Trilog's Flowbuilder Brings Notes Into J2EE World

Trilog Group's FlowBuilder offers an option to developers locked into the Notes environment. FlowBuilder is the only J2EE development software that connects the IBM Domino programming model with J2EE architecture. By emulating the Domino model, FlowBuilder allows Java developers to create workflows, business processes and work with multiple embedded data formats. This is a much easier process than designing database diagrams that predefine data models and writing code to bind those models together.

In the Notes/Domino model, a document is a generic workflow container not bound to any rigid structure, while the J2EE paradigm requires that containers only interact through well-defined procedures. The software can provide easy access to Notes/Domino through a J2EE architecture, but it is a more difficult task for Notes developers to adjust their mind-set to accommodate SQL and non-event-based procedural coding styles that operate and communicate through various APIs.

FlowBuilder uses a Visual XSP (XML Server Pages) Studio environment to emulate many of the techniques used in Notes development. What's more, FlowBuilder includes a document model that allows developers to combine complex data structures and schemas without coding. FlowBuilder's architecture enables solution providers with Notes expertise to expand their market to new platforms.

Trilog's strategic partnership with IBM and its status as IBM's primary channel partner gives the company significant industry clout. Trilog specializes in solutions and services to help customers build collaborative applications for IBM's J2EE platforms.

XSP also provides a portal framework to write portlets for IBM's WebSphere Portal server. Since most of the key functions of XSP applications such as workflows, personalization and security behave similarly in portlet applications, no adjustments are necessary. To WebSphere, the portal framework is simply an extension of its API and little up-front administration is required. Portlet applications communicate with each other through messaging, an advantage over XSP applications. This message-based option in the portlet creation tool's API allows for complex interactions between different portlets in a single page.

Using a simple wizard in FlowBuilder, Notes developers can migrate Notes applications into J2EE XSP applications. While Notes developers do not need a deep understanding of J2EE, some knowledge of the XSP framework is required for applications such as LotusScript that cannot be converted automatically. However, Visual XSP Studio's Bean component library can replace most of the functionality available in LotusScripts. FlowBuilder's component model is actually superior to Notes scripts, since it simplifies object creation and usage.

During an application migration, developers can create planner, administration, delegation and log databases. Users also can deselect specific objects during a migration process. For instance, when migrating forms, the tool provides developers with options for translating forms into schemas and pages, including specific elements and actions available in Notes forms.

The tool does a great job of displaying the differences between Notes and XSP during migration steps. Actions in Notes, for instance, are translated into buttons, and a wizard displays how Notes and XSP bind commands into an action. A button in the XSP action field allows users to add code right into the wizard. Users have the option to place conditions that modify the migration process.

After migration is complete and a database created, applications can be automatically published to the Web. To ease deployment, XSP provides a number of settings that allow developers to arrange how data, code and graphical elements will be distributed or combined into a J2EE application.

The migration process creates an audit trail for all converted elements. The audit trail interface provides straightforward views of different element types so developers can quickly check converted fields and determine if the conversion was successful.

Trilog's single-level partner program offers access to marketing materials, brochures, presentation and other support materials. Pre-and post-sales support is available, as well as opportunity assessment, joint customer presentations and conference calls. Partners receive 24x7 dedicated technical support by phone or e-mail and can also access a dedicated online support forum. Trilog's reseller margin is 25 percent. A developer license costs $2,495 per seat.

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COMPANY: Trilog Group
Woburn, Mass.
(781) 937-9963
www.triloggroup.com
DISTRIBUTORS: IBS, Optimus Solutions
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