wso2 gadget server v1.0 technical briefing
DESCRIPTION
The WSO2 Gadget Server is an Enterprise Information Portal, providing a framework built on top of the Google Gadget Specification, that helps enterprises organize information in their SOA across organizational boundaries.TRANSCRIPT
WSO2 Gadget ServerTechnical Briefing
December 2009
Company
Founded in 2005 by pioneers in XML, SOA, Open Source
Significant contributors, members and committers at Apache Software Foundation
Offering complete Enterprise Middleware platform, 100% free and open source under Apache license
Business model based on providing training, consultancy and support for the software
Global company with offices in US, UK and Sri Lanka
Common Enterprise Architecture
WSO2 Enterprise Platform
WSO2 Gadget Server 1.0
Gadget Server
Language neutral – no need for Portlet programmersPure HTML + Javascript / AJAXGoogle Gadget Specification is widely used because of iGoogleHundreds of available Gadgets and samples
Full personalization of Gadgets Drag and dropMultiple tabsAdd Gadgets from the repository or by URLAnonymous mode can be used for public access
Support for Enterprise capabilitiesExisting user directories – e.g. LDAP, ActiveDirectoryEnterprise Gadget Repository to manage available gadgetsCan restrict to authorized gadgets or allow open web-based gadgets
Understanding Gadgets
The Google Gadget Specification is an open specification forbuilding dynamic web content, used in the iGoogle homepage
Gadgets deployed in WSO2 Gadget Server are HTML andJavascript wrapped in XML
Unlike old-style portals, Gadgets don't have to be installed bythe administrator before use
instead, there is an option which allows gadgets to be loaded over the network from any website
The result is that your users can choose from hundreds of ready written tools without needing the time of an administrator
Because gadgets are simple to write using standard webtechnologies, your developers or external teams can quickly and effectively create task-specific tools and reports
The Enterprise Gadget Repository
One of the most important features of the WSO2 Gadget Serveris the Enterprise Gadget Repository
This is where users can pick and choose gadgets to be added to their individual portal pages
This makes it simple to create a default home page for eachuser, and
provides users with a simple catalogue of enterprise gadgets
In addition users can comment and rate these gadgetshelping everyone get the best out of the system
Architecture Overview
The Gadget Server is a pure Java application, running on JDK 1.5 and 1.6, and tested on Windows, Linux, Solaris and AIX
Based on the WSO2 Carbon framework
The gadget display engine of the WSO2 Gadget Server ispowered by Apache Shindig
an Open Source reference implementation of the Google Gadgets Specification
Architecture Overview
The Gadget Server is scalable, clusterable and enterprise ready
Supports OpenID and Infocard single-signon technologies
The administrator has a single console that manages the whole product including monitoring, configuring permissions and adding gadgets to the Enterprise Gadget Repository
What can it be used for?
Enterprise PortalBusiness DashboardContent AggregatorSOA/AJAX UI FrameworkAnd many more
The WSO2 Gadget Server Anonymous Mode
Demonstrates a potential user the portal experience even beforeregistration
The Enterprise Gadget Repository is not available in this mode
Administrators can configure which Gadgets from the EnterpriseGadget Repository are available for Anonymous Users
User's portal settings are stored in the browser
The WSO2 Gadget Server Anonymous Mode
User Registration
Users can register usingStandard user name and password,OpenId orInfocards
User self registration can be disabled if required
Users can be manually added by the Administrator using theManagement Console
Externals user stores can be linked as wellLDAPActive DirectoryJDBC
User Registration
User Registration – by Administrator
Portal User Experience
Once registered, the user's portal is pre-populated with thedefault Gadgets defined by the Administrator
Users can …Add new Gadgets from the Enterprise Gadget Repository,Arrange Gadgets using drag and drop,Configure per Gadget settings if available,Add new TabsClone existing TabsCopy Gadgets between Tabs
Gadgets can adjust their height dynamically
Gadgets can be maximized to use more screen space
Gadget layout and settings can be customized
Gadgets can have dynamic height
Gadgets can be maximized
Gadget Hosting in the Registry
The Gadget XML and related resources can be hosted in theRegistry of the Gadget Server
gadget.xmlJavascript, images, .swf files, etc.
Most of the sample Gadgets shipped with the server are storedin the Registry
Gadget XMLs can be stored in Registry
The Enterprise Gadget Repository
Registered users can browse the repository and add Gadgets totheir portal with a single click
They can also comment on and rate Gadgets
Administrators get a separate view in the Management Consoleto manage Gadgets in the repository
The Enterprise Gadget Repository
Enterprise Gadget Repository - Administration
Benefits
Zero Licensing FeesInteractive and ResponsivePersonalizationUnified ViewIncreased Return on InvestmentCost EffectiveBetter user experienceUnified view of data and applications
Resources
Company Website: http://wso2.com
Sanjiva: [email protected]
Paul: [email protected]
Business Team: [email protected]