InfoPath Dev

Hi everyone,

I have an InfoPath application written in IP 2003, with the main data source from an SQL database. The form contains some code in VBScript, and to date there are about 800 completed forms in my form library. I would like to upgrade my form and implement some better practices at the same time. Here's what I would like to do...

1. Upgrade from IP 2003 to IP 2007

2. Replace the SQL datasource with an XML datasource  (what will I do with the existing forms that have been completed?)

3. Use a Web service rather than submit direct to SQL

4. Change from an Infopath form to a web based form (requires moving the VBScript code from the form into the webservice (??))

 I'm wondering where on earth to start. Is it possible to convert the existing forms in the library, or should I leave those in the old version? Are there any tools to help with migration? Does anyone have any recommendations on how to achieve all this, where to start, or other best practices that I should implement at the same time.

 Many thanks in advance!

DavidJ  

Hi David,

Thanks for the great thread. You definitely have the right set of best practices. XML data source, Web Service and removing code - good job! Most people don't understand how important those are. Going to a browser form is also a best practice but depends on size of user base.

We have done this kind of migration before. We use our Web Service accelerator for databases (DBXL) - you can get a free trial from our Qdabra.com website under products. DBXL will let you keep your old forms and create a new form that is mapped to the same database tables. You may have to add a column to identify the new forms as different from the old ones.

Are you planning to do all of the work yourself? If so, I recommend spending $50-150 to have us look at your form and give you other best practice suggestions based on the move to browser since there are numerous pitfalls there and best to avoid. We've done this many times and for a small sum can give you some great advice. Check out our InfoPath Detailing Service on the Qdabra.com Products page.

Finally, if you need someone to do this for you, let us know. Like I said, we've done it many times - exact same scenario. I could work up an estimate for the amount of time it would take, but we'd have to look at your form first.

Best regards!

My recommendation