The New Workplace Rich Client Technology Meets the Real World

Lotus.AdvisorEvents.comLotus.AdvisorEvents.comAndrew_Pollack@TheNorth.com http://www.thenorth.com

The New Workplace Rich The New Workplace Rich Client Technology Meets the Client Technology Meets the Real WorldReal World

Andrew PollackAndrew PollackPresident, Northern Collaborative TechnologiesPresident, Northern Collaborative Technologies

…Well, it will soon anyway…


About Andrew Pollack’s PresentationsAbout Andrew Pollack’s Presentations

Designed to avoid “Slideware” issuesDesigned to avoid “Slideware” issues

To the extent possible, I have tried to put as To the extent possible, I have tried to put as much real information in these slides, they are much real information in these slides, they are not bullet pointsnot bullet points

As they contain more real information, they are As they contain more real information, they are likely to contain more errors. If you find any, likely to contain more errors. If you find any, please send me email – I want to hear about themplease send me email – I want to hear about them

The latest versions of all my presentations, The latest versions of all my presentations, updated to correct any reported errors, are updated to correct any reported errors, are always kept on my web site.always kept on my web site.


AgendaAgenda Who am I, Why are we here, and other big questionsWho am I, Why are we here, and other big questions

Setting expectations – where is this product in its Setting expectations – where is this product in its delivery cycle and what can you expect to see and hear delivery cycle and what can you expect to see and hear about in this presentationabout in this presentation

Why the world needs another workstation client Why the world needs another workstation client What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client”

Just what is this rich client, and why you should careJust what is this rich client, and why you should care

Where Lotus Notes fits in the Workplace Client pictureWhere Lotus Notes fits in the Workplace Client picture

Opportunities for Corporations, Partners, & ISV’s Opportunities for Corporations, Partners, & ISV’s

Resources for follow-upResources for follow-up


Big Questions: Who am I? Why are we Big Questions: Who am I? Why are we here?here?

Andrew Pollack -- Northern Collaborative TechnologiesAndrew Pollack -- Northern Collaborative Technologies

2003 IBM Lotus Beacon Award Winner2003 IBM Lotus Beacon Award WinnerAdministrator & Developer since version 2.0Administrator & Developer since version 2.0Member of the Penumbra GroupMember of the Penumbra GroupFirefighter - Engine 1 – Cumberland, Maine!Firefighter - Engine 1 – Cumberland, Maine!In firefighting, just like Server Administration & Application In firefighting, just like Server Administration & Application Development, its all in the planningDevelopment, its all in the planning

Why We’re HereWhy We’re Here

To learn and grow as human beingTo learn and grow as human beingThe new Rich Client looks importantThe new Rich Client looks importantIts finally time to pay attention to this new stuffIts finally time to pay attention to this new stuff


Setting ExpectationsSetting Expectations This is likely the first – and possibly the only – non-IBM This is likely the first – and possibly the only – non-IBM

presentation on this technology you’ll see before Lotusphere presentation on this technology you’ll see before Lotusphere 20052005

Within the information available, you’ll get an unbiased Within the information available, you’ll get an unbiased viewpoint and an attempt to cut through the marketing viewpoint and an attempt to cut through the marketing and talk about the real impact of the productand talk about the real impact of the product

Workplace Client Technology is NEW stuffWorkplace Client Technology is NEW stuff To be sure it worked when released, the release has To be sure it worked when released, the release has

been pushed out to the end of this yearbeen pushed out to the end of this year Unfortunately this limits live demos severelyUnfortunately this limits live demos severely

IBM has been kind enough to make time to let me see the IBM has been kind enough to make time to let me see the work in progress and talk with the developerswork in progress and talk with the developers

And they’ve allowed me to share nearly all of what I And they’ve allowed me to share nearly all of what I think is salient with you todaythink is salient with you today

As Lotus Notes & Lotus Domino users, our perspective is As Lotus Notes & Lotus Domino users, our perspective is very different.very different.

