It’s an exciting week here at Altova! We have several new offerings to tell you about, including Release 2 of the Version 2012 Altova MissionKit and entire product line, a new Altova Online Training course on XSLT Technology, and a new service called Altova Product Consulting. Let’s start with what’s included in the latest product release. Version 2012 Release 2 delivers a host of the new features that have been most frequently requested by our customers, including support for EPUB 2.x, sorting of data mapping results, RichEdit functionality for Authentic eForms, code generation from UML sequence diagrams, and much more.

Version 2012 Release 2 Highlights

EPUB As the demand for e-books and other digital publications has exploded, so have the number of requests we’ve received from developers who need an easy way to create and edit these documents in XMLSpy 2012. In Release 2 we’ve added support for EPUB® (electronic publication), the open standard for e-books from the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). It’s easy to view and work with the various files that make up an EPUB document in XMLSpy’s Archive View, which supports creating, editing, validating, and previewing EPUB digital publications. XMLSpy already provides validation and support for editing XML, XHTML, CSS, and other standards-based files that comprise EPUB documents, making it a natural choice for creating and working with EPUB content. Check out all the new features in XMLSpy. Sorting for Data Mapping Projects Another frequently requested feature is the ability to sort data in mapping projects where the final output format needs to be ordered differently than it was in the input. MapForce 2012r2 includes two powerful new sorting features that you can apply in a variety of ways. The screenshot below shows a new function that performs a multi-level sort on the source data before writing the output file: Another option is available for sorting relational input. MapForce users have long been able to sort database data through ORDER BY statements in SQL queries. However, SQL queries that operate inside the database are not always sufficient for complex data mapping tasks. MapForce 2012r2 adds additional database sorting functionality to the existing MapForce SQL-WHERE component to become SQL-WHERE/ORDER, which is especially useful when database input requires additional processing that cannot be accomplished in a SQL query, or other data or conditions can impact the sorted order of data rows. Read more about new MapForce features. Other important features added in R2 include RichEdit functionality for Authentic eForms created in StyleVision, code generation from UML sequence diagrams in UModel, support for logical files in IBM® iSeries® databases across the product line, and much more.

Upgrade Info

Check out the rest of the features added in Release 2. This new version is free to download and install for customers with Support and Maintenance. If you’re not already an Altova customer, you can download a free, fully functional 30-day trial.

XSLT Technology Training

We are thrilled to announce the latest Altova Online Training course, XSLT Technology. This free, online, self-paced class introduces students to the concepts of XSL, XSLT, XPath, XSL-FO, and more, through guided tutorials and videos. You can practice working with these technologies using the tools of the Altova MissionKit to transform XML to XML, to HTML, and to PDF.

Altova Product Consulting

Have you ever wished you could purchase a few hours of a product expert’s time – whether you need to determine if a particular tool could solve your problem, or need help creating a schema or mapping project, or simply require in-depth product support? We’ve heard from a lot of customers with this very requirement – and in response we have created Altova Product Consulting. Altova’s Product Consulting engineers are experts on Altova software and related technologies. Services include determining if an Altova product meet the needs of a particular project, creating a MapForce mapping file (.mfd), designing a StyleVision design (.sps), and so on. Unlike typical complicated consulting engagements, Altova Product Consulting services are sold per hour, the allotment of which is agreed upon in advance, so there are no surprises. Get more information on specific services provided, pricing, and how to get started.

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The Altova MissionKit 2013, empowers developers to integrate XMLSpy, MapForce, or StyleVision functionality seamlessly in custom Java applications for Windows. This frequently-requested capability adds to existing support for integrating these MissionKit tools in Visual Basic or C# applications, giving developers flexibility to add some or all XMLSpy, MapForce, or StyleVision views and functionality to their own custom apps.

Version 2013 of XMLSpy, MapForce, and StyleVision include a new API that allows each to run inside a window within a Java application developed using the Java Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) or Java Swing. This functionality allows MapForce 2013, for instance, to be embedded in larger applications where data mapping and transformation is only one requirement.

Altova provides sample applications with XMLSpy, MapForce, and StyleVision illustrating use of the Java API. You can access the sample applications from the command line or from within Eclipse.

The screen shot above shows the MapForce version of sample application, which has launched MapForce, opened a mapping file, and displayed validation results. The buttons for each MapForce window, such as Mapping, DB Query, Output, etc. below the mapping window all operate exactly as if MapForce is running in its normal stand-alone mode. Right-click context menus in the mapping window are also supported.

The Java API also includes extensive documentation to help Java developers get started quickly. An example from the MapForce API documentation is shown below.

Please note: you must install the corresponding free XMLSpy MapForce, or StyleVision Integration Package to access the sample applications and Java integration functionality. Although Java is known as a cross-platform development tool, MapForce integration functionality is available for the Windows platform only.

Try Version 2013 Now

Version 2013 is a free update for Altova customers with an active Support and Maintenance Package. Visit the Altova Download page to update now! If you’re not already a customer, you may download a free, fully-functional 30-day trial.

The post The Altova MissionKit 2013 Introduces Seamless Integration of XMLSpy, MapForce, and StyleVision in Java Applications appeared first on Altova Blog.

Release 2 of Altova MissionKit desktop developer and server software products is now available for downloading. This release packs a punch, delivering enhancements that boost performance by two or even three times, as well as updated standards support – and a revolutionary new approach to speeding up XSLT execution called XSL Speed Optimizer.

Let’s take a look at some of these new features in depth.

XSL Speed Optimizer
This new technology is a ground breaking approach to speeding up XSLT transformations, providing tremendous increases in throughput with no analysis required by the developer to determine exactly which XSLT or XPath expressions are causing bottlenecks. The XSL Speed Optimizer analyzes an XSLT transformation and derives an optimization strategy that can be saved within the stylesheet as processing instructions (PI).

Subsequent transformations with the optimized stylesheet using either XMLSpy or RaptorXML will be executed faster using those optimization hints. The XSL Speed Optimizer allows developers to focus on the transformation logic of their stylesheets – rather than spending valuable time identifying and correcting bottlenecks – and leave speed optimization to XMLSpy.

Additional Support for XSLT, XPath, and XQuery 3.0
First introduced in Version 2014, support for XSLT 3.0 has been updated to include even more functionality, and support for XQuery 3.0 is now finalized in XMLSpy and RaptorXML Server, allowing developers to harness the power of these new standards versions during editing, debugging, reporting, and processing.

Support for XPath 3.0 and XSLT 3.0 is now also available in StyleVision for report generation based on XML, database, and XBRL data sources.

An example of an XPath 3.0 expression being written for an XSLT 3.0 stylesheet is shown below, in the newly enhanced XPath dialog in StyleVision:

New Altova extension functions
XMLSpy, StyleVision, and RaptorXML Server all include support for a large number of new Altova extension functions for XSLT and XQuery development and processing. The new extension functions augment the standard XPath functions to meet common requirements quickly and efficiently. Examples include adding years, months, days, hours, minutes, or seconds directly to a date/time without a need to understand complex duration syntax, calculating age, repeating a string, converting between hex and integer formats, and so on.

Support for XBRL Table Linkbase
XBRL Table Linkbase provides a mechanism for specifying how XBRL data should be displayed that goes beyond the standard capabilities of the presentation linkbase to define the presentation of multi-dimensional XBRL data in a format that is more familiar to non-technical stakeholders such as accountants, financial professionals, and other business users.

XMLSpy 2014r2 now includes a graphical XBRL Table Linkbase editor for creating, editing, and validating XBRL Table Linkbases, as well as generating tables based on table linkbase definitions, providing developers all the tools they need to start utilizing this important new specification.

XBRL Table linkbase is also supported on RaptorXML+XBRL Server for lightning-fast validation and processing of XBRL documents.

New data mapping options
MapForce 2014r2 includes a number of new features for customizing any-to-any data mapping projects, including support for CDATA generation in XML files, new functions for processing and generating sequences, time-out settings for Web services calls, and more.

StyleVision is now powered by RaptorXML
The RaptorXML engine is now built into StyleVision, enabling lightning-fast XSLT transformations as well as support for XSLT 3.0 and XPath 3.0. StyleVision joins several other MissionKit products powered by RaptorXML, including XMLSpy, MapForce, and SchemaAgent.

Significant speed increase for XML and XBRL validation
RaptorXML Server 2014 already delivered on the promise of lightning fast XML validation, and v2014r2 is even quicker – up to two times faster* on multi-core machines when taking advantage of the parallel validation option.

Validation speeds on multicore machines are much faster for XBRL, as well – up to three times faster* on RaptorXML+XBRL Server 2014r2.

Job caching enhancements
FlowForce Server job caching has been enhanced with several new features. Job caching allows administrators to schedule execution of time consuming jobs, store the results, and deliver output instantaneously to a Web browser window, upon an HTTP request by an end user. Now in Version 2014 Release 2, job caching is supported for jobs that use parameters and combinations of multiple parameters. Administrators simply define the parameter combinations that will be available in the job configuration dialog.

