What is an iView?

Definition

An iView refers to any kind of application, information or service that can be visualized in a Web browser frame.

The set of iViews provided in the mySAP.com Workplace depends on the role of the user.

iViews are self-contained Web documents that are provided via a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) managed by the mySAP.com Workplace server. The resource itself can be anywhere on the Web.

Examples of iViews are alerts, reports, e-mail/calendar, etc.

Content - not just a Point of Entry

An iView is not simply a point of entry or a entry mask which leads directly to a web site. That is, the iView must offer some content to users and fulfill its raison d'être within the allotted space. Additional information may be offered as a link and take the user to the provider's web site.

For example, if a user enters a word in a dictionary iView, the definition should appear inside the area of the iView. A link to usage examples, similar words, etc. could be provided which would then take the user to the provider's homepage.

Added Value

An iView should provide the user with some added value, customized pushed information, integration with different applications and systems, etc.

Characteristics

Stateless: Not permanently connected to SAP System
Embedded: Non-dominant, parallel to other iViews
Preview: Provides preview on underlying processes, data
Simple: Very limited, one-screen interaction (PalmTop-like)
Essential: Includes only key functionality
Direct: Provides direct access without navigation
Active: Pushes information, refreshes periodically
Open: Integrates third-party software
Personal: Allows user to modify appearance

Uses

Information: Provide data instead of asking for them

Active information
Monitor business processes
Preview data and processes
Display notifications for starting task-related processes
Fast access to often used data

Accelerating Work

Direct access to simple applications
Accelerated access to other applications
Reduction of informationen and interaction to the necessary
xDrop: Using outputs (results) as inputs via drag-and-drop between iViews and LaunchPad

Personalization

Selection of iViews from a pool of iViews
Providing content for generic iViews
Subscribing to content for iViews

Customization

Selection of iViews from a pool of iViews according to a user's role
Reduction of information unnecessary to a user's role(s) and goals
Providing focussed information tailored to a user's role(s) and goals