
rejection rate from 15% to 3%. SEC: 27,000+ publicly traded firms. Estimated annual to taxpayers of $1.8 million. U.S. Directorate of Defense Trade Controls: Shortens the application process from up to
66 days to as little as 9 days IBM Express Managed Services: Boosts productivity by 25%, Improves data accuracy and
completeness from 75% to 100%, cycle times down by 25%, reduces form localization times by 80%
City of Los Angeles: increased online business tax renewal collections of more than US$14 million in 2005, up from US$700,000 in 2003
Major League Baseball: reduced staffing requirements as well as development, printing, travel and telephone costs. MLB estimates annual savings of more than US$350,000.
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Lotus Workplace FormsComponents
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms Guided-interview, or wizard, driven
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms Viewer
• Standalone or browser-based application to present, manage, interact with, integrate, digitally sign and submit Workplace Forms XML e-form and process-wizard front-ends
• Provides offline capabilities and “IFX” interface for extensibility
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms Designer
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Business Logic
Capture forms processes in the form Integrate business process workflows
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms Guided-interview, or wizard, driven
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Data Instances
Based on W3C XForms specification Multiple XML payloads for integration Validate against external XML Schemas
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
Business Logic
Capture forms processes in the form Integrate business process workflows
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms Guided-interview, or wizard, driven
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
File Attachments
Capture complete transaction Supplemental or associated e-forms MS Office, videos, faxes, etc.
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
Data Instances
Based on W3C XForms specification Multiple XML payloads for integration Validate against external XML Schemas
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms Guided-interview, or wizard, driven
Business Logic
Capture forms processes in the form Integrate business process workflows
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms e-form components
Digital Signatures Sign multiple, overlapping sections, field
level or complete form Use built-in signing, digital certificates or
signing pads
File Attachments
Presentation Layer
Pixel-perfect for duplicating paper forms Guided-interview, or wizard, driven
Business Logic
Capture forms processes in the form Integrate business process workflows
Data Instances
Based on W3C XForms specification Multiple XML payloads for integration Validate against external XML Schemas
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Benefits of IBM Workplace Forms
• Provides full non-repudiation and auditability by storing the form template, data, and internal logic in a single file that can be digitally signed
• Maintain presentation and logic with data
• Save and email a form and work offline
• Route a form using any available transport mechanism (e.g. BPM, Workflow, Web, Email, FTP, etc.)
• Archive a form into a database or Content Management System
• Pre-fill a form with data and extract data from a form
• Sign and make a form tamperproof
• Integrate a form with other technologies (i.e., workflow, EAI, document management, content management, etc.)
• Parse & extract the XML data at any appropriate time in the form’s lifecycle
• Integrates with existing strategic IT infrastructure reducing TOC and accelerating ROI
• Activate a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) with intelligent message that flow across services
By treating forms as XML objects it becomes simple to:
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Unmanaged spreadsheets become sontrolled documents
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
HTML screens become intelligent forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Unintelligent forms become assisted interviews
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Printed .doc/.xls documents become live forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Custom applications become just another form
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Simple .pdf documents become interactive forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Scanned images become interactive user interfaces
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Take a PC Interface and push to a tablet with a signature
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
… and any paper process can become electronic!
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
All from the same platform
Presentation
Data
Workflow
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Lotus Workplace FormsSolution Suite
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms products
IBM Workplace Forms Viewer• feature-rich desktop application used to view, fill, sign,
submit, and route e-forms• able to function on the desktop or within a browser• Enables full connectivity with real-time integration using
Web Services• Based on open standards to enable Viewer to operate in
portal or stand-alone environments
IBM Workplace Forms Designer• an easy-to-use WYSIWYG e-form design environment• supports the drag-and-drop creation of precision forms• leverages open standards to deliver forms-based solutions
across LOB applications and IT infrastructure
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Form rendition optionsRich Client IBM Workplace Forms Viewer Embedded in a Web Browser (Also runs stand-alone without browser) Renders XML form
Thin Client Browser-only rendition of HTML
from IBM Workplace Forms Webform Server
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms products
IBM Workplace Forms Viewer IBM Workplace Forms Designer IBM Workplace Forms Server – (API, Webform Server, Deployment
Server)• enables the creation and delivery of XML forms applications• provides a common, open interface to enable integration of e-
forms data with server-side applications• delivers a true zero-footprint solution• provides e-forms to external users quickly and efficiently
within a browser IBM Workplace Forms Service Framework
• A simple, extensible platform to facilitate the integration of WPF with partner technologies
• Integration with key IBM/partner technologies
• Example modules and integrations, best practices and integration guidelines
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Components Overview
DesignerLayout, Create and Test Form
Workplace Forms Server WebForm Server
Converts XML to HTML / JavaScript so eForms can be rendered in a common browser.
