WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex 4.x User's Guide

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This documentation describes how to download and use WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe® Flex® Builder™ to develop and deploy Rich Internet Applications with the Business Intelligence reporting features of WebFOCUS.

How This Manual Is Organized

This manual includes the following chapters:

Chapter/Appendix		Contents
1	Introduction	Describes the characteristics and history of Rich Internet Applications (RIA). Introduces the features of WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex that allow developers to create RIA technology-based applications integrated with WebFOCUS.
2	Prerequisites and Download Instructions	This topic describes the software requirements to develop and deploy applications using WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex and the steps to download WebFOCUS Enable from the Information Builders product site. Also addresses compatibility features and discusses licensing.
3	Custom Components and Properties	Describes the Information Builders custom components available with WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex, categorized by type of component, and the properties for each component.
4	Developing a WebFOCUS Enable Application	Describes the procedures for developing an application in Adobe Flex Builder, using WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex from Information Builders. Includes instructions on starting a new Flex project and importing WebFOCUS Enable into it, and creating an input file for the application using WebFOCUS Developer Studio. Describes how to add Information Builders custom components and filters.
5	Creating Other Charts	Describes how to create a bar chart, line chart, plot chart, and bubble chart.
6	Deploying an Application	Describes how to deploy a WebFOCUS Enable application in Information Builders Managed Reporting Business Intelligence Dashboard.
7	Customizing WebFOCUS Enable Applications	Describes the properties and procedures available for styling and customizing Enable application.
8	Using the WebFOCUS Enable API	Describes how to use the WebFOCUS Enable API to accomplish tasks such as initializing an application, creating and filtering an aggregated data grid, and creating a pie chart. It includes all API functions with their parameters.
9	IBI Component for Google Maps API for Flash	Reviews the WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex component for Google Maps API, called ibiMap001.
A	Building a Basic Dashboard	Builds a basic dashboard in Adobe Flex Builder, using Information Builders components provided by WebFOCUS Enable for Adobe Flex.
B	Adding Styles to a Dashboard	Adds styles to the basic dashboard built in Appendix A: Building a Basic Dashboard, by adding style sheets into the mxml file.

Documentation Conventions

The following table describes the documentation conventions that are used in this manual.

Convention	Description
THIS TYPEFACE or this typeface	Denotes syntax that you must enter exactly as shown.
this typeface	Represents a placeholder (or variable) in syntax for a value that you or the system must supply.
underscore	Indicates a default setting.
this typeface	Represents a placeholder (or variable), a cross-reference, or an important term. It may also indicate a button, menu item, or dialog box option that you can click or select.
this typeface	Highlights a file name or command.
Key + Key	Indicates keys that you must press simultaneously.
{ }	Indicates two or three choices. Type one of them, not the braces.
[ ]	Indicates a group of optional parameters. None are required, but you may select one of them. Type only the parameter in the brackets, not the brackets.
\|	Separates mutually exclusive choices in syntax. Type one of them, not the symbol.
...	Indicates that you can enter a parameter multiple times. Type only the parameter, not the ellipsis (...).
. . .	Indicates that there are (or could be) intervening or additional commands.

Related Publications

To view a current listing of our publications and to place an order, visit our Technical Documentation Library, http://documentation.informationbuilders.com. You can also contact the Publications Order Department at (800) 969-4636.

Customer Support

Do you have any questions about this product?

Join the Focal Point community. Focal Point is our online developer center and more than a message board. It is an interactive network of more than 3,000 developers from almost every profession and industry, collaborating on solutions and sharing tips and techniques. Access Focal Point at http://forums.informationbuilders.com/eve/forums.

You can also access support services electronically, 24 hours a day, with InfoResponse Online. InfoResponse Online is accessible through our Web site, http://www.informationbuilders.com. It connects you to the tracking system and known-problem database at the Information Builders support center. Registered users can open, update, and view the status of cases in the tracking system and read descriptions of reported software issues. New users can register immediately for this service. The technical support section of www.informationbuilders.com also provides usage techniques, diagnostic tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Call Information Builders Customer Support Services (CSS) at (800) 736-6130 or (212) 736-6130. Customer Support Consultants are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST to address all your WebFOCUS Managed Reporting questions. Information Builders consultants can also give you general guidance regarding product capabilities and documentation. Please be ready to provide your six-digit site code number (xxxx.xx) when you call.

To learn about the full range of available support services, ask your Information Builders representative about InfoResponse Online, or call (800) 969-INFO.

Information You Should Have

To help our consultants answer your questions effectively, be prepared to provide the following information when you call:

Your six-digit site code (xxxx.xx).
Your WebFOCUS configuration:
- The front-end you are using, including vendor and release.
- The communications protocol (for example, TCP/IP or HLLAPI), including vendor and release.
- The software release.
- Your server version and release. You can find this information using the Version option in the Web Console.
The stored procedure (preferably with line numbers) or SQL statements being used in server access.
The Master File and Access File.
The exact nature of the problem:
- Are the results or the format incorrect? Are the text or calculations missing or misplaced?
- Provide the error message and return code, if applicable.
- Is this related to any other problem?
Has the procedure or query ever worked in its present form? Has it been changed recently? How often does the problem occur?
What release of the operating system are you using? Has it, your security system, communications protocol, or front-end software changed?
Is this problem reproducible? If so, how?
Have you tried to reproduce your problem in the simplest form possible? For example, if you are having problems joining two data sources, have you tried executing a query containing just the code to access the data source?
Do you have a trace file?
How is the problem affecting your business? Is it halting development or production? Do you just have questions about functionality or documentation?

User Feedback

In an effort to produce effective documentation, the Documentation Services staff welcomes your opinions regarding this manual. Please use the Reader Comments form at the end of this manual to communicate suggestions for improving this publication or to alert us to corrections. You can also use the Documentation Feedback form on our Web site, http://documentation.informationbuilders.com/feedback.asp.

Thank you, in advance, for your comments.

Information Builders Consulting and Training

Interested in training? Information Builders Education Department offers a wide variety of training courses for this and other Information Builders products.

For information on course descriptions, locations, and dates, or to register for classes, visit our Web site (http://www.informationbuilders.com) or call (800) 969-INFO to speak to an Education Representative.