SystemBuilder
SystemBuilder Extensible Architecture (SB/XA) 6.1 delivers Office Automation integration, .NET custom controls, central client configuration, expanded authentication methods, enhanced zoom and resizing capabilities, XPS PrintTicket support, AutoComplete fields, enhanced spell checking capabilities and streamlined administration and setup screens.
Additional example code demonstrating how to take advantage of .NET custom controls and Office Automation will help you get the most out of this release.
Office Automation Integration
SB/XA 6.1 Presentation Components have been enhanced to include options to email Query Reports in Excel or XPS format from the XPS report viewer. Query and Report Writer reports can also be exported to Word when viewing the output using the XPS report viewer. The main TU API routines have been updated to work with the XUI presentation components and additional options to interface with Outlook Appointments are available.
Custom Controls
SB/XA 6.1 brings new integration capabilities allowing you to replace our standard controls with any of the free or thousands of commercial .NET custom controls for WPF. If you don't like our date picker build or acquire your own and replace it throughout your application with minimal effort.
Client Configuration and Authentication
SB/XA 6.1 offers the ability to preset the configuration access for the presentation components and store these in a central location to ensure that Customer use the correct communication server connection to access applications. Configurations can be created locally, imported or copied from existing configurations then exported for others to use.
Three authentication methods for SB/XA are now available with V6.1 allowing you to use Windows, SB/XA or Windows domain level authentication.
Zoom and Resize
SB/XA 6.1 offers additionally capabilities when re-sizing forms to independently or concurrently zoom in our out of the form real estate. All resize and zoom settings can be remembered throughout the session or when you next access the form increasing the usability of your application.
XPS PrintTicket Support
SB/XA 6.1 provides additional functionality to support XPS PrintTicket functionality which can be used to tell a printer how to set its various features (such as duplexing, collating, and stapling) or other functions of a print job which are not content.
AutoComplete Fields
Combo-boxes can now use AutoComplete to swiftly drill into a large list of items by simply typing the first few characters of the item you are trying to find.
Spell Checking
SB/XA 6.1 uses the spell checking functionality that is provided with .NET 4.0 and can be simply enabled through the 'Additional Field Parameters' option in the form painter.
Streamlined Administration Screens
SB/XA 6.1 administration and configuration screens have been streamlined replacing the myriad of function keys that call sub-screens with tabbed screens to improve navigation and provide a consistent look and feel for SB/XA administrators.
Example Code
A complete example project is provided with your SB/XA installation showing you how to implement .NET Custom Controls. This includes our complete SB/XA Theme documentation so you can educate yourself on what Style names to use to create your own customer Styles and Themes.
