Formatta Server 7.0 automates the entire business process, and can connect to any existing data source for pre-fill and extraction. Formatta's application programming interfaces (API's) are open, flexible, and robust.

Formatta Server 7.0

Formatta Server 7.0 is used to automate all e-form processing and update file systems and databases with structured XML or other formats in real-time or as a batch. The Server can connect to data sources and repositories by ADO, XML, CVS, and plain text.

Formatta Server provides full access to the form data, encryption and signatures, locking/unlocking, connectivity to the data sources and repositories, and a powerful set of Internet protocols.

It is available both as a COM component to integrate it directly with the ASP pages or other scripting languages, or as a C++ library. It is available on a multitude of platforms, including Win32, Solaris, and other UNIX variants.

Form Submission

The form designer can enable electronic submission of a form by associating a Remote command with the button. The Remote command makes a connection to an HTTP Server (over HTTP or HTTPS) with a URL specified by the form designer. The form data is automatically encrypted using 128-bit encryption and passed to a Formatta Server environment behind the specified URL. Note that prior to submission, the author may add validation commands to provide pre-submission client side validation. On the server-side, the Formatta Server API's will be used to provide interaction with the Filler client to enable user authentication, remote signing, and other desired features.

Authentication and Form Pre-Fill

Once the form has been initially received on the server, the server-side code will decrypt the form, and can optionally send a dialog window back to the Filler client to gather a user ID and password. (In cases where anonymous form submission is acceptable, this step may be omitted.) Once the user ID and password are entered by the user and submitted, they may be extracted from the HTTP message, decrypted, and used to query a database, LDAP server, or other authentication system to gather user-specific information.

If the user login is valid, related user information may be used to pre-fill fields in the form pertaining to the user submitting the form. Form pre-fill can be done easily with Formatta Server, either by setting one field at a time using individual data elements, or by setting a group of fields using XML. The pre-filled form can then be encrypted and sent back to the Filler client where the added data is visible to the user.

Digital Signing

In addition to ACES digital certificates, the Formatta Server module for Remote Signing can be used to enable signing and at low cost. Formatta’s Remote Signing technology allows electronic forms to be digitally signed by end users using a centrally-located digital certificate that is hosted by the signing authority and recipient of the form. This technology eliminates the need to use an expensive and complicated PKI or other such system.

Remote signing involves submission of the form to a Formatta Server environment, user authentication with user ID and password (or other credentials if required), and application of a digital certificate to the form. Several Formatta Server API calls, along with simple integration with the user authentication system are all that are required to provide remote signing functionality.

Automatic Form Data Processing

To process form data using Formatta Server, a simple series of steps must be implemented on the server side. These include extraction of form contents in XML, extraction of individual data elements, and integration with the database (supported by Formatta Server with the use of JDBC, ODBC, or ADO) to put form data into the database.

In addition to database integration, the ability to receive form contents in XML format allows great flexibility in terms of application integration for whatever purposes may be required.

Automatic Data Processing of Paper Forms

Because other solutions lack a hybrid processing option, form originators have never had the ability to substantially shift processes and reduce costs. Formatta solves this problem by offering Dual-Dimension barcode technology. This allows end-users to submit the same form electronically or on paper. This is especially useful when inked signatures are required.

With this hybrid option, Formatta bridges paper and electronic processes. The user completes the form on a computer, prints it out with a secure Dual-Dimension barcode, and sends it via the U.S. Mail. Though the form arrives on paper, the processing can still be done electronically. Any flatbed or handheld scanner can read the barcode using Formatta's Dual Dimension Server.  The barcode is decrypted, and the form’s contents are extracted into back office file systems or databases.  In addition, the actual paper form is authenticated.

Value-Based Pricing

Formatta's pricing structure is based on value, allowing you to smoothly migrate your paper and insecure data collection processes to Formatta as your budget allows.