StyleVision® & Multi-channel Publishing (yup, we've got that covered too)


Ah, StyleVision… it really is so many different things packed into one powerful application. Stylesheet designer, report builder, eForms designer, and multi-channel publisher, with additional supporting features like charting, Authentic® scripting, and XBRL reporting – it sometimes seems like it does everything short of Vulcanian mind-melds (coming in SD 7411.4). But, for the here and now, let’s focus on multi-channel publishing. Multi-channel publishing is the ability to use a single source of information to provide enterprise content that can be formatted for delivery to different channels like Web, intranet, and traditional print. This methodology can be easily integrated into existing publishing technologies and workflows to maintain overall production value without disrupting the flow of day to day business processes. StyleVision even expands on its multi-channel publishing support with the ability to base publishing templates on multiple disparate data formats including XML, DTD, XBRL, and database source(s). This means that your templates can integrate data from multiple XML sources, or even combine data from an XML Schema and a relational database. In fact, you can even create designs to publish XML documents stored inside relational database columns (currently supported for IBM DB2 and SQL Server only). Multiple Output Formats The StyleVision design interface lets you visually create templates for multi-channel output in HTML, RTF, PDF, Word 2007+, and Authentic® eForms. Using drag-and-drop and advanced entry helper windows, you can easily create an attractive and functional template design for distribution to virtually any modern publishing medium.

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StyleVision autogenerates standards-conformant XSLT 1.0/2.0 and XSL:FO stylesheets based on your template design to instantaneously publish your source content into the target output format of your choice. Simply click on the relevant output tab on the design pane to render your data at any time. You can even view or save the generated transformation code.

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Building Business Reports To create a multi-channel publishing template in StyleVision, simply open an existing XML Schema, XML instance, DTD, XBRL taxonomy, or database, and the content model will appear in the Schema Tree entry helper. You can even connect to multiple XML and database schemas to incorporate data from multiple sources – such as an XML file and a database – in your design. When you select an element or attribute that you wish to see in your report and drag it from the Schema Tree window onto the design pane, StyleVision prompts you to specify how you would like the new node to be handled (for example, as a new paragraph, image, table, etc.). This information will be rendered dynamically based on the data in your source(s). You can also insert static content such as header text, images, hyperlinks, and so on. clip_image004 StyleVision also offers an alternative design paradigm for those more accustomed to working with common desktop publishing applications. For more information, see the Electronic Forms Design page. The StyleVision interface provides advanced entry helper windows for viewing, editing, and assigning the style and layout properties of each element or document section in your report design. Learn more about this functionality on the Stylesheet Designer page. To meet the specific rendering requirements of XBRL financial reports, StyleVision includes an easy to use XBRL Table Wizard. Learn more about this feature on the XBRL Rendering page. Conditional Templates Conditional templates add to StyleVision’s multi-channel publishing capabilities, enabling you to apply advanced dynamic functionality to your design. Conditional templates are based on XPath expressions and allow you to design forms with layout and presentation that changes based on source data in the XML file(s) or database. Advanced publishing protocols like output-based conditions enable you to display multi-channel content differently depending on its delivery format. Conditions for specific output can be placed around individual parts or components of the document, thus providing considerable flexibility in the way the different output documents are structured. For example, HTML output may require functionality like hyperlinks or special instructions that are not necessary for print output. Content Editing StyleVision designers can also easily create and distribute electronic forms for editing using Authentic, Altova’s low cost XML and database content editor. Together, these two applications provide an easy-to-use and powerful content editing framework that lets developers create a robust data entry application that can publish output to multiple channels. For more information, see the Authentic Forms Design section. Functions Multi-channel publishing templates designed in StyleVision support advanced functionality such as auto-calculations, business logic validation, and much more. Read more about advanced stylesheet functions. Charts & Graphs StyleVision also supports creating detailed multi-channel documentation with visual representations such as charts and graphs. As with all StyleVision designs, charts can be rendered for multi-channel output in HTML, RTF, PDF, Word 2007+, and as electronic forms. For more information, see the Charts & Graphs feature page. Check out StyleVision and add true flexibility to your business documentation with powerful support for multi-channel publishing. Download a free 30-day trial of today!