So many “new” technologies are things we already doSo many “new” technologies are things we already do


Part 1 – Why the world needs Part 1 – Why the world needs another ‘Rich Client’another ‘Rich Client’

Who is Rich, anyway?Who is Rich, anyway?


What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client”

Above all, it’s a “Client” to somethingAbove all, it’s a “Client” to something As in “Client-Server” As in “Client-Server”

A “Client” differs from a standalone applicationA “Client” differs from a standalone application

A client provides a front end user interface to A client provides a front end user interface to logic or data which resides on a serverlogic or data which resides on a server

A client is usually designed to exist in a many to A client is usually designed to exist in a many to one relationship with a back end serverone relationship with a back end server


Some “Client” ExamplesSome “Client” Examples

FTP Client SoftwareFTP Client Software

The Web BrowserThe Web Browser

IBM Lotus NotesIBM Lotus Notes

Terminal ServicesTerminal Services

The Admin tools for almost The Admin tools for almost any relational databaseany relational database

Network Management Network Management consolesconsoles


The browser as Universal ClientThe browser as Universal Client What made the “Web Browser” a winner?What made the “Web Browser” a winner?

One client installation provided access to a huge One client installation provided access to a huge variety of servers and contentvariety of servers and content

Enough people had them, that a “Customer Base” Enough people had them, that a “Customer Base” could be reached without the production and could be reached without the production and distribution of a purpose built client platformdistribution of a purpose built client platform

Reduced “Cost to Market” and “Time to Market” Reduced “Cost to Market” and “Time to Market” so deeply, that many ideas became profitable for so deeply, that many ideas became profitable for the first timethe first time

By the late 1990’s, the Web Browser has become By the late 1990’s, the Web Browser has become the “Universal Client”the “Universal Client”


The Browser Goes CorporateThe Browser Goes Corporate

In the mid-late 1990’s, Corporations begin using the In the mid-late 1990’s, Corporations begin using the browser for more complex tasks in “Intranets”browser for more complex tasks in “Intranets”

Lotus Notes developers shake heads in confusion over Lotus Notes developers shake heads in confusion over the excitement – nothing new here, what’s the big the excitement – nothing new here, what’s the big deal?deal?

HTML quickly found unsuitable for complex user interface HTML quickly found unsuitable for complex user interface requirementsrequirements

Applets are tried, but Java isn’t up to the task yetApplets are tried, but Java isn’t up to the task yet XML is created for storing dataXML is created for storing data Flash is created for better display controlFlash is created for better display control

Result: The browser rapidly increases in complexity and Result: The browser rapidly increases in complexity and bloat, while loosing universality as more and more “add-bloat, while loosing universality as more and more “add-ons” make version control impossible in any user baseons” make version control impossible in any user base


What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client” Really means “Richer than the Browser”Really means “Richer than the Browser”

Rich Clients are described in relation to the web Rich Clients are described in relation to the web browserbrowser

To some extent, the web browser IS a “Rich To some extent, the web browser IS a “Rich Client” in comparison to a “Dumb Terminal”Client” in comparison to a “Dumb Terminal”

They fill gaps in the capability of the browserThey fill gaps in the capability of the browser

SecuritySecurity Session ControlSession Control User Interface ComplexityUser Interface Complexity Client Side StorageClient Side Storage Client Side ProgrammabilityClient Side Programmability


What’s wrong with the clients we haveWhat’s wrong with the clients we have Most are “Dedicated” clients, built to talk with Most are “Dedicated” clients, built to talk with

only one kind of serveronly one kind of server Production of an application to be used in those Production of an application to be used in those

clients means changing the server to produce a clients means changing the server to produce a compatible interfacecompatible interface

Example: Creating a Web Browser application for Example: Creating a Web Browser application for IBM Lotus DominoIBM Lotus Domino

More generic clients, like the browser, have More generic clients, like the browser, have limitations that make complex applications limitations that make complex applications difficult to use or managedifficult to use or manage

