NotesToPaper-Print

NotesToPaper Print is the interface between the report layout and the Lotus Notes application and is required to execute (generate) the reports. This part of the software is also referred to as the "run-time engine". NotesToPaper Setup and NotesToPapers own additional script commands are necessary to integrate reports to a Notes application. This integration may then be accessed and used by the Notes user through NotesToPaper Print. NotesToPaper Print may be installed either on a server or on a Notes client. If NotesToPaper is used in a client based installation, then the end-user will execute reports via Notes elements such as action buttons or navigators. If NotesToPaper is used in a server based application, then the functionality is integrated in an agent which will e.g. allow periodic or web-based report creation.

Client based usage

The interface to Lotus Notes (NotesToPaper Print) is called directly from the Notes application after selecting the appropriate documents (either through user input or based on script control). The end-users can set a number of printer options (e.g. select the desired printer, configure the number of pages, define the starting position when printing labels on sticker-sheets, etc.) via the printer dialogue and may also define the target format for the output. In addition to being able to generate print output, there are a number of additional output formats which are available, such as e.g. PDF, HTML, RTF or XML. Before a report is printed, it may be previewed. The preview window also provides additional functionality such as e.g. "flip through pages", zoom, "save to file" and distribution via e-mail.

Server based usage

The data selection is server sided (in the background) in the form of agents. These agents (provided by the Notes developer) collect the data and generate the report selected by the user. The result (the report preview or the export to various file formats) is returned to the user e.g. as a new Notes document or via e-mail. The user may then view and print the report via the NotesToPaper Viewer. The NotesToPaper Viewer (Freeware) is also available as an OCX control and may thus be directly integrated into a WebSite. A server based NotesToPaper integration is especially suited for web based Notes applications.

The Notes application does not have to be adapted in order to be able to vary reports. The design of the listings and labels is defined in a separate tool, NotesToPaper Setup or NotesToPaper Designer.