mrc Documentation
michaels, ross & cole, ltd.
http://www.mrc-productivity.com/

Calling External Objects with Web 2.0 Templates

Web 2.0 Templates have set the bar high above the older standards of the “External Object Inquiry.” In fact, if you have taken an update from 2007 or after you will notice there is no “External Object Inquiry” Web 2.0 Template. This template has been phased out due to the increased performance and greater simplicity that the Web 2.0 Multiple Record Inquiry provides.

So how do I create External Objects now?
Creating external objects is just as easy and the process only changes in a very minor way. In fact, there is just one change. Instead of selecting the “External Object Inquiry” under the Application Defaults link, you will specify the “Web 2.0 Multiple Record Inquiry.”

Do I have to specify the External Object differently somehow?
No – the External Object Definition process, under the Data Dictionary tab, is exactly the same.

I want to try by converting one of my existing External Objects but I have applications that currently use it. Can I do that?

Of course – Let’s say your External Object is Inquiry 100.

· Copy Inquiry 100 to Inquiry 110, for example.

· Within Inquiry 110, change the template to Web 2.0 Multi Record Inquiry. Build the Inquiry.

· Now go to the data dictionary tab, and find the external object reference for Inquiry 100. Since you still have apps that use this we will need to copy all of the information on this screen and use the same information to create a new external object reference. Be sure to copy over all parameters as well.

· Once this is done, find your Inquiry/Report you wish to use with this External Object. Call the External Object as you normally would.

· Be sure that this application also uses a Web 2.0 template.

· Build the calling application!