Domino Designer is a extensive development tool that allows programming in four languages and connects documents and databases. Forms Experience Builder is a simpler, more intuitive tool that allows departments to build workflows without coding. While Forms Experience Builder supports modern web technologies and mobile access, Domino Designer has more features for access control, background processes, and integrating with other IBM products like CRM and web content management. Both tools are capable of building large applications, but Forms Experience Builder has lower technical requirements and integrates more easily with intranet and internet systems through its REST API.

1. Are You Ready for an Alternative in
Application Development?
IBM Domino Designer vs. IBM Forms Experience Builder
Felix Binsack, IBM Champion
Founder & CIO TIMETOACT GROUP
felix.binsack@timetoact.de

2. 2
You and I have been developing applications with the
Domino Designer for most of their professional lives.
Are we ready for an alternative?
IBM Domino Designer vs.
IBM Forms Experience Builder

3. 3
Intro & History
Comparison
Forms
Notifications
Approval Workflows
Access Management
Views & Reports
Cross Browser & Mobile
Support
Data Limitations
Advanced Programming
Application Management
Hardware Requirements
Cloud Availability
Conclusion
Domino Designer & Forms Experience Builder
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4. 4
IBM Forms was originally a product called PureEdge Forms, developed by PureEdge
Solutions based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. IBM bought PureEdge in 2005 and
renamed the technology IBM Workplace Forms. In 2007, it was renamed Lotus Forms,
starting with version 3.0. In 2010, it was rebranded IBM Forms, starting with version 4.0.
IBM Forms is a suite of products by IBM's Lotus Software division that interact to develop
and deliver data-driven, XML-based electronic forms (e-forms) to end-users. IBM Forms
consists of a server, designer, and client viewer that enables creation, deployment, and
streamlining of forms-based processes. IBM Forms originally used Extensible Forms
Description Language (XFDL) as the format for its electronic forms, and it has gradually
added Xforms to XFDL as that standard has matured.
FEB History
4

5. 5
Forms
5
Domino
Input mask generates the database =
NSF
Free design consisting of text, graphics
and fields
Modern Design via Xpages & CSS
Versatile, powerful Tool
FEB
Input mask generates the database =
DB2/Oracle
Frame oriented design consisting of
text, graphics and fields
Beginner-friendly Drag & Drop based
graphical user interface
Enables use of stat-of-the-art web
technologies (CSS3/Responsive)
Versatile tool

6. 6
Notifications
6
Domino
Mail and Newsletter integration
Programming knowledge required
FEB
Easy configuration through
Workflowstages
Missing Doclinks
No newsletter support

7. 7
Approval Workflows
7
Domino
Realization of both simple and complex
workflows
HideWhens
Interaction between documents
DBLookup / DBColumn / etc.
FEB
Quick implementation of Workflows /
Approval HideWhens
Allocation to certain users/groups
Lookups and interactions with different
are possible but complex

8. 8
Access Management
8
Domino
In-depth read/write access for
Database layer (ACL)
Document layer
Field layer
FEB
Dataset related read/write access
Rights management for Stage- or form-
layer
Definition of roles and assignment of
groups and users

9. 9
Views & Reports
9
Domino
Extensive funcitons for designing views
Different views
Standard export
FEB
Single view configurable
Standard reports
Export e.g. to Excel
Graphical analysis
Downloading forms as PDF
Realization of individual views via
REST-API

10. 10
Cross Browser & Mobile Support
1
Domino
Possible in application development
has to be determined at the concept
FEB
Release >= 8.6 full support
Release < 8.6 mobile support and
responsive design via CSS adjustments

11. 11
Data Limitations
1
Domino
64 GB database size
32 KB limit (will be revoked)
FEB
Dependent on the underlying database
DB2/Oracle
irrelevant

12. 12
Advanced Programming
1
Domino
Four programming languages
Formula Language
LotusScript
JavaScript
Java
Virtual (colloq) no limits
FEB
JavaScript
Java
REST APIs
Up-to-date and common languages
(contrary to LotusScript)
No limits, possible integration into
state-of-the-art environments and
frameworks (e.g. angularJS)

13. 13
Application Management
1
Domino
Detailed in regard of rights
management and a multitude of
applications, patterns, etc.
FEB
Applications can consist of several
related forms
Simple deployment, Import/Export
including collected data

14. 14
Cloud Availability
1
Domino
Well… (Bluemix)
FEB
Cloud, but not yet Connections Cloud

15. 15
FEB can do
Domino Designer has even more to offer:
CRM, Office, Web Content Management
Conclusion
1

16. 16
Summary
1
Domino
Extensive development tool
Four programming languages + Designer
Background processes
Reaching across documents and databases
Different data sources possible
Detailed access control
FEB
Simple and intuitive workflow creation
Allows departments to autonomously develop
applications without programming knowledge
The extensive Rest API provides optimal
integration possibilities into intranet and
extranet systems
Capable of the realization of extensive
applications and an alternative to JEE and .net
applications
Integrated PDF functionality

17. 17
Marty Lechleider, FEB Product Offering Manager
http://www-03.ibm.com/software/products/en/ibmformexpebuil
https://www.youtube.com/user/mlech23
http://www.slideshare.net/mlech23
Information on the Forms Experience Builder
1

18. Thank you for your attention