Producing an entire client user interface is an Producing an entire client user interface is an expensive proposition, leading to the use of poor expensive proposition, leading to the use of poor but generic clients like the web browserbut generic clients like the web browser


The Browser is not always good enoughThe Browser is not always good enough For many applications, a browser does not For many applications, a browser does not

provide an acceptable user interfaceprovide an acceptable user interface This can be overcome with Applets or extensive This can be overcome with Applets or extensive

JavaScript, however the benefits of a browser are JavaScript, however the benefits of a browser are quickly lost in these complex efforts as is quickly lost in these complex efforts as is universality.universality.

IBM has a customer base with huge numbers of IBM has a customer base with huge numbers of “Line Workers” using data interface applications “Line Workers” using data interface applications (e.g. Bank Tellers, Airline Customer Service (e.g. Bank Tellers, Airline Customer Service Representatives)Representatives)

Traditionally served well by “Dumb Terminals”Traditionally served well by “Dumb Terminals” Terminals are largely gone, but PC’s have proven Terminals are largely gone, but PC’s have proven

costly to deploy and maintaincostly to deploy and maintain


The Universal Rich ClientThe Universal Rich Client The Goal of a Universal ClientThe Goal of a Universal Client

Create a framework which allows you the important Create a framework which allows you the important features of a “Rich Client” without having to create a features of a “Rich Client” without having to create a new one for every unique applicationnew one for every unique application

Unify the massive (and profitable) Lotus technologies Unify the massive (and profitable) Lotus technologies base with the traditional IBM customer requirementsbase with the traditional IBM customer requirements

Unify the user interface and distributed computing Unify the user interface and distributed computing benefits of complex client software with the low benefits of complex client software with the low maintenance cost benefits of the browser or maintenance cost benefits of the browser or terminal.terminal.

Unify the security and business logic to a single Unify the security and business logic to a single development effort that supports multiple client development effort that supports multiple client typestypes


The Universal Rich Client GoalsThe Universal Rich Client Goals

IBM Workplace Client Technologies Rich EditionIBM Workplace Client Technologies Rich Edition

Cost of Ownership Like A BrowserCost of Ownership Like A Browser Universality of underlying business logicUniversality of underlying business logic Deployment and Version Control to the component level Deployment and Version Control to the component level

through centralized provisioningthrough centralized provisioning Existing user interface components allow inexpensive Existing user interface components allow inexpensive

functionality for simple projectsfunctionality for simple projects

Power Like A Purpose Built Rich ClientPower Like A Purpose Built Rich Client Plug-able interface allows specialized components for Plug-able interface allows specialized components for

purpose built componentspurpose built components Custom build the parts you need, use the generic tools for the rest Custom build the parts you need, use the generic tools for the rest

of the applicationof the application Mix standardized parts with proprietary as neededMix standardized parts with proprietary as needed

Predictable Client Side BehaviorPredictable Client Side Behavior


Part 2 – What this new Rich Part 2 – What this new Rich Client is made fromClient is made from

It’s a java based windowing framework with services It’s a java based windowing framework with services added to allow provisioning and communication.added to allow provisioning and communication.

What? You want more than that?What? You want more than that?


First, it’s built on “Eclipse”First, it’s built on “Eclipse” But what does that mean?But what does that mean?


Built on “Eclipse”Built on “Eclipse” IBM, with many others, have produced a IBM, with many others, have produced a

universal client framework – Eclipseuniversal client framework – Eclipse Eclipse is now released to and embraced by the Eclipse is now released to and embraced by the

Open Source communityOpen Source community Eclipse is not the Java Development Environment, Eclipse is not the Java Development Environment,

rather, the Java IDE is built on the Eclipse rather, the Java IDE is built on the Eclipse frameworkframework