Bulk insert for databases
Bulk Insert is now supported on MapForce Server, allowing a large volume of data to be inserted into a database table in a single SQL statement, as opposed to the typical method of using individual Insert statements for each row. Since processing overhead by the database engine is greatly reduced, performance is much faster. Testing has shown Bulk Insert can be more than 10 times faster* than individual Insert statements, greatly enhancing MapForce Server performance when writing to a database.

These and many more features are available in Release 2 of Version 2014 of MissionKit desktop developer tools and server software. For a complete list of new features, supported standards, and trial downloads please visit the links above.

Current customers with active Support and Maintenance or active server product licenses can update to the latest version for free.

*Performance results based on Altova internal tests conducted on a typical selection of files comparing Version 2014r2 to the prior version of the server software. Your results may vary.

The post Altova’s Latest Release Sets the Performance Bar Even Higher appeared first on Altova Blog.

Release 3 of the Version 2015 Altova MissionKit desktop developer tools and Altova server software products is now available with updated standards support, customer requested features, and innovative new functionality that will save you time on everything from XPath and XQuery development, to advanced data mapping, to XBRL report rendering and beyond. You can skip right to the good stuff and upgrade now, or click Read More below for all the details.

New in XMLSpy 2015 Release 3

• Support for XPath 3.1 and XQuery 3.1
• Significantly extended XPath/XQuery tab
• Support for Web Services Security (WS-Security) and other security extensions
• Support for XBRL Extensible Enumerations 1.0
• Support for custom fonts in Output Windows

Significantly extended XPath/XQuery window with builder mode, enhanced entry helpers, XPath/XQuery 3.1 support & more:

New in MapForce 2015 Release 3

• String processing as XML, JSON, EDI, CSV, FLF, and FlexText
• FlexText Support for Regular Expressions
• Support for SQLite databases
• Support for Web Services Security and other security extensions
• Support for Excel 2013 files
• Support for additional X12 standards: 5040, 6030, 6040
• Support for additional EDIFACT standards: D.14A, D.14B
• New string processing functions

Process any text file component (XML, JSON, EDI, CSV, FLF, or FlexText) as a string rather than a file:

New in StyleVision 2015 Release 3

• Support for XPath 3.1
• Support for XBRL Table Linkbase

Generating tables based on XBRL Table Linkbase definition:

Rendered table:

Altova Server Software 2015 Release 3

Version 2015 Release 3 of Altova Server Software products includes enhanced standards and API support and other helpful functionality.

New in Altova LicenseServer 2015 Release 3

• Failover support, making it possible to install primary and secondary LicenseServers and combine them in a fully automatic failover installation

New in RaptorXML Server 2015 Release 3

• Support for XPath and XQuery 3.1
• Significant improvements to Python API
• Support for additional XBRL standards, including Extensible Enumerations 1.0 and Generic Preferred Label 1.0 (RaptorXML+XBRL Server only)

New in MapForce Server 2015 Release 3

MapForce Server preprocesses and automates execution of data mappings designed in MapForce, and as such supports the same new functionality added to MapForce 2015r3.

New in StyleVision Server 2015 Release 3

StyleVision Server automates report and document generation based on stylesheets and supporting design elements designed and uploaded by StyleVision, and as such supports the new functionality added to StyleVision 2015r3.

Update Now

Upgrading to v2015r3 is included for all customers with an active Support and Maintenance package, as well as all current customers of Altova Server Software.

Update now!
If you’re not already a customer, download a free, 30-day trial.

The post New Support for XPath/XQuery 3.1, WS-Security, and More Debut in R3 appeared first on Altova Blog.

Let’s take a look at a few of the features recently added to the Altova MissionKit desktop developer tools and complete line of server software products, including screaming-fast XML validation speeds using RaptorXML Server inside XMLSpy,  frequently requested functionality for EDGAR filing validation, support for SQLite databases and the TRADACOMS EDI format, and much more. You can always learn about the latest and greatest new features on the Altova What’s New page.

Tight integration between XMLSpy and Installed RaptorXML Servers

RaptorXML Server is a lightning-fast XML validation and transformation server that benefits from the parallel processing power afforded by multi-core servers. Now XMLSpy users can take advantage of a RaptorXML Server installed on the same network to harness the speed provided by multi-core execution. This makes validation of large and complex XML documents faster than was ever possible before – directly inside XMLSpy. Developers can also take advantage of this integration to validate entire XMLSpy projects at warp speed.

Similarly, when a RaptorXML+XBRL Server is present, XMLSpy developers can utilize it for hyper-fast validation of XBRL documents, as well as execution of XBRL Formula calculations and EDGAR filing validation (below).

Test cases reveal validation speeds anywhere from 6 to 18 times faster!* For example, we compared validation speeds in XMLSpy alone on a typical developer’s machine [Win7 32bit, Core2 Duo E8600 3.3GHz (2 cores), 4GB RAM] against validation speeds using a common RaptorXML Server configuration [Linux server 64bit, Xeon E5-2630 2.3GHz (12 cores), 128GB RAM] from inside XMLSpy over a 1 GB network. Results from a variety of test cases include:

EDGAR filing validation

EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) is a system that performs automated collection, validation, and indexing of financial statements filed by companies to the United States SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). Starting with Version 2015 Release 4, EDGAR filing validation is available on both RaptorXML+XBRL Server and in XMLSpy. This ability for customers to perform EDGAR validation prior to submitting files to the SEC is one of the most often requested XBRL-related features.

Support for TRADACOMS

TRADACOMS is an early EDI standard used primarily in the United Kingdom retail, insurance, and book industry business sectors. Although the development of TRADACOMS standards ceased in 1995, it is still widely used in legacy systems, and data mapping of TRADACOMS messages is frequently required. Starting with Version 2015 Release 4 of MapForce and MapForce Server, TRADACOMS data may now be used as a source, intermediate, or target component in data mapping projects involving other EDI data, XML, relational databases, flat files, and more.

Support for SQLite databases

 Altova database-enabled products support all major relational databases, the most recent addition being SQLite, which has become increasingly popular on a variety of platforms. SQLite support was introduced in Altova MapForce and MobileTogether in earlier releases, and has now been extended to XMLSpy, StyleVision, DatabaseSpy, and other products in the Altova MissionKit, as well as Altova Server Software products.

For more details and a complete list of all of the new features included in version 2015r4, check out: www.altova.com/whatsnew.html .

*Performance results based on Altova internal tests. Your results may vary.

The post XML Validation Speeds Reach New Levels appeared first on Altova Blog.

We are excited to announce details of the latest release of Altova MissionKit desktop developer tools and server software products. Version 2016 includes full Windows 10 compatibility and updated relational database support across the product line, and it also introduces some new features that you simply will not find anywhere else.

XMLSpy 2016 includes the first full featured, enterprise-grade graphical JSON Schema editor. MapForce, our data integration tool, now includes a data mapping debugger that will revolutionize the way you define and test data mapping projects. Let’s take a closer look at these new features.

JSON Schema Editor

The JSON Schema standard emerged in response to the need to define and enforce the structure of data on a per-application basis. Slower to develop, however, was a JSON Schema editor with the features and functionality today’s developers need.  That all changes with the new JSON Schema editor in XMLSpy. Current customers will immediately recognize JSON Schema view, which was based on the ever-popular XML Schema editor – but if you’re new to XMLSpy you’ll grasp it right away too. It’s easy to use and will expedite your JSON schema development with features including:

• Graphical, drag and drop JSON Schema design
• Intelligent entry helper windows and context menus
• Validation of JSON Schemas and instances against schemas
• One-click generation of JSON Schemas from JSON instances
• High-performance validation of JSON projects (see next section)

This new functionality enhances existing features in XMLSpy including:

• Intelligent editing of JSON instances in text or grid view
• XML to JSON conversion, JSON to XML conversion

RaptorXML Server Integration for XSLT and XQuery Jobs

In XMLSpy Version 2015 Release 4, we introduced the option to run XML validation jobs on your installed RaptorXML Servers from inside XMLSpy, increasing validation speeds for large numbers of files anywhere from 6-18 times.

Now, that same functionality is extended to XSLT and XQuery jobs. Because you’re utilizing the parallel processing power of a RaptorXML Server running on multiple cores, these transformations will complete up to 14 times faster – all directly inside XMLSpy!

This increased synergy makes RaptorXML Server even more useful for development teams, because you can now take advantage of a single shared RaptorXML Server to torch previously time-consuming transformation jobs for large numbers of documents.

By the way, RaptorXML Server 2016 now also supports JSON validation, so this functionality is available for validating large JSON files in XMLSpy, as well.