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New Feature : Authentic® Scripting in StyleVision®


StyleVision has really benefited from some very cool new features in our past and current releases – absolute positioning, editable variables in eForms, global templates, and of course, charting, bring power and flexibility to your report generation and electronic forms designs. Now with our 2011 release, the addition of an integrated scripting environment expands on these features, giving you the ability to create robust data entry applications for Authentic users. Scripting functionality is embedded directly into the StyleVision design (SPS) so that Authentic end-users only need to open an eForm to start updating XML and database sources. Event handler and macro components can be written using supported scripting languages, JavaScript or VBScript, and you can also design input forms graphically using drag and drop functionality. To embed scripting functionality in a StyleVision design (SPS), open the Scripting Editor window via the Authentic | Edit Authentic Scripts menu command or by choosing Authentic Script from the Design tab context menu. stylevision_script The Scripting Editor provides an interface through which you can create any of the following four main components:

  • Global declarations – scripts that contain variables and functions that can be used by forms, event handlers, and macros.
  • Macros – scripts that are used to assign user-defined actions to design elements, toolbar buttons or context menu items.
  • Event handlers – scripts that can be associated with a variety of available events (OnSave, OnValidate, etc.) for user interface elements in an Authentic form. The return value from the script typically instructs the application how to continue its processing.
  • Forms – simple graphical components made up of text input fields, buttons, and so on. Forms are used to show dialogs or request additional user input within scripts that are used as event handlers and macros.

Global Declarations The GlobalDeclarations component is presented by default in every scripting project. Variables and functions are added using code fragments written in the scripting language (JScript or VBScript) associated with your project. An example function, StartChangingAddress, appears below: script1 Variables or functions created in the global declarations script are accessible to all forms, event handlers, and macros in your scripting project. Macros Macros let you create functions that are called from other scripts or event handlers. For example, the macro shown below uses the GlobalDeclarations, including the StartChangingAddress function, to create a form for adding information to an active XML document. script2 Macros can be specified and associated with StyleVision design elements using the Authentic group in the Properties window. Object events that are supported for macros are:

  • OnBeforeChange
  • OnAfterChange
  • OnBeforeLinkClick
  • OnClick
  • OnSetFocus
  • OnKillFocus

clip_image003 Macros are controlled in the right-click menu of the scripting project tree, where you can add or rename. clip_image004 Event Handlers Event handlers can also be defined by selecting the Events icon in the toolbar of the Properties and Events pane. Here, you can define the behavior that the application should exhibit once a specific action is initiated or completed. Events that can be controlled include mouse movement and clicks, drag and drop, key presses, and more. Authentic View event scripts added in Version 2011 include:

  • On_AuthenticLoad – allows Authentic to set up features before the user starts working with the file
  • On_AuthenticBeforeSave – lets you prevent saving if, for example, entered data is not complete
  • On_AuthenticToolbarButtonClicked – allows behavior to be extended/modified on toolbar click
  • On_AuthenticUserAddedXMLNode – lets Authentic load any child nodes or textual content to the newly added XML node, if necessary, so that the form is prefilled with data

The scripting editor provides a folder which contains the full set of events for which event handler scripts can be written. clip_image005 Forms The Authentic Scripting Editor lets you graphically build forms using a palette of objects such as text input fields, buttons, labels, and more. General form properties such as size, background color, font styles, etc. are defined in the Properties pane. clip_image006 The form object palette provides all of the objects that are available. Registered ActiveX controls can also be added by selecting the Add ActiveX Control command in the right-click menu. clip_image007 Once an object has been inserted in your design, you can specify its appearance properties – such as alignment, borders, scroll bars, etc. – in the Properties pane.