Workplace Forms ServerAPI
Used by customer or SI to archive forms and integrate data with one or more backend systems.
Workplace Forms Server Deployment Server
Deploy Viewers and e-Forms to user desktops.
eFormPixel Perfect Resolution
Wizards
Business Logic
Data Integration
Attachments
Digital Signatures
Common Browser
Viewer (Standalone or as Plug-in for
Browser)
Per User or Per form-page
Workplace Forms ServerServices Platform
Standard SOA deployment platform for Forms. Enables integration with over 40 back-end systems vi WebSphere TX
*NEW!*
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Lotus Workplace FormsArchitecture
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Servers
CorporateFirewall/Proxy
Browsers with Workplace Forms Viewer
Rich Client PC Workplace Forms Deployment
ServerSSL
SSL
Web Server
Web Server
Workplace Forms Webform Server
Browsers
Browser Only PC
Workplace FormsWebform
Translator
Workplace Forms Designer
Designer PC
XFDL Form
DataRepositories
Workflow Systems
Webform Server ServletClass
3rd PartyAPIs
Customer Application
Workplace Forms API
Workplace Forms Example Architecture Diagram
HTML Render
OracleSQL Server
DB2
DB2 CMDB2 DM
PDMDomino
DocumentRepositories
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Typical architecture
Web/Application Server Database ServerBrowser/ViewerClient PC
Database /Repository
Pre-Populate NewForm (template)
Save/SubmitForm (instance)
Open ExistingForm (instance)
XFDL Form
Application Layer Database LayerClient Layer
Encrypted TCP/IP (SSL)
Encrypted TCP/IP (SSL)
Encrypted TCP/IP (SSL)
Webform ServerHTML Form
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Another perspective: Conceptual diagram
Document-centric transaction
XML instance one for pre-population
XML instance two for integration
Extensible from 0N data instances
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Integration scenarios
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
IBM Workplace Forms
IBM Content Manager +
Workplace
Solutions
WBI, WebSphere,
etc.
Off-Line Rich Client Browser Mobile
e-form
e-forms technology varies from simple (print-and-fill, Webforms) to advanced (digital signatures, offline storage). Advanced e-forms are a critical component of Industry Solutions due to their broad applicability to a variety of business processes. They can provide a common front-end to many different software products.
IBM Lotus Workplace Forms
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms
Standard SOA, Web/Portal design considerations apply.
Almost always occurs in the Application Tier
Full range of request-time and real-time options available
Componentization and reuse provide standard benefits and efficiency improvements.
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms – UI integration
Typical User Interface Integrations Include:
• Web Application Integration
• Zero-Footprint Form Display
• Portal Application Integration
• PDM Integration
• Display of Forms Within Notes / Domino
• Display of Forms Within Eclipse
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Integration scenarios
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms
Web Application Integration
The Workplace Forms Viewer can be run either standalone – by launching a form locally, or as a browser plug-in.
The Workplace Forms Viewer is associated with the mime-type:application/vnd.xfdl
Workplace Forms viewer displayse-form as a browser Active-X
plug-in inside a browser session.
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms
Zero-Footprint Form Display
Webform Server provides server-side translation of XFDL into HTML and JavaScript.
Webform Server maintains the rich, XML document on the server-side.
Both Servlet and Portlet-based zero-footprint applications are supported.
Workplace Forms viewer displayse-form as a DHTML page inside
a browser session.
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Integration scenarios
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms
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 Workplace 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. Workplace Forms viewer displays
e-form as a browser Active-Xplug-in inside a portlet inside
a portal page session.
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© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms – Portal Doc. Mgr.