MapForce Data Mapping Debugger

MapForce makes it easy to define sophisticated data mapping rules for integrating all types of data. However, for complex mapping projects with multiple functions, data sources, or custom decision logic, it can sometimes be difficult to track down errors when the mapping does not produce the expected results.

Now, the MapForce data mapping debugger lets you examine your mapping output step by step, to diagnose and perfect projects of any complexity.

Once invoked, the debugger allows step by step execution of your data mapping design with display of all intermediate values. The MapForce data mapping debugger comes with new menu commands, a new toolbar, and new helper windows that are opened automatically while the debugger is running, so you can trace the intermediate processing operations and examine data values as your mapping executes.

The MapForce data mapping debugger supports:

• Setting breakpoints on any input or output node
• Conditional breakpoints
• Manual, step by step debugging
• Display of all intermediate values in the graphical mapping view during mapping execution
• Context window showing which nodes/functions have been processed
• History window showing a list of every value that passed through a selected point during execution
• Partial output that shows what content has been written to the output file already during single-step execution or when reaching a breakpoint

This new data mapping debugger is revolutionary because it gives you deep insight into the exact inner workings of your data integration and ETL projects in a way that was never possible before, not even in much higher-cost mapping products. The ability to easily define breakpoints, watch the data essentially flow through your mapping, and examine throughput data at each step makes it much more efficient to isolate and resolve errors to produce the most accurate data mappings possible.

These are just a few highlights of the new release. Check out all the new features in v2016 and update to the latest version now!

The post New JSON Schema Editor and Data Mapping Debugger Debut in Altova Version 2016 appeared first on Altova Blog.

I’m excited to reveal some details of today’s Release 2 of Altova MissionKit 2016 desktop developer tools and software products!

v2016r2 introduces over 20 new features and updates to the Altova product line – but that’s a lot to cover in one blog post. Let’s take a look at the top five that are sure to blow your socks off.

1. Enterprise-grade XPath and XQuery Debugger

Writing and testing XPath and XQuery statements is often a game of trial and error, constantly tweaking each expression until it selects or returns the data exactly as you intended. The ability to test as you’re working, with interactive entry helpers and instant results helps speed the process greatly. That’s exactly what the XPath/XQuery window in XMLSpy is designed to do – and it just got even better with the addition of the first-of-its-kind XPath and XQuery Debugger.

This new window lets you analyze the results of your XPath or XQuery step-by-step as you run it against an XML document, with all the features developers expect from a full-featured code debugger, including step into, step over, and step out functionality, as well as Result, Variables, and Call Stack tabs. It’s easy to set break points and trace points to halt the debugger so you can examine the results at a particular point.

The debugger makes it easy to test and perfect your XQuery and XPath in the same window where you’re editing it, saving developers time and frustration.

2. New Tools for JSON Schema Conversion & Generation

When we added the graphical JSON Schema editor to XMLSpy earlier this year, we knew users would love it. We also knew they’d expect the very same functionality available for working with XSD applied to JSON Schema development – and we’ve rounded out that support in this release. XMLSpy now provides additional functionality to speed JSON development:

• XML Schema <=> JSON Schema conversion
• Generating sample JSON instance from JSON Schema
• JSON Schema documentation generation in HTML or Word

This new functionality completes comprehensive JSON support in XMLSpy, which now includes intelligent instance editing and validation, as well as JSON Schema editing, generation, conversion, and documentation – all in the same environment where you’re working with XML and related technologies.

3. Support for REST Web Services in Data Mapping Projects

Adding to the long list of data formats available for any-to-any data mapping  and integration in MapForce is new support for REST Web services.

MapForce accepts XML or JSON as the Web service response, and allows definition of parameters and supports custom HTTP headers, when required. Users can either define the Web service interface manually or by importing settings from a WADL file or a URL.

This new, often-requested support for REST Web services as data functions within a mapping allows users to more easily integrate information available from a wide range of sources over the Internet.

4. Starting Multi-Channel Publishing Designs from Word Docs

StyleVision makes it easy to build elegant reports and forms for publishing XML, XBRL, and database data in web and print formats. Now, it’s even easier to get started on a new design by basing your report or form on an existing Word document.

Compared to starting from scratch, basing a designs on an existing Word doc can save hours – or even days for complex projects – of design time otherwise spent replicating existing documents, since StyleVision preserves all the existing formatting and layout properties that exist in the Word doc.

Once the Word file is loaded, you can optionally add additional XML, database, or XBRL data sources to produce dynamic, multichannel output. It’s a great way to add value to existing forms or simply get a jumpstart creating a sophisticated StyleVision design.

5. .NET API for Building Custom XBRL Solutions, including Excel Plugins

In addition to Java, COM, and Python APIs, RaptorXML Server now includes a .NET API.

The .NET API allows developers to integrate RaptorXML Server functionality for high-performance XML, JSON, or XBRL validation and processing in applications written for the Microsoft platform, in C# and other .NET languages.

The potential applications for this synergy are limitless: developers can now integrate RaptorXML functionality into any application for the Microsoft platform. For instance, the .NET API makes it possible to build Excel plugins to generate XBRL directly from data in Excel, offering a powerful alternative to existing tagging-based solutions that could revolutionize the generation of XBRL data.

You can upgrade or get more information on these new features – and the numerous others introduced in v2016r2 – on the Altova What’s New page.

The post Five Not-to-Miss Features in Altova’s Latest Product Release appeared first on Altova Blog.

It’s time for the latest release of Altova’s MissionKit and server software products, and this one delivers a huge boost in functionality for working with big data, databases, XBRL, and much more.

With support for Apache Avro in multiple products, additional databases and drivers across the product line, and two new XBRL specifications in developer and server products, plus a new way to build and process PDF forms, Version 2017 connects all the data dots.

What will be your favorite new feature? Let’s take a look.

Modernized Find/Replace Functionality

Perhaps the most immediate productivity gain in this latest release comes to us in XMLSpy for working in Text View. We’ve completely redesigned and modernized the Find dialog and added powerful new features.

The new, modeless dialog stays open as you work, highlighting all instances of a search term immediately, as you type, allowing you to identify and navigate to each instance much more quickly than before. You can now search within a selection or even select a string of text to instantly highlight all instances throughout your document – with indications of all the matches both in Text View and also on the scrollbar.

All the powerful advanced features of the Find dialog are still available, of course, including filtering by granular criteria (element/attribute names, content, etc.) and searching with regular expressions.

Apache Avro Tools

Visualizing, Validating, and Editing and Avro

Apache Avro™ enjoys wide use as a compact, fast binary serialization format for Big Data, especially within the Hadoop framework. Despite this prevalence, however, there’s long been an unfilled need for working with binary Avro data in a user-friendly way. Enter XMLSpy 2017.

With the new Avro View, you can get an immediate visualization of binary data structures in an easy-to-read tabular format.

Because Avro files are extremely large, a Blocks pane organizes the data into groups, which you can view with a click. Avro View also supports searching through these huge files of data at lightning speed.

You can also extract and optionally edit the Avro schema. Since it’s a JSON file, the Avro schema can be edited in XMLSpy’s Grid View for a visual representation, or in Text View. Both options provide editing guidance and intelligent entry helpers.

During editing, validation against the Avro schema specification is provided.

High-performance processing

For ultra-fast validation of Avro data, RaptorXML Server brings the heat. Optimized for processing huge amounts of data, RaptorXML Server supports numerous Avro processing commands, including extracting the schema from an Avro data file, validating Avro schemas, and validating Avro instances against their associated schema.  

New Database Functionality

Extended Database Support

Rich database integration is found throughout the Altova MissionKit desktop developer toolset, and we’re constantly adding additional support based on industry developments and customer feedback.

New support is now available across the product line for:

• Support for ADO.NET database drivers – adds another option to existing ADO, ODBC, and JDBC drivers
• Native support for PostgreSQL – native support removes the need for intermediate drivers, so working with PostgreSQL databases is faster, easier, and consumes less memory
• Support for Progress OpenEdge databases – we’ve received numerous requests to add this as a supported database
• Support for SQL Server 2016 – adds to support for previous versions

Database Mapping Tools

In addition, database support in MapForce has been enhanced with support for executing database table actions as SQL merge. For certain mappings that both update and insert data into a database table and typically require the Update-If and Insert-Rest table actions, MapForce can now generate SQL Merge statements to be executed against the database. This improves execution throughput by reducing the number of database server calls, since they combine the INSERT and UPDATE statements into one.

Our tests indicate that bulk execution of SQL Merge by MapForce Server can be up to 15 times* more efficient than previous techniques.

Support for Additional XBRL Specifications

Tools for end-to-end development and processing of XBRL can be found throughout the Altova product line, and this latest release adds functionality for working with two newer specifications: XBRL Taxonomy Packages and Inline XBRL.

XBRL Taxonomy Packages

Since XBRL taxonomies are generally comprised of numerous related documents, they’re often packaged together in a ZIP file.