Scripting in Practice

Authentic View scripting gives StyleVision designers complete and flexible control over various aspects of the user interface. In addition, extensions to the existing COM APIs add more flexibility for scripting and interactive eForm design. For example: Interactive object-specific design elements – such as the click of a button, modification of form elements, focus change between fields, etc. – can be accessed through the Authentic interface. User actions include OnClick, OnBeforeLinkClick, OnBeforeChange, OnAfterChange, OnSetFocus, and OnKillFocus. clip_image008 Entry helper windows can be suppressed to ensure that Authentic end-user access is limited only to modification of the intended elements, attributes, and entities. Context (right-click) menus can be completely customized by removing existing or adding new commands. clip_image009 New toolbar buttons can be created and associated with macros, giving the designer the ability to add completely new commands to the toolbar. clip_image010 Custom and standard toolbars can be modified by disabling any buttons that the end-user should not have access to. clip_image011 The COM API has also been extended with new interfaces and additional methods and properties including:

  • AuthenticView (i.e. CreateXMLNode, EvaluateXPath, GetToolbarButtonState)
  • AuthenticRange (i.e. IsSelected, GetVariableValue)
  • XMLData (i.e. GetChildElement, InsertChildAfter)
  • AuthenticEventContext (i.e. GetXMLNode, SetVariableValue)
  • AuthenticContextMenu (i.e. CountItems, DeleteItem, GetItemText)

Check out all of this new functionality and more – download a free 30-day trial of StyleVision today!

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MissionKit 2011 Now Available in Japanese


With the release of Version 2011 we are thrilled to bring you the Altova MissionKit in Japanese. Now all the Altova tools available in the MissionKit have been fully translated into Japanese. Like the English and German versions of the tool suite, the fully translated Japanese language version provides users with powerful functionality for XML and Web development, data mapping and integration, rendering and publishing of XML, XBRL, and database data, UML modeling, and more. All the tools available in the new Japanese language version of The MissionKit are available at the same cost as the English versions, and current Version 2011 users can now unlock any language version using their existing key code. missionkit_jp If you haven’t checked out our latest release – Version 2011, download a free, 30-day trial today! The Japanese language version of all the MissionKit tools can be purchased from the Altova Online Shop or through your preferred reseller.

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Altova Receives ‘2010 Best of Beverly’ Award


We are proud to announce that Altova was selected for the “2010 Best of Beverly” award in the Computer Software Development category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)! The USCA “Best of Local Business” award program recognizes outstanding local business throughout the country and each year identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. We are proud to be recognized by our local community for our success in the software industry as well as for the contributions we’ve made to the local area, such as committing to use renewable energy. And be sure to check back often to learn more about what we’ve been up to, including the most recent software release – Altova MissionKit Version 2011 – to helpful Tech Notes, the latest industry buzz, and other Altova awards. image

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New Software Feature: Charting in DatabaseSpy 2011


Multi-database query, design, and database comparison tool. A colorful, eye-catching chart is much more vivid and communicates meaning more quickly than a table of numeric data. As part of the v2011 launch of the Altova Missionkit on September 8, 2010, DatabaseSpy 2011 includes a new SQL charts tool that provides a wide variety of charting features to graphically represent SQL query results. DatabaseSpy 2011 supports the following chart types to provide the most appropriate representation of various data sets:

  • Line charts
  • 2-D and 3-D pie charts
  • 2-D and 3-D bar charts
  • Round gauge and bar gauge charts

A line chart generated from SQL query results by Altova DatabaseSpy DatabaseSpy SQL Charts Tool Supported Databases DatabaseSpy 2011 supports multiple database types and can generate charts from the results of SQL queries to the following databases:

  • Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000, 2005, 2008
  • IBM DB2® 8, 9
  • IBM DB2 for iSeries® v5.4, 6.1
  • Oracle® 9i, 10g, 11g
  • Sybase® 12
  • MySQL® 4, 5
  • PostgreSQL 8
  • Microsoft Access™ 2003, 2007

