The launch of the next version of Microsoft Office, Office 2003, is now just weeks away. As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, this version introduces functionality that will greatly increase the business value of desktop applications. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been enhanced to provide “components” that form the foundation around streamlining business processes. As a compliment to this suite of tools, another product is set to make its debut and become the newest member of the Office family. InfoPath, properly balancing robustness with ease of use, will fundamentally change the way employees submit and manage organizational data.

InfoPath is a desktop-based product that supports the creation of rich and dynamic data entry forms. Simply stated, InfoPath provides the basis for an organizational template gallery. It is data source neutral; that is, it acts as a front end to repositories like SQL Server or any exposed web service. Its native file format is XML, meaning the collected data can be easily reused and shared across other business applications. In a broad sense, InfoPath facilitates the process of gathering and leveraging structured data by providing an interface, supported by business rules, for data entry.

The likelihood that all employees in an organization use the same template for data submission is small. The reality is that in most companies there can be a dozen or so templates for expense reimbursement alone (i.e. everyone has their own version of an Excel-based form). InfoPath looks to bring consistency to this process. By providing the tools to build custom, easy to use data entry forms as well as the means to publish and distribute them, InfoPath is well positioned to be the star in this Microsoft Office family. Managers can design their own performance evaluation systems; companies can more easily track time and expenses; project managers can better monitor team member statuses. With InfoPath, every desktop user is empowered.  

With InfoPath, facilitating data entry is just the beginning. One feature of every Microsoft product is the ability to work well with the other Microsoft tools. InfoPath is no different. While it does not natively support workflow, InfoPath is an excellent client for Microsoft BizTalk Server. Again, because it is XML-based, InfoPath is a natural partner to the workflow engine within BizTalk. This opens opportunities to leverage InfoPath to control the entry and movement of data throughout the organization. InfoPath also integrates seamlessly with SharePoint Portal Server, allowing users to check in and check out InfoPath forms. SharePoint contains a forms library where InfoPath forms can be published and accessed. In the truest sense, InfoPath is yet another key “component” in the Microsoft Office System.  

For those companies that upgrade to Office 2003, InfoPath, like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, will be a software product on every users desktop. InfoPath should not sit quietly. Organizations that choose to leverage the power of InfoPath will recognize the core value of streamlined business processes.