“Form Template Library”
PDM Integration Enables us customers
enhance forms solutions through integration with:
• PDM Workflow
• PDM Accept/Reject Functions
• PDM Access Controls
• Workplace Forms Designer Forms publishing to PDM
Workplace Forms are managedJust lije other document types
Inside WebSphere PortalDocument Manager (PDM)
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Integration scenarios
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IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Integrating Workplace Forms – Notes/Domino
Display Within Notes/Domino
Notes/Domino provides an excellent mechanism for form delivery, security, encryption and synchronization with the server-side
Display, store, archive, workflow, secure, route = manage
The form itself can natively ingest and output DXL – no translation needed
The Workplace Forms Viewer runs via OLE within Notes
Workplace Forms viewer displayse-form as an OLE plug-ininside a Notes document.
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Positioning Domino & Workplace Forms
FormsSubforms
Offline SupportWeb Forms
Web Services*Attachments
E-mail as transportPortlets
XML
Pixel Perfect Forms (Paper Forms)
Overlapping Digital Signatures
Forms Extensions (IFX) (Ex. Signing Tablet) (3rd Party Encryption)
Guided Front End (Turbo Tax)
Views & Logic (Form Management)
Domino Workflow
Domino Workplace Forms
Replication
On Disk Encryption
Lotus WorkflowXForms
(W3C Standards)
Self contained Standalone Solution Component Technology
Collaborative Document Based Business Transactional Record
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© 2007 IBM Corporationibm.com/software/forms
Fit with Domino
• Domino 7 & 8 include advanced XML and web services capabilities which simplify integration with Workplace Forms
Value with Domino - Workplace Forms extends Domino:
• Pixel-perfect precision layout and printing for industry regulated forms
• Easy-to-create wizards simplify content-entry for complex forms
• Keeps entire transaction as single document (important for compliance requirements)
• Workplace Forms Extensions (IFX) enable the use of external devices, barcodes and PKI signatures
• Portable forms applications across platforms/systems outside of Domino
Qualifying questions .. answered “yes”? Then use Workplace Forms:
• Do you need a cost-effective infrastructure for your Workplace Forms deployment?
• Are there forms-based applications or processes as part of your Domino deployment?
• Is it important for compliance or legal reasons to have a complete record of each transaction in your process (design, business logic, data)?
• Do you need to accurately print forms in your processes?
• Do you have complex forms that you need to simplify and easily maintain?
• Do you need to integrate other devices or software with your forms-based processes
Integrating Workplace Forms – Notes/Domino
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Integrating Workplace Forms – Eclipse/XPD
Display Within Eclipse The Workplace Forms
Designer is Eclipse-based The Workplace Forms
Viewer runs within the context of Eclipse to provide form preview functionality.
This Workplace Forms Viewer and/or form templates can potentially be distributed via the Server Manager Client
Workplace Forms viewer displayse-form as an embedded plug-in inside
an Eclipse or Lotus Expeditorsmart client application.
IBM Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Integration scenarios
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Integrating Workplace Forms – DB2 CM
IBM Workplace 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
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 Software Group
© 2007 IBM Corporation
Lotus Workplace FormsXForms & XFDL
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XForms overview XForms is an Open Standard First published by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) in 2003
• Dr. John Boyer, Senior Product Architect for IBM Workplace Forms, is currently co-chair of the XForms Standard
• Workplace Forms supports version 1.0, with select features from version 1.1
A language for the “next generation of Web forms” - W3C
• Original intent was to improve HTML forms
• Grew beyond this once they began to understand complexity of forms
• Meant to be used as a conjunction with other languages (XHTML, XFDL, etc..)
Supported by numerous companies
• Including IBM, Novell, Oracle, Documentum, SAP, Sun…
XForms - Not an acronym, that’s the full name
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The internal architecture of XForms XForms 1.0 is data-centric It defines:
• A model for processing XML data, any format desired • An intent-based user interface for describing how the data
will be gathered• Submission rules for returning the data to the server
XForms standardizes the core business processing of forms, not presentation
XForms is designed to have a variety of presentation layers depending on the need
• WML, • XHTML, • XFDL, • SVG, • VoiceXML • etc.
XFDL
XHTML
WML
…
Other
Presentation Options
XFormsModel
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Enables Application InteroperabilityForms on any device…in any language…for any able/ impaired person…in any role within a business process1
Lowers Application Development CostsXForms enables reusable form components with multiple client deployment options3
Enables Industry Form StandardsXForms support industry schemas along with rules & UI2
Enhances and Complements SOA XForms provides a Forms Data Processing Model & supports active content using declarative rules & Web Services4
Business benefits & value
Enables Interoperable
B2B Processes & Transactions
Integrates Customers,
Suppliers, Channels
Faster Time-To-Market/Value
Lower Costs to Deploy/Maintain
Applications
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So, how do I make an XForms form?