The XBRL Taxonomy Packages specification makes this approach more convenient by defining a standard format and location for a file in that ZIP archive that provides important information including a description of the package and the entry point. The taxonomy package  contains a catalog XML file that remaps URIs to the offline taxonomy’s file locations, making the taxonomy available offline to applications.

We’ve now added support for accessing the offline resources in an XBRL Taxonomy Package in both XMLSpy for development and RaptorXML+XBRL Server for high-speed, server-side validation.

Inline XBRL

The Inline XBRL (iXBRL) specification extends XBRL by allowing filers to embed their XBRL data directly into an HTML document, in effect combining the benefits of tagged data with a human-readable report.

Since the XBRL data contained in an iXBRL document still must be extracted into an XBRL instance document for further processing, XMLSpy now provides that functionality with the Transform Inline XBRL command. You can also validate iXBRL files on RaptorXML+XBRL Server.

New Excel Add-in Generates XBRL

We’re also excited to announce a brand new product for generating XBRL directly in Excel. The European Banking Authority (EBA) XBRL Add-in for Excel is targeted for institutions that submit filings to the EBA in XBRL format. It allows end-users to enter data directly in Excel – where they’re already comfortable working. In the background, the add-in saves the data in a valid XBRL instance document based on the EBA XBRL Taxonomy for submission.

Fillable PDF Forms

StyleVision, well known for generating attractive, multi-channel reports in PDF and other formats just got important new functionality for designers building fillable PDF forms. All of StyleVision’s user-friendly design tools are now available for PDF Forms, making it easy to build these functional tools for capturing user data.

Whether you start from scratch or base your design on an existing form imported into StyleVision, you’ll have access to all of StyleVision’s advanced functionality, entry helpers, and wizards for designing static and dynamic design components for use in forms.

Once users enter their data, organizations can extract the data in XML or FDF format using StyleVision Server, process it further to generate reports, and so on.

This powerful functionality immediately adds more value to the PDF forms workflow.

French Language Versions

As a last note, all MissionKit products and server software products are now also available in French versions, adding to those for English, German, Spanish, and Japanese.

Update Now

You can upgrade or get more information on these new features – and the numerous others introduced in the latest release – on the Altova What’s New page.

*Performance results are based on Altova internal tests and may vary.

The post Big Data, Database, and XBRL Tools Get a Huge Boost appeared first on Altova Blog.

It’s time for the latest release of MobileTogether, Altova’s cross-platform framework for building native, data-centric apps.

Coming a short five months after MobileTogether 2.2, version 3.0 ships with an impressive array of new functionality, from developer-requested features such as barcode scanning and automated testing support, to flexibility improvements in the form of multi-level stylesheets and print-to-file functionality, all of which are sure to set your apps apart from the crowd.

Let’s take a look at the new features in detail.

New in MobileTogether 3.0

Version 3.0 of MobileTogether adds the following:

• Support for scanning barcodes
• Multi-level style sheets
• Automated testing facility
• New action: print to PDF, Word, or RTF from client
• Ability to open files (e.g., PDF) on client
• Significant speed increase for Windows and Windows Phone client
• Completely re-written browser client

Support for Barcodes

Support for scanning barcodes is now available when developing apps in MobileTogether. This action will be immediately familiar to end users, who can now use the camera function of their mobile device to scan a barcode and retrieve the information stored therein.

MobileTogether supports numerous popular linear and 2D barcode standards, including:

• Aztec
• Codabar
• Code 39
• Code 93
• Code 128
• Data Matrix
• EAN-8
• EAN-13
• EAN-128
• ITF
• PDF 417
• QR Code
• RSS-14
• RSS-Expanded
• UPC-A
• UPC-B

Below you can see how to configure barcode use as an action in an app, and an example of an app scanning an ISBN (which uses the EAN-13 format) barcode.

Barcode support makes MobileTogether apps even more useful in a variety of industries and vertical markets.

Multi-level Style Sheets

For the ultimate flexibility in UI design, you can now define and assign styles either project wide or individually: per page, per table, or per control. Developers simply define styles using the Style Sheets dialog, and then can assign them with one click, as needed. As you can see below, the dialog supports project styles, which are applied everywhere, and custom styles that can be assigned on a granular basis for the various elements and controls in the app UI.

Styles – and the application of styles – can be defined with static values or calculated via XPath.

Creating a one-stop style repository not only saves a tremendous amount of time, but it also makes it much easier to control the appearance of apps across all platforms. For instance, if you need to make all app buttons look the same across iOS, Android, and Windows (i.e., instead of using the native button-looks), you can now define that once per project (or at any granular level, as required).

Automated Testing Facility

MobileTogether 3.0 includes features that greatly enhance the ability to test and debug mobile apps. In the Simulator portion of MobileTogether Designer, it is now possible to record a sequence of user actions, save the sequence in a file, and replay saved user action sets later when the app is modified. However, unlike other products, actions may be replayed either in the Simulator window itself, or on a client device that is connected to the Designer for a trial run!

You can save entire suites of test scripts to validate apps as they evolve over time, which allows you to:

• Validate app behavior if underlying data changes, such as the result of database queries or REST web service requests
• Verify bug fixes by replaying the set of actions that caused the error in a new version of the app that incorporates the fix
• Ensure no unexpected behaviors are accidentally introduced in new versions of the app
• Preview how the same sets of user actions look on different mobile client devices

The Manage Test Cases and Runs dialog shown below  lets you manage libraries of test cases for each app, control playback speed, and collect snapshots of client views and page sources after each step.

Full-blown support for automated testing in MobileTogether makes it possible to deploy apps to end-users on multiple mobile platforms much more rapidly than other mobile development tools.

Print-to-File from Mobile App

It’s now possible to generate reports or documents – straight from a mobile app.

This support is enabled through rich synergy with Altova StyleVision for designing multichannel reports and StyleVision Server for generating them on the fly, based on end user data. StyleVision Server uses a report design created in StyleVision to print the end user’s data to PDF, Word, or RTF.

Once a document is generated, it will be saved on the client for further processing. For instance, a PDF file could be emailed as a file attachment. The screenshot below shows the Actions dialog for configuring the print-to-file functionality and a page from an app using the feature.

The ability to print to documents in predefined, standardized formats greatly enhances potential applications for MobileTogether in enterprise environments.

Ability to Open Files on Mobile Clients

Now app developers can give end users the ability to open files such as PDFs, image files, text files, etc., that are stored on the client device. The file path can be defined in the app design directly or via XPath. Or, you can let the end-user select the file on his/her device, for instance, in a Windows 8 or 10 app. An optional file extension filter lets you specify the types of files that are allowed to be opened.

Speed Increase for Windows Devices

Version 3.0 includes a significant speed increase for Windows apps built in MobileTogether. Page rendering speeds on Windows Phone and Windows 8 & 10 are now up to 5 times* faster.

Completely Re-Written Browser Client

In addition to native apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 & 10, MobileTogether includes an HTML5 browser-based client for devices running any other operating system, such as Blackberrys or non-Windows 8/10 laptops.

For Version 3.0, we have completely re-written the MobileTogether browser client to deliver better performance. The new version transfers significantly less data between server and browser, which reduces data traffic, and apps running in the browser are generally smoother and faster.

Internal tests, especially via the 3G network, result in page rendering speeds up to 10 times* faster.

Learn More and Get Version 3.0

Get all the details and upgrade to MobileTogether 3.0. It’s free for current customers. For new customers, MobileTogether Designer is always free-to-use, so you can get started building your first app right away.

The post MobileTogether Adds Barcodes, Automated Testing, and More appeared first on Altova Blog.

It’s time for the latest release of Altova desktop developer tools and server software products, and this one introduces numerous innovative features across the product line, including a brand-new version of MapForce Server called MapForce Server Accelerator Edition for even faster processing of data integration jobs.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of Version 2017 Release 3.

XSLT and XQuery Back-mapping

Testing, debugging, and perfecting XSLT and XQuery code can be a time-consuming, often frustrating, process given the complexity and sheer size of the respective documents. The XMLSpy XSLT debugger and XQuery debugger are great tools for analyzing and perfecting transformations.

XSLT/XQuery back-mapping takes it a step further by allowing a developer to simply click on a portion of an output document to see the source XML node and XSLT or XQuery expression that created it. When working with XSLT back-mapping, you can even click on the output directly in Browser View as shown below.

This new functionality is a huge step forward in XSLT and XQuery development, especially since XMLSpy achieves back-mapping without altering your code in any way. See how it works in this video.

Support for JSON5

Support for JSON across the product line has now been updated to include JSON5, the proposed extension to the spec that makes JSON code easier for humans to read and write. This means you can choose JSON or JSON5 for intelligent editing and conversion in XMLSpy, data mapping in MapForce, and high-speed validation on RaptorXML Server.