This would be like thinking of the Microsoft This would be like thinking of the Microsoft Foundation Classes for Windows as Visual Studio.Foundation Classes for Windows as Visual Studio.Eclipse is a framework for building complex Eclipse is a framework for building complex applications – a development environment is one applications – a development environment is one such applicationsuch applicationSee: See: http://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.htmlhttp://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.html


Where the Eclipse framework fitsWhere the Eclipse framework fits To understand the value of the Eclipse To understand the value of the Eclipse

framework, look at the adoption of Windowsframework, look at the adoption of Windows

To speed adoption of Windows, Microsoft To speed adoption of Windows, Microsoft introduced the “Microsoft Foundation” classes for introduced the “Microsoft Foundation” classes for c++c++

Prior to that point, you had to code every aspect of Prior to that point, you had to code every aspect of every dialog box – extremely expensive and time every dialog box – extremely expensive and time consumingconsuming

By using their library, time to market was cut by By using their library, time to market was cut by many months, but cross platform compatibility many months, but cross platform compatibility inherent in pure c++ was lost because the inherent in pure c++ was lost because the foundation library was Windows only.foundation library was Windows only.


Java renews cross platform developmentJava renews cross platform development Java has stayed (mostly) true to its cross Java has stayed (mostly) true to its cross

platform goalsplatform goals AWT, SWING, and SWT provide UI classes for java AWT, SWING, and SWT provide UI classes for java

but are specific to a single applicationbut are specific to a single application Eclipse provides a framework for applications Eclipse provides a framework for applications

written in Java to run withinwritten in Java to run within Like Windows provides a framework for Like Windows provides a framework for

applications written for its own interfaceapplications written for its own interface The Eclipse framework offers integration between The Eclipse framework offers integration between

components independent of the operating systemcomponents independent of the operating system

http://http://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.htmlwww.eclipse.org/projects/index.html


Workplace Rich Client ExtensionsWorkplace Rich Client Extensions Notice that at this layer, it goes from being Notice that at this layer, it goes from being

“Eclipse” to the “IBM Workplace Platform”“Eclipse” to the “IBM Workplace Platform”

IBM Adds proprietary

extensions to Eclipse to

provide the services that

make the Rich Client “Bag of

Tricks”


A confusion of NamesA confusion of Names IBM Workplace Technology is a PlatformIBM Workplace Technology is a Platform

IBM Workplace Technology Rich Edition is an IBM Workplace Technology Rich Edition is an environmentenvironment

IBM Lotus Workplace is an applicationIBM Lotus Workplace is an application

The IBM Lotus Workplace has components which The IBM Lotus Workplace has components which run as an application within the IBM Workplace run as an application within the IBM Workplace Technology Rich EditionTechnology Rich Edition

IBM has stated that Lotus Notes Version 8 will be IBM has stated that Lotus Notes Version 8 will be an application which runs within the IBM an application which runs within the IBM Workplace Technology Rich EditionWorkplace Technology Rich Edition


IBM Lotus WorkplaceIBM Lotus Workplace IBM IBM Lotus WorkplaceLotus Workplace client is one use of the IBM client is one use of the IBM

Workplace Client to talk to a specific serverWorkplace Client to talk to a specific server

There are many possible server specific specific “Plug-In” clients

you can imagine…

Including….

IBM Lotus Notes


IBM Workplace Client Technology: Rich IBM Workplace Client Technology: Rich EditionEdition

Another way to look at how the “Rich Edition” Another way to look at how the “Rich Edition” provides a place for many “Client” applications to provides a place for many “Client” applications to run togetherrun together


Part 3 – Where does IBM Part 3 – Where does IBM Lotus Notes fit in the Lotus Notes fit in the Workplace Client picture?Workplace Client picture?