Use XForms to create the data layer of a form Use a second language (Presentation Language) to
create the “look” of the form• We’ll focus on XFDL, but other XML languages such as
XHTML also work
Link the XForms data layer to the XFDL presentation language
• Maintains separation of data and presentation
XForms Model + Presentation Language = E-Form
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Extensible Forms Description Language (XFDL)
From 1993 to 1998, PureEdge Solutions (which was acquired by IBM) developed the Universal Forms Description Language (UFDL)
XFDL is the result of developing an XML syntax for the UFDL and is a W3C note
XFDL can do many things: • Presentation layer description language
• Data definition language
• Programming language
The latest version of the XFDL specification is version 7 for Workplace Forms 2.6
A copy of the specification can be found here:• http://publibfp.boulder.ibm.com/epubs/pdf/22915350.pdf
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XFDL design goals
Represents forms as single objects without dependencies on externally defined entities
Is a human readable plain text Is a publicly accessible open standard If you want to create your own Viewer, Designer or API,
all necessary information is available Provides a syntax for inline mathematical and conditional
expressions Permits the enclosure of an arbitrary size and number of
base-64 encoded binary files Allows attachment and conversion of external files such
as photo ID, word processor documents, spread sheets, etc…
Goals of XFDL are to create a high-level computer language
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Design goals continued…
Offers precision layout needed to represent and print near pixel perfect forms
Facilitates server-side processing via client-side input validation and formatting
Permits extensibility including custom items, options and external code functions
Offers comprehensive digital signature support, including• Capture of the whole context of a business transaction
• Multiple signers
• Different signers of (possibly overlapping) portions of a form
• Freezing computations on signed portions of a form
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XFDL capabilities Unlike most XML derivatives, XFDL is a
programming language
• Smart enough to make decisions, handle arithmetic, and respond to user input
• Directs users through the interface, performing calculations and error correction on the fly
• Computations are built into each document, which also provides nomadic functionality
• Complex business forms cannot be represented with HTML.
• XFDL provides full non-repudiation and auditability by storing the form template, data, and internal logic in a single file that can be digitally signed
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What does XFDL add to XForms?
Document-centricity• XFDL stores the data in the document, creating a single
record
Precision layout and printing• Can faithfully reproduce paper forms
Wizard-based, dynamic forms• Can guide user through filling process, change on the fly,
and reduce errors
Broad support for signatures• Locks both the XFDL presentation and the XForms data
Extension points for integration with other technologies
• Can embed .jar files in the form to extend the functionality
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What does XForms add to XFDL?
New items• Table, Pane, Checkgroup/Radiogroup, Slider
XForms event handlers• value-changed, readonly, readwrite, submit-error, etc.
XForms functions• Boolean-from-string, avg, min, max
Device Independence Data Modeling
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The Forms Services Framework
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Content Management Document Management Workflow
RDBMS Application Servers Portal Servers
Partner Versions
WF
Ver
sion
s
Platfo
rm
The Business Challenge – Enabling deployment
Forms are a broad “horizontal” technology that can be used in many industries and applications
To provide a complete solution, Workplace Forms need to be used in conjunction with other enterprise technologies:
Maintaining an integration between two disparately managed technologies becomes geometrically complex …
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Workplace Forms Viewer
Workplace Forms Services Connector
• Mapping Services• Transformation Services
•Pre-population• Meta-data management• Create, Read, Update,
Delete
Repositories,e.g.
CM, JCR,Domino
ApplicationDesign,
e.g. Notes Workplace Designer
Workflowe.g.
Process Svr.,Notes,
PackagedApplications
e.g. SAP,Siebel
IdentityManagement
e.g. Tivoli
UserInterfaces
e.g.Portal,Notes
ApplicationServers
e.g.WAS
WorkplaceForms
WebformServer
The Solution
A simple, extensible platform to facilitate the integration of WPF with partner technologies.
• 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 - WP, CM, WPS
• Websphere TX - DB2, SAP, SOA..
Example modules and integrations. Best practices and integration
guidelines.
