StreamServe establishes connections to various types of back-end systems, either through standard interfaces provided by the application or via the support of various input formats. StreamServe can also collect data from front-end Web applications, such as Web shops and electronic forms (iForms through standard web protocols). 

These connections enable StreamServe to non-intrusively collect data from the application; i.e., no customization of the application or disruption of the existing business processes is needed.

The Collect capability allows you to integrate seamlessly to:

• Business Applications (ERP, CRM, SCM, legacy systems, billing systems, HR/Payroll systems, financial systems)
• Data Management systems (content management systems, archive systems, directories and databases)
• Desktop Applications (Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, and Sendmail)
• Web Applications (Web shops, iForms)
• Variety of Formats, including unstructured, structured, formatted (Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF, AFP) and XML

Connecting to Applications

Most leading ERP systems have well-defined interfaces that StreamServe can utilize to receive business content. For example, StreamServe is certified for four interfaces by SAP. For business applications and systems that do not provide an interface, StreamServe easily connects using TCP/IP, spool directories, standard in/out, virtual printers or HTTP. Customers can also develop customized Java connectors.

StreamServe connectors enable data retrieval and delivery within the transportation layer. The connectors are key components of the StreamServe architecture, and are easy to exchange or modify. Additional connectors can be added when new transport channels arise.

The following connectors are currently available;

Input and output channels	Directory scan, standard in/out, serial + parallel ports
Internet and Web protocols	TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP
Message queuing systems	IBM WebSphere, Microsoft Message Queuing
Print protocols	PCL, PS, AFP
Email systems and protocols	IBM LotusNotes, Microsoft Exchange, SMTP, MAPI, POP3, IMAP
Fax	Generic faxes, Topcall, Rightfax, Winfax
Mobile	SMS and WAP

Recognize and interpret input data

StreamServe is able to intelligently recognize a wide range of different input data, and can interpret the data, then trigger actions depending on data content. Applications can feed input to StreamServe in the shape of a data stream or page-oriented format. Stream-oriented input data is not formatted, but rather is structured in records or fields. Page-oriented input data is formatted (includes layout information) and must be processed page-by-page. Print-ready data streams are usually page oriented, while XML is a typical example of stream oriented input.

Figure 1. Page-oriented and Stream-oriented output examples

StreamServe can interpret the following types of input data;

Unstructured (Stream-oriented)	Record-based, field-based, XML
Structured (Page-oriented)	Print-ready output, Microsoft Office, Adobe, PDF, AFP

Figure 2. Receiving and recognizing the input data sent from the application