Enhanced Find bar

The new, modernized Find/Replace bar that was added to XMLSpy recently is now also available in StyleVision, MapForce, and DatabaseSpy. The Find bar additionally also now supports multi-line searches via regular expressions in all these products.

New ‘join’ component for data mapping

The new ‘join’ component in MapForce is like a SQL JOIN, so it’s intuitive to use and understand, but even more flexible, because it can join data trees of any format. For example, an XML structure can be joined with a CSV file. The Condition element at the bottom of the join window allows you to define how the files will be combined during mapping.

For mapping projects that involve relational databases, the join component produces SQL JOIN statements for fast mapping execution. When you automate mappings with MapForce Server, you can access additional optimizations for mappings that use ‘join’ with the new MapForce Server Accelerator Edition, as described below.

Converting a StyleVision design to MobileTogether

StyleVision, the visual report and electronic forms design tool, now offers the ability to convert an existing design to a MobileTogether design. This means you can take an existing StyleVision report or e-form and use it as a great starting point for creating a mobile app!

Here’s a snippet of the StyleVision “Invoice” design saved as a MobileTogether design file and opened in MobileTogether Designer.

The MobileTogether Designer lets you change the design as necessary, and then deploy it as a native app that may be accessed on mobile devices and Windows 8/10 computers – as well as in any web browser.

This is especially useful for customers using StyleVision to design e-forms for Altova Authentic Browser Edition because it removes the need to use a browser plug-in as modern browsers discontinue plug-in support.

New features in Charting Engine

The charting engine in XMLSpy, StyleVision, DatabaseSpy, and RaptorXML Server received some enhancements that let users define charts with even more sophistication:

• Line chart may be used to draw just dots without the connecting lines
• Y-Axis may be inverted with 0 at the top
• Value labels can be shown directly on gauges or bars
• Text labels can be placed in charts (e.g., for showing units)
• Customizing distances between bars on bar charts

MapForce Server Accelerator Edition

MapForce Server provides efficient automation of data mapping projects defined in MapForce. Now, the MapForce Server Accelerator Edition offers even faster performance for customers utilizing servers with two or more CPU cores by providing specific optimizations:

• Multi-threading execution of individual data mappings
• Execution of data mappings that include the new ‘join’ component described above

During tests, MapForce Server Accelerator Edition has been shown to execute mapping projects submitted by customers up to 70 times faster*!

Learn More and Update

Learn about all the new features added across the product line.

Existing customers can update to the latest version to take advantage of all these new features. You can also try any Altova product free for 30 days.

* Performance results based on Altova internal tests. Your results may vary.

The post New XSLT Back-mapping Headlines Altova Release appeared first on Altova Blog.

Nothing’s more frustrating than getting unintended results from an XSLT or XQuery transformation and having to spend hours tracking down the issue – especially if you’ve inherited the project from another developer or haven’t looked at the code in a few months.  Of course, XMLSpy has long included an XSLT debugger and XQuery debugger for setting break points and stepping through transformations to identify problems. However, the debugging process just got even more interactive and precise with the introduction of XSLT/XQuery back-mapping.

With back-mapping enabled, you can simply click on or hover over the portion of your output document you want to zero in on, and XMLSpy will immediately highlight the source XML and XSLT or XQuery instruction that is responsible. Let’s see how it works.

Debugging XSLT and XQuery with Back-mapping

Prior to initiating an XSLT or XQuery execution, click the “Enable Back-mapping” button on the XMLSpy toolbar.

XMLSpy will give you the option to tile the XML, XSLT or XQuery, and output documents so you can easily visualize related elements in one window. In the XSLT transformation shown below, we can hover over any section of the output in Browser view, and XMLSpy automatically highlights the source node and instruction in the XML and XSLT documents for immediate debugging.

The process works the same in Text View for XSLT and XQuery output – simply select the portion of the output document you need to analyze.

The ability to simply click into your output to identify its source is a huge time saver for testing and debugging XSLT and XQuery code. Best of all, XMLSpy accomplishes back-mapping without modifying your output document in any way.

See how this works for both XSLT and XQuery in this quick back-mapping video.

XSLT/XQuery back-mapping is available starting in XMLSpy Version 2017 Release 3. Update to the latest version now or try it free for 30 days.

The post How to Debug XSLT and XQuery appeared first on Altova Blog.

DatabaseSpy is the unique database tool that supports all major databases and facilitates database query, design, structure comparison, table content editing and comparison, and even generates elegant charts from query results.

The recent update of DatabaseSpy to version 2017 Release 3 adds several new features, including the ability to automatically generate a complete DDL script for any database schema.

Database Tool for Complete DDL Scripts

A complete DDL script is an important resource that allows a database administrator to recreate a complete database structure. The DDL script will create all tables and relationships, as well as all views, constraints, indexes, functions, procedures, etc. that may be defined in the database.

DDL scripts are essential for backing up complete database structures, or to move a structure to a different server when the actual table contents are not required, such as moving from a development environment into production.

Right-clicking any database schema in the Online Browser helper window opens a context menu where the Show in New SQL Editor option offers the DDL Script command, as shown in the screenshot here:

The generated DDL script is then immediately opened in a DatabaseSpy SQL Editor window where it can be reviewed, saved to a file, or edited with context-sensitive autocompletion.

Enhanced Database Tool Find Bar

The DatabaseSpy SQL Editor Find bar functionality is also enhanced for Version 2017 Release 3. The new Find bar is based on Find features first introduced in XMLSpy 2017. Case sensitive, regular expression, and find in selection searches are supported. The Find bar also supports multi-line searches.

Shown below, the new Find functionality is especially useful to review long SQL scripts, such as the generated DDL script from the example described above.

Completely Revamped SQL Editor Autocompletion

Version 2017 Release 3 introduces completely rewritten SQL Editor autocompletion functionality to improve speed and efficiency while users create or edit SQL statements. The new SQL Editor autocompletion features:

• Greatly improved speed
• More relevant suggestions based on partial matches
• Better handling of quotes and parentheses

In the screenshot below, autocompletion offers the names of columns in the products table:

Autocompletion suggestions adjust based on the exact syntax and datatypes of the connected database type. Users working in a familiar database will find SQL Editor autocompletion improves productivity, and autocompletion is especially helpful for those working with an unfamiliar SQL dialect.

Database Tool Chart Enhancements

A colorful, eye-catching chart communicates information faster and more effectively than a table of numeric data. The already-powerful charting features of DatabaseSpy are further enhanced in Version 2017 Release 3:

• Line chart may be used to draw just dots without the connecting lines
• Y-Axis may be inverted with 0 at the top
• Value labels can be shown directly on gauges or bars

• Text labels can be placed in charts (e.g., for showing units)
• Customizing distances between bars on bar charts

Supported Databases

All the database tool functionality described here – and much more – is supported for the databases listed here. DatabaseSpy even lets users simultaneously open connections to multiple databases of different types and even compare structures and content between them.

Supported Databases:

• Firebird
• IBM DB2 for iSeries®
• IBM DB2®
• Informix®
• Microsoft Access™
• Microsoft® Azure SQL
• Microsoft® SQL Server®
• MySQL®
• Oracle®
• PostgreSQL
• Progress OpenEdge
• SQLite
• Sybase®

(Click here for the current detailed list of supported versions for each database.)

Existing DatabaseSpy customers can update to the latest version to take advantage of all these new database tool features. You can also try any Altova product free for 30 days.

The post Update to Altova’s Database Tool Adds Important New Features appeared first on Altova Blog.

When it comes to developing sophisticated software and data integration applications, the more building blocks a developer has at his or her disposal, the better. With each release of our developer and server software, we aim to provide customers with unique tools that give them the edge to get the job done – faster, and more efficiently.

To that end, Version 2018 delivers a unique HTTP testing window, 3-way file comparison functionality, support for SQL Templates, super-powered new server options, and much more.

Testing HTTP and WADL Messages

XMLSpy is a great tool for building web and web services applications, and the addition of the new HTTP Testing Window makes it even more useful. Developers often need to send and receive HTTP messages, whether for testing APIs, interfacing with WebDav servers, testing REST web services, or managing web sites.

The new window includes helpful menus and entry fields that make it fast to define and send an HTTP request, then receive and check the response. The left-hand pane of the window lets you specify the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, etc.), the HTTP headers of the request, and any connection settings such as time-outs and security options. For POST and PUT methods, you can also enter the message body.

The HTTP window also allows developers to import WADL files for testing. WADL (Web Application Development Language) files provide a machine-readable description of HTTP-based services including REST web services.

A WADL Import Wizard lets you select the WADL file as well as the type of request, method to import, and any parameters. Next, the wizard shows the parameters of the request lets you edit or deactivate them. Any invalid or incorrect values are highlighted so that they can be addressed before sending.

Once the wizard is complete, the request will be imported into the HTTP output window, where you can send it and view the response.

