What is Flex?
SharePoint Flex is a self-contained application with a predefined set of Web Parts and Lists compatible with SharePoint 2010, 2013, and 2016, Foundation, Standard, and Enterprise. It is not compatible with SharePoint Online.
Our Flex application is made up of a List Centric Template and 15 custom Web Parts (approximately 1.2 MB in size). The Web Parts perform various functions such as connecting to list data in a sub-grid, displaying and editing data and controlling Flex licensing. As with any other SharePoint site, all Flex data and structure is contained in the SharePoint SQL Content database for the Flex Site.
Customization
The beauty of Flex is that every customer can use it in a “customized” way that supports their own information + relationship management needs. Flex is designed to be configured, customized, extended and integrated into an existing SharePoint platform and possibly into other line of business systems.
Relationships and Custom Fields
The strength of Flex is in the internal list and item relationship model that we have implemented. We have designed an effective method that enables both static and dynamic relationships to be easily handled within Flex, both within our standard “generic” lists and any custom lists you wish to create. Flex not only takes advantage of SharePoint’s out-of-the-box field structure but also adds additional features and functional extensions that broaden, automate and streamline the user experience.
We distribute the On-Premises Flex application as a package consisting of Web Parts, a CMP file (the Flex lists and structure) and a batch installer that makes it easy for a SharePoint Site Administrator to install Flex as a sub-site to a Top Level SharePoint site or SharePoint Intranet. The Flex On-Premises Installer is run on the SharePoint Web Front End “WFE” (Single or multi-server Farm) – we do not run it as an Application mode instance. Our Installer adds the Flex Web Parts to the SharePoint Solution Store, then deploys them to the Flex designated root site “BIN” folder (one Flex Web Part gets installed in the Server’s GAC – Global Assembly Cache). Once the Web Parts are deployed it then applies the Flex CMP file which contains the Flex Template structure.
Flex licensing is based on the WFE(s) Server’s NetBIOS Name which you provide to us for final license generation. Although the Flex license is FARM specific, each Flex instance or site must have its own license key, purchased separately.
Flex’s cumulative updates are provided throughout the year. As long as your annual Maintenance is valid, you will continue to receive the Flex Updates as they become available. Flex Updates only update the Flex Web Parts, so they will not affect data or customizations on the Flex system. On the rare occasion when a major design change is made, you may receive instructions to take advantage of the new functionality with the provided Flex update package.
The following is a list of the System Requirements to operate a standard implementation of SharePoint Flex software. If your implementation process contains unique conditions, please contact our Application Support Department to discuss your situation at support@lookout-software.com.
Server Recommendations
Server Class computer system with Xeon or Opteron (multiple single processors or multi-core or both) 2.0 GHz CPU or higher, accessing at least 4 Gigs of RAM.
Operating System Options
Windows Server 2012, 2008 (All versions supporting SharePoint)
SharePoint Flex can be hosted within your own infrastructure or it can be hosted on any number of private hosting environments. As long as you will have access to independently manage the SharePoint Flex site and have access to the GAC for the installation procedure then Flex can be added to that environment. Of course, your required SharePoint licensing must be in place in order to run Flex as a site within it.
Our Outlook Plug-in is an Add-In to Outlook that allows the transfer and saving of local email messages to a specified SharePoint List manually initiated by the Outlook User.
Flex can be installed into either a Single Web Front End structure or a Farm environment with no additional licensing charges. Each Flex SharePoint site requires a license however. See our licensing page for pricing options and package details.
Imports and data conversions from flat files are possible via our Importer/Updater which enables existing relationships to be restored inside Flex.
Flex takes advantage of and builds upon SharePoint’s permission system with the addition of an extensive Privilege Management system and a flexible Item Level Record and Data Control layer.
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