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Is InfoPath the Right Choice?

So, we have some upcoming development that will include a dynamic form string processing layer. Here's what we need to do:

  • Create an asp.net web application through which users can upload dynamic forms, fill them out, and then upload them for publication.
  • We also have a Windows mobile app that will do something similar.
  • Forms will require images to be selected for upload when published.
  • After the completed form is published, a server-side validation needs to be performed, which may initiate additional work to be done, i.e. sending emails or updating the database, etc.

From what I know about InfoPoint (which is almost nothing), it looks like it might come in handy. I know it is very SharePoint-specific (which I don't know anything about yet), but can it be used without a SharePoint instance?

In any case, I first seek confirmation that InfoPath is appropriate for what I am describing. If this is me too after some good online resources.

Thank you, Chris.

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I don't think there is an InfoPath mobile client. What you would like to do is use Forms Server (shipped with the SharePoint 2007 Enterprise edition) to render InfoPath as aspx for a mobile device .



Everything you've described can be accomplished with a simple ASP.NET and InfoPath client. The mobile chunk sounds like it would require SharePoint (to render InfoPath forms as aspx).

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See this blog post about using Infopath forms on mobile devices: http://blogs.technet.com/vik/archive/2008/02/25/filling-out-infopath-forms-on-windows-mobile-devices. aspx



Also, Formotus solution might work for you: http://www.formotus.com/

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Before delving into the correctness of the InfoPath (+ SharePoint) solution, what is the reason for not using ASP.NET, which I assume you are familiar with? While InfoPath + SharePoint is sexy and hot right now, the learning curve is very high.

Back to InfoPath, I don't believe InfoPath supports file uploads. At least not out of the box. So if you have user images loaded, I will say it has no data. Additionally, InfoPath, with the addition of SharePoint Forms Services and a workflow, can be used to accomplish what you want. I'm just wondering what the cost compared to using straight ASP.NET.

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