3-Way Diff / Merge

Both XMLSpy and DiffDog have long provided powerful differencing tools for XML and other files, as well as directories. In Version 2018 both products now also support 3-way diff/merge for document comparisons.

The ability to compare three versions of the same document is especially helpful for developers, who often have to reconcile differences between documents in a source control system. Three-way comparison allows you to see changes and conflicts in different forks in a single view and merge them into a final document.

SQL Templates

Altova’s multi-database SQL editor, DatabaseSpy, now supports SQL Templates, which are SQL queries that accept parameters. Parameters can make a query much more flexible, for instance, allowing users to easily test complex join statements with multiple values.

SQL Templates can be saved in a special projects folder and executed dynamically. This is useful, for instance, when a user needs to create queries that generate test results to explore unfamiliar data. After a test query is executed, the user can select values from the result table and supply them as parameters to a SQL Template stored in the project templates folder.

Auto-generation of iXBRL

Generating iXBRL, which is XBRL embedded in a human readable HTML document, just got a lot easier in StyleVision.  Since the United States SEC is increasingly encouraging companies to submit their financials in iXBRL, companies need an easy way to generate it each quarter.

StyleVision now includes an iXBRL Table Wizard for US-GAAP XBRL taxonomies that will auto-generate an iXBRL report based on definitions in the presentation linkbase.

Users simply select which tables they wish to generate along with other options, and StyleVision outputs the iXBRL document.

It also generates the same report in PDF, RTF, and Word for dissemination to a wide range of stakeholders.

 New Advanced Server Editions

In Version 2018 we are introducing two new editions of the popular MapForce Server and FlowForce Server for customers with the most demanding data integration and workflow automation requirements.

MapForce Server Advanced Edition (formerly Accelerator Edition) includes all the data integration automation capabilities of MapForce Server, with the addition of support for the following optimizations that make it even faster:

• Multi-threading of execution of individual data mappings
• Optimization for execution of data mappings that include the MapForce join component

FlowForce Server Advanced Edition includes additional support for the increasingly popular AS2 specification.  AS2 is intended to improve upon existing file transfer protocols with increased security and includes an option feature to further encrypt data. It was developed in conjunction with users who routinely transfer EDI, financial information, and other business data.

These new editions give customers the flexibility to choose the server option that best suits their processing requirements.

Additional New Features

Other new features added across the product line include:

• Significant speed improvements in the XSLT engines
• Improved spec conformance in XSLT/XQuery engines
• Database support updated to include Sybase 16, PostgreSQL 9.6, and MySQL 5.7
• Code generation support for Visual Studio 2013, 2015, 2017
• Integration with Eclipse 4.7
• Support for XBRL Versioning 1.0
• Support for XML Signatures 1.1

Get Version 2018

Read more about the features added to each product, and update to Version 2018. If you’re a current customer with active Support and Maintenance, you can upgrade for free. New customers can download a free, 30-day trial.

The post Add to Your Collection of Development Building Blocks appeared first on Altova Blog.

The latest release of MobileTogether, Altova’s framework for cross platform mobile app development, adds easy-to-use tools for defining push notifications, the ability to embed apps inside web applications, and more.

Let’s take a look at these new features, which only add to the long list of functionality available for building today’s sophisticated, data-centric mobile apps.

Push Notifications

MobileTogether 4.0 introduces the ability to send push notifications to one or multiple devices running MobileTogether apps.

Push notifications provide a way for app publishers to communicate directly to end-users to deliver information, such as news related to the app. They can also be used to drive subsequent user and app behavior, such as accepting invitations, linking to a website, or modifying a database.

It’s easy to define actions for sending and receiving push notifications in the MobileTogether Actions Dialog:

Various options give the developer maximum flexibility for implementing simple or complex notification behavior, as well as selecting which users receive it.

Embedding Solutions in Web Apps

This functionality allows developers to embed one or more MobileTogether solutions directly in a web page to, for example, enable web-based form applications like the one shown below.

The MobileTogether solution itself interacts with MobileTogether Server as usual and receives data that can then be communicated back and forth with the web application.

MobileTogether apps are embedded via an iFrame element in the HTML code of the web page, and multiple options for user or device authentication are available, if required.

 New Actions

MobileTogether 4.0 includes several new actions for defining app behavior:

• Load/Save String: parses a string and generates an XML or JSON page source, or serializes an XML/JSON page source and saves the string. This is especially useful when embedding a MobileTogether solution in a web app, as described above.
• Read Folder: retrieves a list of files and sub folders from a folder on the MobileTogether Server or client at runtime.
• MapForce Transfer: calls MapForce Server directly to perform any-to-any data conversion. This integration greatly expands the list of legacy and other back-end data formats that may be used in a MobileTogether app.
• Set Language: allows the end user to switch the language of a localized app manually (instead of defaulting to the OS language on the device). You can see this already implemented in the Altova Group & Gather app, which is available in five languages. Users can switch back and forth as needed:

Server Usage Statistics

The MobileTogether Server installation now includes a powerful app for the server administrator that displays various statistics about individual solutions running on that server.

This new app makes it easy to get an accurate view of the usage and popularity of each app on your MobileTogether Server, with reports and filters that allow you to view stats on numbers and types of users, devices, app starts, server requests, etc.

Updated OS and Database Support

Support for Android 6.0, 7.0, 7.1

Support has been added for building apps that include the native look, feel, and functionality of these latest Android versions.

Support for PostgreSQL 9.6

This adds to support for previous versions of this popular database.

Get the Latest Version

For existing MobileTogether customers, it’s free to upgrade to MobileTogether 4.0.

If you haven’t tried MobileTogether yet, you can download the free MobileTogether Designer to get started now!

The post Push Notifications Headline Latest MobileTogether Release appeared first on Altova Blog.

It’s time for the latest release of MobileTogether, Altova’s cross-platform framework for building native, data-centric apps.

Coming a short five months after MobileTogether 2.2, version 3.0 ships with an impressive array of new functionality, from developer-requested features such as barcode scanning and automated testing support, to flexibility improvements in the form of multi-level stylesheets and print-to-file functionality, all of which are sure to set your apps apart from the crowd.

Let’s take a look at the new features in detail.

New in MobileTogether 3.0

Version 3.0 of MobileTogether adds the following:

• Support for scanning barcodes
• Multi-level style sheets
• Automated testing facility
• New action: print to PDF, Word, or RTF from client
• Ability to open files (e.g., PDF) on client
• Significant speed increase for Windows and Windows Phone client
• Completely re-written browser client

Support for Barcodes

Support for scanning barcodes is now available when developing apps in MobileTogether. This action will be immediately familiar to end users, who can now use the camera function of their mobile device to scan a barcode and retrieve the information stored therein.

MobileTogether supports numerous popular linear and 2D barcode standards, including:

• Aztec
• Codabar
• Code 39
• Code 93
• Code 128
• Data Matrix
• EAN-8
• EAN-13
• EAN-128
• ITF
• PDF 417
• QR Code
• RSS-14
• RSS-Expanded
• UPC-A
• UPC-B

Below you can see how to configure barcode use as an action in an app, and an example of an app scanning an ISBN (which uses the EAN-13 format) barcode.

Barcode support makes MobileTogether apps even more useful in a variety of industries and vertical markets.

Multi-level Style Sheets

For the ultimate flexibility in UI design, you can now define and assign styles either project wide or individually: per page, per table, or per control. Developers simply define styles using the Style Sheets dialog, and then can assign them with one click, as needed. As you can see below, the dialog supports project styles, which are applied everywhere, and custom styles that can be assigned on a granular basis for the various elements and controls in the app UI.

Styles – and the application of styles – can be defined with static values or calculated via XPath.

Creating a one-stop style repository not only saves a tremendous amount of time, but it also makes it much easier to control the appearance of apps across all platforms. For instance, if you need to make all app buttons look the same across iOS, Android, and Windows (i.e., instead of using the native button-looks), you can now define that once per project (or at any granular level, as required).

Automated Testing Facility

MobileTogether 3.0 includes features that greatly enhance the ability to test and debug mobile apps. In the Simulator portion of MobileTogether Designer, it is now possible to record a sequence of user actions, save the sequence in a file, and replay saved user action sets later when the app is modified. However, unlike other products, actions may be replayed either in the Simulator window itself, or on a client device that is connected to the Designer for a trial run!

You can save entire suites of test scripts to validate apps as they evolve over time, which allows you to:

• Validate app behavior if underlying data changes, such as the result of database queries or REST web service requests
• Verify bug fixes by replaying the set of actions that caused the error in a new version of the app that incorporates the fix
• Ensure no unexpected behaviors are accidentally introduced in new versions of the app
• Preview how the same sets of user actions look on different mobile client devices

The Manage Test Cases and Runs dialog shown below  lets you manage libraries of test cases for each app, control playback speed, and collect snapshots of client views and page sources after each step.

