INSTALLING


Deploying client plug-ins with widgets and the widget catalog
You can use a widget to deploy a new feature and corresponding plug-in to an existing Notes® client using a combination of the widgets catalog, an NSF-based update site in which the feature resides, an XML file attached to the widget that calls the feature's update site, and Domino® policy or Eclipse preferences.

Before you begin

This process is written as an ordered procedure and assumes you have a valid Eclipse update site containing a features folder, plugins folder, and site.xml file and that all JAR files in the update site folders are properly signed. It also assumes you want to deploy this plug-in to an existing user such that it be installed, and that any updates to it be automatically provisioned, for that user.

About this task

Once you have performed these steps, users will be automatically provisioned with the feature called by the widget's extension.xml. The feature called by the widget you are about to create will be installed when the user's local widgets catalog is updated. As well, any updates you make to the feature will be provisioned to the user by way of the widget. The client checks the widget catalog for updates periodically and upon user request.

CAUTION: You can use the Features and Plugins option on the Getting Started with Widgets wizard in Notes to simplify the process of creating a feature and plug-in deployment widget. See How do I configure a Features and Plugins deployment widget? in IBM® Notes 9.0.1 Social Edition Help for usage details. The wizard especially simplifies the process of creating the widget's attachment XML.

You will use these items to complete the process:


The main steps for deploying a new feature using a widget are as follows:
Note: In addition to the topic references in the procedure steps, the following topics provide additional information.
Related information is also available in the Notes and Domino wiki.

Procedure

Perform the following tasks:


Related concepts
Managing client plug-in deployment
Understanding Widgets and Live Text user types
Creating a features and plugins deployment widget

Related tasks
Place the updateSite folder centrally
Prepare the Domino server and Notes client
Create an NSF-based update site and import the Eclipse updateSite content
Create the widget attachment file to call the feature's update site
Test the deployment widget
Communicate deployment to users
Updating a widget-deployed client feature or plug-in
Creating the widget catalog
Assigning NOTES.INI or location document settings using a desktop policy
Assigning Eclipse preference settings using a desktop policy