Creating custom tools with the UI framework

You can extend the capabilities for the user interface in IBM® InfoSphere® Master Data Management Collaboration Server by using the UI framework and the Java™ API for InfoSphere MDM Collaboration Server.

Custom tools provide a custom user interface in the Collaboration Server system. You can use custom tools to extend the user interface of the Collaboration Server system. For example, you can use custom tool to present item and category together on a screen when the client wants to view item and category together on a screen.

The Collaboration Server system comes with standard user interfaces to render the catalog items. The ready-to-use user interfaces try to address most of the common scenarios but does not address very specific client-specific scenarios. The custom tools help bridge the gap between native Collaboration Server system's functionality and the client requirements. Most of the Collaboration Server system implementations use custom tools to their advantage to enhance the client experience in the Collaboration Server system.

You typically create a custom user interface to address a business need that native InfoSphere MDM Collaboration Server screens are unable to address.
Tip: Before you create a custom interface, be sure that you define the use case. Identify the process that cannot be addressed by the native user interface. You need to ensure that the custom user interface is built to satisfy specific needs and requirements rather than a particular solution or design.
  • Keep in mind that Custom tools are hundred percent scripted and it is your responsibility to integrate that custom tool with the native Collaboration Server system functionality programmatically.
  • Custom tools take a lot of time to develop, integrate, and test. You should use the custom tools only when you have ample time.
  • Custom tools must be implemented strategically at various points of the implementation to help address client requirements. Custom tools are not meant to replace the interfaces of the Collaboration Server system.

Last updated: 22 May 2018