Full-blown support for automated testing in MobileTogether makes it possible to deploy apps to end-users on multiple mobile platforms much more rapidly than other mobile development tools.

Print-to-File from Mobile App

It’s now possible to generate reports or documents – straight from a mobile app.

This support is enabled through rich synergy with Altova StyleVision for designing multichannel reports and StyleVision Server for generating them on the fly, based on end user data. StyleVision Server uses a report design created in StyleVision to print the end user’s data to PDF, Word, or RTF.

Once a document is generated, it will be saved on the client for further processing. For instance, a PDF file could be emailed as a file attachment. The screenshot below shows the Actions dialog for configuring the print-to-file functionality and a page from an app using the feature.

The ability to print to documents in predefined, standardized formats greatly enhances potential applications for MobileTogether in enterprise environments.

Ability to Open Files on Mobile Clients

Now app developers can give end users the ability to open files such as PDFs, image files, text files, etc., that are stored on the client device. The file path can be defined in the app design directly or via XPath. Or, you can let the end-user select the file on his/her device, for instance, in a Windows 8 or 10 app. An optional file extension filter lets you specify the types of files that are allowed to be opened.

Speed Increase for Windows Devices

Version 3.0 includes a significant speed increase for Windows apps built in MobileTogether. Page rendering speeds on Windows Phone and Windows 8 & 10 are now up to 5 times* faster.

Completely Re-Written Browser Client

In addition to native apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 & 10, MobileTogether includes an HTML5 browser-based client for devices running any other operating system, such as Blackberrys or non-Windows 8/10 laptops.

For Version 3.0, we have completely re-written the MobileTogether browser client to deliver better performance. The new version transfers significantly less data between server and browser, which reduces data traffic, and apps running in the browser are generally smoother and faster.

Internal tests, especially via the 3G network, result in page rendering speeds up to 10 times* faster.

Learn More and Get Version 3.0

Get all the details and upgrade to MobileTogether 3.0. It’s free for current customers. For new customers, MobileTogether Designer is always free-to-use, so you can get started building your first app right away.

The post MobileTogether Adds Barcodes, Automated Testing, and More appeared first on Altova Blog.

It’s time for the latest release of Altova desktop developer tools and server software products, and this one introduces numerous innovative features across the product line, including a brand-new version of MapForce Server called MapForce Server Accelerator Edition for even faster processing of data integration jobs.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of Version 2017 Release 3.

XSLT and XQuery Back-mapping

Testing, debugging, and perfecting XSLT and XQuery code can be a time-consuming, often frustrating, process given the complexity and sheer size of the respective documents. The XMLSpy XSLT debugger and XQuery debugger are great tools for analyzing and perfecting transformations.

XSLT/XQuery back-mapping takes it a step further by allowing a developer to simply click on a portion of an output document to see the source XML node and XSLT or XQuery expression that created it. When working with XSLT back-mapping, you can even click on the output directly in Browser View as shown below.

This new functionality is a huge step forward in XSLT and XQuery development, especially since XMLSpy achieves back-mapping without altering your code in any way. See how it works in this video.

Support for JSON5

Support for JSON across the product line has now been updated to include JSON5, the proposed extension to the spec that makes JSON code easier for humans to read and write. This means you can choose JSON or JSON5 for intelligent editing and conversion in XMLSpy, data mapping in MapForce, and high-speed validation on RaptorXML Server.

Enhanced Find bar

The new, modernized Find/Replace bar that was added to XMLSpy recently is now also available in StyleVision, MapForce, and DatabaseSpy. The Find bar additionally also now supports multi-line searches via regular expressions in all these products.

New ‘join’ component for data mapping

The new ‘join’ component in MapForce is like a SQL JOIN, so it’s intuitive to use and understand, but even more flexible, because it can join data trees of any format. For example, an XML structure can be joined with a CSV file. The Condition element at the bottom of the join window allows you to define how the files will be combined during mapping.

For mapping projects that involve relational databases, the join component produces SQL JOIN statements for fast mapping execution. When you automate mappings with MapForce Server, you can access additional optimizations for mappings that use ‘join’ with the new MapForce Server Accelerator Edition, as described below.

Converting a StyleVision design to MobileTogether

StyleVision, the visual report and electronic forms design tool, now offers the ability to convert an existing design to a MobileTogether design. This means you can take an existing StyleVision report or e-form and use it as a great starting point for creating a mobile app!

Here’s a snippet of the StyleVision “Invoice” design saved as a MobileTogether design file and opened in MobileTogether Designer.

The MobileTogether Designer lets you change the design as necessary, and then deploy it as a native app that may be accessed on mobile devices and Windows 8/10 computers – as well as in any web browser.

This is especially useful for customers using StyleVision to design e-forms for Altova Authentic Browser Edition because it removes the need to use a browser plug-in as modern browsers discontinue plug-in support.

New features in Charting Engine

The charting engine in XMLSpy, StyleVision, DatabaseSpy, and RaptorXML Server received some enhancements that let users define charts with even more sophistication:

• Line chart may be used to draw just dots without the connecting lines
• Y-Axis may be inverted with 0 at the top
• Value labels can be shown directly on gauges or bars
• Text labels can be placed in charts (e.g., for showing units)
• Customizing distances between bars on bar charts

MapForce Server Accelerator Edition

MapForce Server provides efficient automation of data mapping projects defined in MapForce. Now, the MapForce Server Accelerator Edition offers even faster performance for customers utilizing servers with two or more CPU cores by providing specific optimizations:

• Multi-threading execution of individual data mappings
• Execution of data mappings that include the new ‘join’ component described above

During tests, MapForce Server Accelerator Edition has been shown to execute mapping projects submitted by customers up to 70 times faster*!

Learn More and Update

Learn about all the new features added across the product line.

Existing customers can update to the latest version to take advantage of all these new features. You can also try any Altova product free for 30 days.

* Performance results based on Altova internal tests. Your results may vary.

The post New XSLT Back-mapping Headlines Altova Release appeared first on Altova Blog.

DatabaseSpy is the unique database tool that supports all major databases and facilitates database query, design, structure comparison, table content editing and comparison, and even generates elegant charts from query results.

The recent update of DatabaseSpy to version 2017 Release 3 adds several new features, including the ability to automatically generate a complete DDL script for any database schema.

Database Tool for Complete DDL Scripts

A complete DDL script is an important resource that allows a database administrator to recreate a complete database structure. The DDL script will create all tables and relationships, as well as all views, constraints, indexes, functions, procedures, etc. that may be defined in the database.

DDL scripts are essential for backing up complete database structures, or to move a structure to a different server when the actual table contents are not required, such as moving from a development environment into production.

Right-clicking any database schema in the Online Browser helper window opens a context menu where the Show in New SQL Editor option offers the DDL Script command, as shown in the screenshot here:

The generated DDL script is then immediately opened in a DatabaseSpy SQL Editor window where it can be reviewed, saved to a file, or edited with context-sensitive autocompletion.

Enhanced Database Tool Find Bar

The DatabaseSpy SQL Editor Find bar functionality is also enhanced for Version 2017 Release 3. The new Find bar is based on Find features first introduced in XMLSpy 2017. Case sensitive, regular expression, and find in selection searches are supported. The Find bar also supports multi-line searches.

Shown below, the new Find functionality is especially useful to review long SQL scripts, such as the generated DDL script from the example described above.

Completely Revamped SQL Editor Autocompletion

Version 2017 Release 3 introduces completely rewritten SQL Editor autocompletion functionality to improve speed and efficiency while users create or edit SQL statements. The new SQL Editor autocompletion features:

• Greatly improved speed
• More relevant suggestions based on partial matches
• Better handling of quotes and parentheses

In the screenshot below, autocompletion offers the names of columns in the products table:

Autocompletion suggestions adjust based on the exact syntax and datatypes of the connected database type. Users working in a familiar database will find SQL Editor autocompletion improves productivity, and autocompletion is especially helpful for those working with an unfamiliar SQL dialect.

Database Tool Chart Enhancements

A colorful, eye-catching chart communicates information faster and more effectively than a table of numeric data. The already-powerful charting features of DatabaseSpy are further enhanced in Version 2017 Release 3:

• Line chart may be used to draw just dots without the connecting lines
• Y-Axis may be inverted with 0 at the top
• Value labels can be shown directly on gauges or bars

• Text labels can be placed in charts (e.g., for showing units)
• Customizing distances between bars on bar charts

Supported Databases

All the database tool functionality described here – and much more – is supported for the databases listed here. DatabaseSpy even lets users simultaneously open connections to multiple databases of different types and even compare structures and content between them.

Supported Databases:

• Firebird
• IBM DB2 for iSeries®
• IBM DB2®
• Informix®
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft® Azure SQL
• Microsoft® SQL Server®
• MySQL®
• Oracle®
• PostgreSQL
• Progress OpenEdge
• SQLite
• Sybase®

(Click here for the current detailed list of supported versions for each database.)