"Reports of my death have been greatly "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated" exaggerated"

Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain)Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain)


Lotus Notes isn’t going anywhereLotus Notes isn’t going anywhere

The Lotus Domino Server, needs a Lotus Notes The Lotus Domino Server, needs a Lotus Notes client to talk to itclient to talk to it

The IBM Universal Rich Client will be that client The IBM Universal Rich Client will be that client tootoo


The Lotus Notes Client Fits Right InThe Lotus Notes Client Fits Right In

In IWCT Rich Edition 2 (The current version) – Notes applications can be visualized within the framework, but not all parts of the Notes client are available – Bookmarks and menus, for example, are still

missing. Of course, as Lotus Notes 7 Beta Milestone 2 is required this isn’t in use very much yet


IWCT-RE version 2.5 promises more…IWCT-RE version 2.5 promises more… IBM Workplace Client Technology – Rich Edition IBM Workplace Client Technology – Rich Edition

version 2.5 has been targeted for a Q4 release version 2.5 has been targeted for a Q4 release this year.this year.

This version is targeted to include support for the This version is targeted to include support for the remaining features of the Lotus Notes Clientremaining features of the Lotus Notes Client

Users of both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes Users of both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes shouldshould not need to Launch their Lotus Notes not need to Launch their Lotus Notes client software outside the Workplace Rich Clientclient software outside the Workplace Rich Client

Keep in mind, this is the stated goal, but may Keep in mind, this is the stated goal, but may change as the release gets closer!change as the release gets closer!

At this time, Designer and Admin clients are still At this time, Designer and Admin clients are still outside as standalone applicationsoutside as standalone applications


Backwards CompatibilityBackwards Compatibility The Lotus Notes Client “Plug-In” will be a true Lotus Notes The Lotus Notes Client “Plug-In” will be a true Lotus Notes

Client running locallyClient running locally

It is NOT being re-written in JavaIt is NOT being re-written in Java

The core Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino server has The core Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino server has always been built to be cross platform. Only operating always been built to be cross platform. Only operating system specific code has traditionally had to be system specific code has traditionally had to be specially built for each platformspecially built for each platform

The Lotus Notes Client plug-in uses JNI to call the The Lotus Notes Client plug-in uses JNI to call the same program code that has always been usedsame program code that has always been used

A proprietary extension is used to “Re-Parent” native A proprietary extension is used to “Re-Parent” native user interface screens from the Lotus Notes client into user interface screens from the Lotus Notes client into the Eclipse frameworkthe Eclipse framework

Backwards compatible to a very great degreeBackwards compatible to a very great degree In all likelihood, even existing LSX add-ons will still work!In all likelihood, even existing LSX add-ons will still work!

A Lotus Notes Client Plug-In version will still have to be A Lotus Notes Client Plug-In version will still have to be created for each platformcreated for each platform


The Longevity of Notes & DominoThe Longevity of Notes & Domino

The Lotus Notes client will continue to exist and The Lotus Notes client will continue to exist and grow as the client to the Lotus Domino servergrow as the client to the Lotus Domino server

The Lotus Domino Server is still the best back The Lotus Domino Server is still the best back end architecture for Workflow and Collaboration – end architecture for Workflow and Collaboration – and will continue to be for some time to comeand will continue to be for some time to come

IBM Workplace Technologies provide a IBM Workplace Technologies provide a framework for a different kinds of applicationsframework for a different kinds of applications

Relational Database front endsRelational Database front ends Transaction Based SystemsTransaction Based Systems


Lotus Domino & Lotus Workplace Lotus Domino & Lotus Workplace Overlap Overlap

There will be overlap between the applications built for There will be overlap between the applications built for Lotus Domino and those built for Lotus WorkplaceLotus Domino and those built for Lotus Workplace

Not all customers want Lotus DominoNot all customers want Lotus Domino Not all customers want Lotus WorkplaceNot all customers want Lotus Workplace The IWCT Rich Client provides a common base for both The IWCT Rich Client provides a common base for both

platforms which will enable cross platform applications platforms which will enable cross platform applications to be built which leverage both technologiesto be built which leverage both technologies

At present, the IWCT server is required to distribute At present, the IWCT server is required to distribute (Provision) the Rich Client to the desktop, however this (Provision) the Rich Client to the desktop, however this may not always be the casemay not always be the case

It will likely be required to take advantage of centralized It will likely be required to take advantage of centralized provisioning and version controlprovisioning and version control


Part 4 – The FuturePart 4 – The Future

What opportunities does the new Rich Client open What opportunities does the new Rich Client open for corporations, partners, and ISV’s?for corporations, partners, and ISV’s?


