Recognising that the next generation of e-business applications will be built upon a common, standards-based XML foundation, Lotus is building the tools that developers will need to span systems.
"As a platform for storing XML, Domino is particularly suited to the task thanks to its secure repository and the replication and collaboration power of the Domino application engine," says Lesego Tlhabanelo, marketing communications manager at Lotus Development SA.
"Lotus has previously delivered XML capabilities in Domino that enable developers to produce XML through the open Domino API`s in a scripting language or Java, to retrieve Domino view data automatically in XML format through a simple URL and to create XML documents from native Domino documents," he adds.
Additionally, the XML parser and XSLT processor provided by Lotus eliminates the need for handcoding, making it easier and more efficient to develop XML applications.
Specifically, the Lotus XML Toolkit contains: C++ and Java programming interfaces for import and export of XML documents, forms, views, agents, and Access control lists, a DTD (document type definition) and documentation, sample code on how to use the new interfaces, and sample stylesheets in XSL format.
The Lotus XML Toolkit further simplifies XML application development, enabling developers to build XML applications that leverage Domino design elements, including forms and views. Developers can use the Toolkit to create XML applications that require the manipulation of Domino forms and formatted content within documents. The import and export capability adds round-trip access to, and manipulation of, data from any XML-compliant tool or application.
In an additional development, Lotus has opened its Domino platform to increase partner and developer solutions. "Lotus business partners and other third-party vendors can now create a new breed of Collaborative Commerce application," says Tlhabanelo. For example:
Domino database content can be published automatically as XML for a wide variety of purposes. For example in support of different clients or devices, or for inclusion in Web sites on another platform;
Applications can use Domino database replication and access control, workflow, messaging, calendaring, events, etc., eliminating the need to create and support this functionality separately;
External applications can manipulate document content and Domino design elements. For example, a user could perform a find and replace across all forms in a Domino database using XML;
Third-party XML development tools can create and modify Domino design elements, exposed as part of a standard design environment or abstracted as a "wizard."
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