Existing DatabaseSpy customers can update to the latest version to take advantage of all these new database tool features. You can also try any Altova product free for 30 days.

The post Update to Altova’s Database Tool Adds Important New Features appeared first on Altova Blog.

When it comes to developing sophisticated software and data integration applications, the more building blocks a developer has at his or her disposal, the better. With each release of our developer and server software, we aim to provide customers with unique tools that give them the edge to get the job done – faster, and more efficiently.

To that end, Version 2018 delivers a unique HTTP testing window, 3-way file comparison functionality, support for SQL Templates, super-powered new server options, and much more.

Testing HTTP and WADL Messages

XMLSpy is a great tool for building web and web services applications, and the addition of the new HTTP Testing Window makes it even more useful. Developers often need to send and receive HTTP messages, whether for testing APIs, interfacing with WebDav servers, testing REST web services, or managing web sites.

The new window includes helpful menus and entry fields that make it fast to define and send an HTTP request, then receive and check the response. The left-hand pane of the window lets you specify the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, etc.), the HTTP headers of the request, and any connection settings such as time-outs and security options. For POST and PUT methods, you can also enter the message body.

The HTTP window also allows developers to import WADL files for testing. WADL (Web Application Development Language) files provide a machine-readable description of HTTP-based services including REST web services.

A WADL Import Wizard lets you select the WADL file as well as the type of request, method to import, and any parameters. Next, the wizard shows the parameters of the request lets you edit or deactivate them. Any invalid or incorrect values are highlighted so that they can be addressed before sending.

Once the wizard is complete, the request will be imported into the HTTP output window, where you can send it and view the response.

3-Way Diff / Merge

Both XMLSpy and DiffDog have long provided powerful differencing tools for XML and other files, as well as directories. In Version 2018 both products now also support 3-way diff/merge for document comparisons.

The ability to compare three versions of the same document is especially helpful for developers, who often have to reconcile differences between documents in a source control system. Three-way comparison allows you to see changes and conflicts in different forks in a single view and merge them into a final document.

SQL Templates

Altova’s multi-database SQL editor, DatabaseSpy, now supports SQL Templates, which are SQL queries that accept parameters. Parameters can make a query much more flexible, for instance, allowing users to easily test complex join statements with multiple values.

SQL Templates can be saved in a special projects folder and executed dynamically. This is useful, for instance, when a user needs to create queries that generate test results to explore unfamiliar data. After a test query is executed, the user can select values from the result table and supply them as parameters to a SQL Template stored in the project templates folder.

Auto-generation of iXBRL

Generating iXBRL, which is XBRL embedded in a human readable HTML document, just got a lot easier in StyleVision.  Since the United States SEC is increasingly encouraging companies to submit their financials in iXBRL, companies need an easy way to generate it each quarter.

StyleVision now includes an iXBRL Table Wizard for US-GAAP XBRL taxonomies that will auto-generate an iXBRL report based on definitions in the presentation linkbase.

Users simply select which tables they wish to generate along with other options, and StyleVision outputs the iXBRL document.

It also generates the same report in PDF, RTF, and Word for dissemination to a wide range of stakeholders.

 New Advanced Server Editions

In Version 2018 we are introducing two new editions of the popular MapForce Server and FlowForce Server for customers with the most demanding data integration and workflow automation requirements.

MapForce Server Advanced Edition (formerly Accelerator Edition) includes all the data integration automation capabilities of MapForce Server, with the addition of support for the following optimizations that make it even faster:

• Multi-threading of execution of individual data mappings
• Optimization for execution of data mappings that include the MapForce join component

FlowForce Server Advanced Edition includes additional support for the increasingly popular AS2 specification.  AS2 is intended to improve upon existing file transfer protocols with increased security and includes an option feature to further encrypt data. It was developed in conjunction with users who routinely transfer EDI, financial information, and other business data.

These new editions give customers the flexibility to choose the server option that best suits their processing requirements.

Additional New Features

Other new features added across the product line include:

• Significant speed improvements in the XSLT engines
• Improved spec conformance in XSLT/XQuery engines
• Database support updated to include Sybase 16, PostgreSQL 9.6, and MySQL 5.7
• Code generation support for Visual Studio 2013, 2015, 2017
• Integration with Eclipse 4.7
• Support for XBRL Versioning 1.0
• Support for XML Signatures 1.1

Get Version 2018

Read more about the features added to each product, and update to Version 2018. If you’re a current customer with active Support and Maintenance, you can upgrade for free. New customers can download a free, 30-day trial.

The post Add to Your Collection of Development Building Blocks appeared first on Altova Blog.

The latest release of MobileTogether, Altova’s framework for cross platform mobile app development, adds easy-to-use tools for defining push notifications, the ability to embed apps inside web applications, and more.

Let’s take a look at these new features, which only add to the long list of functionality available for building today’s sophisticated, data-centric mobile apps.

Push Notifications

MobileTogether 4.0 introduces the ability to send push notifications to one or multiple devices running MobileTogether apps.

Push notifications provide a way for app publishers to communicate directly to end-users to deliver information, such as news related to the app. They can also be used to drive subsequent user and app behavior, such as accepting invitations, linking to a website, or modifying a database.

It’s easy to define actions for sending and receiving push notifications in the MobileTogether Actions Dialog:

Various options give the developer maximum flexibility for implementing simple or complex notification behavior, as well as selecting which users receive it.

Embedding Solutions in Web Apps

This functionality allows developers to embed one or more MobileTogether solutions directly in a web page to, for example, enable web-based form applications like the one shown below.

The MobileTogether solution itself interacts with MobileTogether Server as usual and receives data that can then be communicated back and forth with the web application.

MobileTogether apps are embedded via an iFrame element in the HTML code of the web page, and multiple options for user or device authentication are available, if required.

 New Actions

MobileTogether 4.0 includes several new actions for defining app behavior:

• Load/Save String: parses a string and generates an XML or JSON page source, or serializes an XML/JSON page source and saves the string. This is especially useful when embedding a MobileTogether solution in a web app, as described above.
• Read Folder: retrieves a list of files and sub folders from a folder on the MobileTogether Server or client at runtime.
• MapForce Transfer: calls MapForce Server directly to perform any-to-any data conversion. This integration greatly expands the list of legacy and other back-end data formats that may be used in a MobileTogether app.
• Set Language: allows the end user to switch the language of a localized app manually (instead of defaulting to the OS language on the device). You can see this already implemented in the Altova Group & Gather app, which is available in five languages. Users can switch back and forth as needed:

Server Usage Statistics

The MobileTogether Server installation now includes a powerful app for the server administrator that displays various statistics about individual solutions running on that server.

This new app makes it easy to get an accurate view of the usage and popularity of each app on your MobileTogether Server, with reports and filters that allow you to view stats on numbers and types of users, devices, app starts, server requests, etc.

Updated OS and Database Support

Support for Android 6.0, 7.0, 7.1

Support has been added for building apps that include the native look, feel, and functionality of these latest Android versions.

Support for PostgreSQL 9.6

This adds to support for previous versions of this popular database.

Get the Latest Version

For existing MobileTogether customers, it’s free to upgrade to MobileTogether 4.0.

If you haven’t tried MobileTogether yet, you can download the free MobileTogether Designer to get started now!

The post Push Notifications Headline Latest MobileTogether Release appeared first on Altova Blog.

Nothing’s more frustrating than getting unintended results from an XSLT or XQuery transformation and having to spend hours tracking down the issue – especially if you’ve inherited the project from another developer or haven’t looked at the code in a few months.  Of course, XMLSpy has long included an XSLT debugger and XQuery debugger for setting break points and stepping through transformations to identify problems.

For a more interactive debugging process, XMLSpy also includes XSLT/XQuery back-mapping.

With back-mapping enabled, you can simply click on or hover over the portion of your output document you want to zero in on, and XMLSpy will immediately highlight the source XML and XSLT or XQuery instruction that is responsible. Let’s see how it works.

Debugging XSLT and XQuery with Back-mapping

XMLSpy will give you the option to tile the source and output documents so you can easily visualize related elements in one window. Then, run the transformation.

In the XSLT transformation shown below, I’ve hovered over one of the radio buttons in the output document in Browser view, and XMLSpy automatically highlighted the source node and instruction in the XML and XSLT documents.

The process works the same in Text View for XSLT and XQuery output – simply select the portion of the output document you need to analyze.

The ability to simply click into your output to identify its source is a huge time saver for testing and debugging XSLT and XQuery code. Best of all, XMLSpy accomplishes back-mapping without modifying your output document in any way.

See how this works for both XSLT and XQuery in this quick back-mapping video.

The post How to Debug XSLT and XQuery appeared first on Altova Blog.