Layer2, the SharePoint Experts from Hamburg (Germany) announced a new Microsoft SharePoint extension to
unlock the value of enterprise data for SharePoint 2007 based portals. The
Business Data List Connector (BDLC) for SharePoint directly connects SharePoint lists (no web parts) with external LOB data sources. Almost any data from databases, Office or even text data can be displayed in SharePoint lists
without any programming.
Workflows can be used to start business actions in SharePoint, if external data records are changed.
Microsoft SharePoint technology is increasingly used in SMBs and larger companies as a business collaboration platform for the enterprise and the web, to connect and empower people, to cut costs with a unified infrastructure and rapidly response to business needs. The free Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 or – depending on requirements – the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 are used to implement business solutions for collaboration, document management, enterprise content and records management, business intelligence, forms service and company-wide search.
The fast, easy and complete integration of external LOB data, e.g. from databases or Office files, is a common requirement in the use of Microsoft SharePoint technology. While traditional legacy applications often lack in user experience, existing data integration solutions for SharePoint - such as the Business Data Catalog (BDC) - are often complex at the facility, require additional tools, bring with them limitations or they are available for certain SharePoint editions only.
Connect business data to MOSS and WSS lists without any programming or tools
The SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) offers a "SharePoint External List" by connecting a real SharePoint list (no Web Part) to external business back-end data, using a very simple web-based list settings dialogue. No programming or additional tools are required. The BDLC can be configured easily with a few simple list settings only directly in the browser. The desired data can be populated to the list and presented with the familiar UI and navigation features of common SharePoint lists made available: Views, sorting and grouping, filters, calculated fields. Lookup features can be created as usual for presentation of and interaction with external data in SharePoint lists.
The Business Data List Connector extends the SharePoint collaboration and search capabilities as well as the Office user experience to include external business data and the processes that are associated with that data.
Start workflows in SharePoint to take business actions if external LOB data changes
The list data can be updated manually or automatically in background, using a timer service. List workflows and notifications per RSS or email can be used out-of-the-box, to take business actions in SharePoint, if external LOB data records are changed. For example the Business Data List Connector can be used to implement a sales dashboard application, which empowers end users to gain insight into the underlying data in a reusable way, e.g. with aggregations and transformations and quickly being notified in case of changes.
Fig.: The BDLC connects almost any LOB data source directly to SharePoint (MOSS/WSS) lists.
Download and evaluate the SharePoint Business Data List Connector today
The new SharePoint add-on comes with a robust installer to allow it to be easily deployed within any SharePoint environment, including farms. It currently is available for SharePoint starting with WSS 3.0 and MOSS 2007. You can download it directly on the vendor’s product pages at www.layer2.de/en/products. A completely free to use shareware version is also available.
FREE to use for SharePoint User Groups (SPUG)
All components offered by Layer2 are completely FREE to use within a registered SharePoint User Group web site (back-link and logo required).
Cost-free partner program for implementers and affiliates
A cost-free partner program was launched to support companies that are interested to sell and implement Layer2 products around the world. Registered affiliates can market Layer2 products by placing links on their web sites to the relevant product pages of the Layer2 web shop on www.share-it.com. They will receive a 20% commission for each sale of these products via their web site. Additionally implementers receive qualified leads to make use of Layer2 solutions in their own projects. Please register and join today!