Charting SQL Query Results A link in the Altova DatabaseSpy 2011 SQL Editor Results window toolbar opens the Chart Selection dialog to initiate data charting. A SQL query and result table in Altova DatabaseSpy The chart tool icon opens the Select columns dialog, where users can specify which column of the Results table to use for the X-axis. Users can also change the order of value columns, or even leave one or more results column uncharted. This feature permits multiple charts to be generated for subsets of data from a single query that retrieves many table columns. DatabaseSpy SQL Chart Tool Select Columns dialog The data is initially plotted using the default chart type and settings in a new Charts window. Like other DatabaseSpy helper windows, the Charts window can be unpinned, moved, and resized, as a floating window. The Charts window has nine tabs that permit users to specify properties of nine different charts that can even be assigned to different query results. A bar chart generated from SQL query results by Altova DatabaseSpy The Change Type dialog gives users instant access to a wide variety of other chart styles. DatabaseSpy SQL Chart Tool Change Type dialog Within each chart type, sub-menus specify all the details of the chart appearance. Numerous customization options are available for each chart type, including chart titles, foreground and background colors, definition of axis ranges and labels, control of fonts, text colors and sizes, and more. A pull-down menu also lets users save and reload customized chart settings in files, for instance to store standardized chart styles and reuse them with multiple query results. The screenshot below shows a few of the settings for the line chart at the top of this page, which illustrates the same temperature and humidity data shown in the SQL query screenshot. DatabaseSpy SQL Chart Tool Chart Appearance dialog The screenshot below shows a bar chart reporting total sales for the year to date by sales territory. This is a typical example of a chart style that can be reused in a report that is frequently updated with the latest sales data. A 3-D bar chart generated from SQL query results by Altova DatabaseSpy Multiple Charts from a Single SQL Query Results Table Generating multiple charts from the same SQL query is simple and straightforward by selecting different columns of data in the Results table. The SQL query in the screenshot below returns the population and land area of the boroughs that make up New York City: A SQL query and result table in Altova DatabaseSpy Users can choose any tab in the Charts window, then assign data by clicking the Select Data menu option in the Charts window menu bar. DatabaseSpy SQL Chart Tool Select Data dialog Here are examples of an ordinary pie chart and a 3-D pie chart generated individually from the population and square miles data columns of the Results table: A 2-D pie chart generated from SQL query results by Altova DatabaseSpy A 3-D pie chart generated from SQL query results by Altova DatabaseSpy DatabaseSpy 2011 lets users change the chart colors by selecting an alternate palette or any custom colors. Customization of chart colors in Altova DatabaseSpy Gauge Charts from a Single Value or Calculated Results Gauge charts are used to illustrate a single value and show its relation to a minimum and a maximum value. For a round gauge chart, users can specify the beginning and ending values of the range, and the starting and ending locations on the gauge. DatabaseSpy 2011 enables complete gauge customization through selection of the background color, border color, needle color, text font, size, and color, and more. A round gauge chart generated by Altova DatabaseSpy DatabaseSpy 2011 can generate charts from results tables that contain relational data, or from results of calculations performed by SQL queries. Gauge charts are a good fit for illustrating a single calculated value. The screenshot below shows a percent of quota calculation in a DatabaseSpy 2011 SQL Editor window, based on a table of stored daily sales and sales quota data. SQL query that generates a single calculated result in Altova DatabaseSpy The calculated value can be more dramatic when represented in a bar gauge chart, where DatabaseSpy 2011 permits multiple background colors defined by ranges along the axis, as shown below. clip_image018 Export Charts for Reports DatabaseSpy 2011 exports charts to image files in .png, .bmp, .gif, or .jpg files in customized sizes, independent of the size of the chart window on the screen to create eye-catching visual elements in reports of all types. Export option in the DatabaseSpy Charts menu Whether you are a developer, business analyst, research professional, or other database user, DatabaseSpy 2011 can generate elegant charts from SQL query results to illustrate your data reports – download a free 30-day trial today!
If you’d like to find out for yourself how well DatabaseSpy works with other Altova tools, download a free trial of the Altova MissionKit.

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