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Forms Services Platform
As part of Forms Server v2.7, it supports the sameset of platforms that the Server supports, includingSUSE Linux 9 on Intel
Provide an out-of-box repository of common service pipelines which can be configured individually for each integration solution
Provide out-of-box Forms Designer integration plug-in. Provide out-of-box plug-in for TX Allow for easy integration by hosting Extension Folder where the
bundles (.jar) and configurations (.properties) of integration solutions are dropped. Common services are provided for all extensions found in the Folder.
Provide a proven sample as a quick-start tool for creation of integration solution
Comes with (re-factored) integration solution for WebSphere Portal 6 Document Manager
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WebSphere Transformation ExtenderA powerful complement to the Services Platform
Allows out of box connectivity to many repositories and information sources
Is in addition to the value of the Services Platform – plugs into the “mapping” extension point
Optionally allows SAP, Peoplesoft, and industry specific (HL7, SWIFT, …) connections
Provides GUI environment to allow visual mapping of form data to repository
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WebSphere Transformation ExtenderA powerful complement to the Services Platform
Benefits:• Consistent data transformation and enrichment • Reduced application development and maintenance costs • Increased knowledge re-use • Standardized approach and components • Increased quality of applications • Reuse of transformation across the enterprise • Decreased time to market of new applications• High-throughput execution of complex transforms and
enhancements • Code-free design and deployment • Library of over 120 pre-built functions to accelerate
application/integration construction
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Database
ODBC
DB2
Oracle
MS SQL Server
Sybase
Enterprise Application Adapters: SAP r/3 SAP XI Siebel Peoplesoft
Industry Adapters: SWIFTnet V4.2 HIPAA X12 V2.7 EDIFACT V2.7
Non-Database
Archive (tar)
Archive (zip)
base 64
batch file
CICS
Com Automation
Corba
Database
RHL Fastwine
File
RS Manager
FTP
GZip/ZLib
HTTP
IBM WebsphereMQ(client
IBM WebsphereMQ(server)
Java Class
JCA Gateway
JMS
JDNI
Mime
MSMQ
OracleAQ
Quality stage
Quoted-printable
Shell script
Sink
Socket
TIBCO RV
Tuxedo
VAN
What comes with base entitlement:
Informix
OLE DB
SQL/MP
SQL/MX
Available at additional charge:
WebSphere Transformation Extender
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Before:
Now - - With Forms 2.7
Forms 2.6
SAPCustomServices
Forms 2.7
SAPTX 8.1
EA SAP
Advantages:• Standardized• Looser coupling between applications (less interdependence)• Easier integration of legacy applications
Free entitlementWith WPF 2.7
$62,500 SRP
Example SAP Scenario
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IBM Workplace Forms Server – Forms Services Platform 2.7
• An enterprise application, framework and libraries which provide the ability to extend and integrate Workplace Forms
• Service-oriented and extensible, promotes the development of reusable components
• WF Designer Plugins to create Forms Services Platform projects, manage project repositories and generate WebSphere TX Type Trees and Maps from Workplace Forms data instances
• An optional SDK and samples to support custom Pipe/Bundle development
• Optional “Integrators*” for direct integration with other IBM/Partner technologies (PDM, FileNet, …)
OK, but what is it?
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High-Level Architecture
Servlet Bridge
PortletBridge
RequestDispatcher
Pipeline Constructor
Pipeline Execution
ServiceDefinition
ServiceDefinition
Pipeline Modules“Pipe-Stages”
OSGI-BasedPipeline Assembly
and Execution
Invocation and Bridging
DB2
Sybase
Portal 6/PDM
ContentManager
MS SQLServer
Forms User(Viewer)
Designer Integration
Pipe Stages
DeploymentPipe Stages
MappingPipe Stages
RepositoryUI
Pipe Stages
CustomPipe Stages
Repository Connector
Pipe Stages
FormsDesigner
Forms User(Webform Server)
SOA(SOAP)
Oracle
SAP R/3
PeopleSoft
Websphere T
X M
apping Integration
TeamspacesAnd
Documents
FutureIntegration
FutureIntegration
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Contact details: Kemal Danisman via ibm.com or local representative
More information:
• ibm.com/software/forms • Whitepapers, Case-Studies, Webinars• Workplace Forms Viewer and Designer FREE 60-dayTrial• Download sample forms
• ibm.com/developerworks/workplace/products/forms/ • Technical Information