Where To IntegrateWhere To Integrate

Never have so many opportunities been present Never have so many opportunities been present for confusion by so much information all at oncefor confusion by so much information all at once

Integration with IBM Lotus Workplace is not Integration with IBM Lotus Workplace is not required for integration with IBM Workplace required for integration with IBM Workplace Technologies Rich EditionTechnologies Rich Edition

Both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes integrate Both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes integrate with IWCT-REwith IWCT-RE

Integration will range from “On the glass” only, Integration will range from “On the glass” only, to full scale integrated applicationsto full scale integrated applications


IBM’s Description of Integration OptionsIBM’s Description of Integration OptionsLotus Workplace is built from the ground up to

“Exploit” the full potential of IWCT-RE

Lotus Notes is “Re-Parented” initially to live nicely within the Rich Client – Deeper integration

to come later

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open


IWCT-RE is Good for ISV’sIWCT-RE is Good for ISV’s The issues for ISV’s are the same as for any other The issues for ISV’s are the same as for any other

application developerapplication developer Even at the least level of integration, the Rich Client Even at the least level of integration, the Rich Client

provides a solid framework the ISV doesn’t have to provides a solid framework the ISV doesn’t have to buildbuild

Increased levels of integration provide advantages to Increased levels of integration provide advantages to the ISV in leveraging the framework for provisioning the ISV in leveraging the framework for provisioning and version controland version control

Lotus Notes ISV’s rejoice!Lotus Notes ISV’s rejoice! No longer need to choose custom user interface or No longer need to choose custom user interface or

integrated look and feel – can have bothintegrated look and feel – can have both Integrate on the screen through the Rich Client, and at Integrate on the screen through the Rich Client, and at

the back end through the Java classes.the back end through the Java classes.

Example: Pull view data through the java classes, and Example: Pull view data through the java classes, and display in a 3D user interface on the same screendisplay in a 3D user interface on the same screen


ResourcesResources Strategy White Paper: IBM Workplace Client Strategy White Paper: IBM Workplace Client

Technology Technology ftp.software.ibm.comftp.software.ibm.com/software/lotus/pub/lotusweb/clienttech//software/lotus/pub/lotusweb/clienttech/IBMWorkplaceClientTechnology_StrategyWhitePaper_May2004.pdfIBMWorkplaceClientTechnology_StrategyWhitePaper_May2004.pdf

IWCT-RE Technical OverviewIWCT-RE Technical Overviewhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.comhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3884.html?Open /redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3884.html?Open

IWCT-RE ISV Integration GuideIWCT-RE ISV Integration Guidehttp://www.redbooks.ibm.comhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open

The Eclipse site:The Eclipse site: http://www.eclipse.orghttp://www.eclipse.org My own site: http://www.thenorth.comMy own site: http://www.thenorth.com


Thank you for playing!Thank you for playing!

We’re all trying to figure this We’re all trying to figure this stuff out together-- please ask stuff out together-- please ask your questions so others can your questions so others can here the answershere the answers

We might even get some IBM We might even get some IBM people from the audience here people from the audience here to speak up with answersto speak up with answers

You may also contact me You may also contact me directly if you likedirectly if you like

Please fill out your evaluationsPlease fill out your evaluations

The latest copy of this The latest copy of this presentation will also be presentation will also be available at my website: available at my website: http://www.thenorth.comhttp://www.thenorth.com

For those playing the home For those playing the home game, direct questions & game, direct questions & comments to:comments to:

Andrew Pollack

[email protected]

http://www.thenorth.com

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The New Workplace Rich Client Technology Meets the Real World

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