You should understand the concepts discussed in this chapter before you start using Studio. Each concept is described in more detail in later chapters.
About Studio
Studio enables business users with no programming or data administration knowledge to create data-rich applications, such as telephone lists, work order processes, calendars, and surveys. The portlets that you can create with Studio include a user interface, application logic, and a database.
The core of Studio is the database. A database table can feed one or more portlets, each of which may have more than one way of interacting with the data. For example, an Event Calendar portlet lets portal users view a calendar, add new events to the calendar, and click one of the entries in the calendar to see more details on the upcoming event; a Calendar Record Lookup portlet can point to the same database table used by the Event Calendar portlet and let portal users search for event organizers.
Studio Components
Studio has the following components:
Table 2-1 Studio Components
Component
Description
Administrative Portlet
Two portlets let you manage Studio portlets and databases. For more information, see Studio Management Tools.
Portlet Template
Pre-packaged portlet templates let you easily create a portlet appropriate for the data you are gathering or presenting. For more information, see Studio Portlet Templates and Portlets.
Portlet
Studio portlets, such as Studio Poll or Studio Record Summary, let your users enter records and view reports through the portal. For more information, see Studio Portlet Templates and Portlets.
Database Table
Database tables let you store all the data you or your users create. You can also import existing data into a Studio database.
Wizards
Wizards guide you through portlet and database table configuration.
Studio Management Tools
Studio has two administrative tools that you can use to manage your Studio portlets and databases.
Table 2-2 Studio Management Tools
Administrative Portlet
Description
Studio Administrator
Lets you edit and delete portlets, as well as edit portal and Studio database settings. Changing the portal database settings only affect Studio, not the portal. Only portal administrators should have access to this portlet.
Studio Database Manager
Lets you import data into an existing database table or create a new database table from an imported file. It also lets you modify and delete Studio database tables to which you have access rights.
Studio Portlet Templates and Portlets
You can create new portlets by starting from the following Studio portlet templates:
Table 2-3 Studio Portlet Templates
Portlet Template
Description
New Studio Portlet Template
Helps you select an appropriate portlet framework for your project.
Studio Poll
Lets your users create records and see aggregated results. After submitting data in a form, users see aggregated results of the poll but cannot view or edit previously submitted data. A portlet created with this template includes an entry form and a poll results page.
You might use this type of portlet for a voting poll.
Studio Survey
Lets your users create records which they cannot view nor edit. It is similar to the Poll framework, except only administrators can see the aggregated results. Users who are not administrators will see only a thank-you page after they complete the survey. A portlet created with this template includes a survey entry form and a thank-you page.
You might use this type of portlet for a customer survey.
Studio Calendar
Lets your users create a calendar for events or scheduling. A portlet created with this template includes a calendar and a record entry/detail form.
You might use this type of portlet to create a calendar of events.
Studio Data Submission
Lets your users create records. Users can submit data in a form, as well as view and edit records they have created. A portlet created with this template includes a record entry form and a report of submitted records.
You might use this type of portlet to allow users to submit service requests or work orders.
Studio Record Browser
Lets your users create, view, and edit records in a report. A portlet created with this template includes a report, which allows you to click through to a record entry/detail form.
You might use this type of portlet to create a bookmark list.
Studio Record Lookup
Lets your users search for records based on criteria you specify, and then edit those records. A portlet created with this template includes a record search form and a search results page, which allows you to click through to a record entry/detail form.
You might use this type of portlet for phone number lookup.
Studio Record Summary
Lets your users view a report of aggregated records. A portlet created with this template includes a summary report.
You might use this type of portlet to display sales totals for each region of your company, so you can quickly compare one region with another.
Security
Security is managed at the database and portlet level. You can limit access to database tables and portlets. For more information, see Security.
