Using the XML transforms with InfoPrint Manager

XML has become the key standard in the deployment of new technologies for Web services, data interchange, messaging, and application integration. Support for XML is found in several printing products, including XML Extender and Print Services Facility (PSF) for z/OS.

The XML transforms are the preferred method for printing highly-dynamic XML data on AFP printers because the transforms can efficiently process data that changes from job to job. The XML transforms are also an efficient, cost-effective alternative to paper-based communication because it can transform XML data to PDF documents for electronic delivery to customers.

Other benefits of using xml2afp and xml2pdf to transform XML data to AFP or PDF include:

  • You can use your existing AFP output system to print or view your XML data without worrying about compatibility issues.
  • The XML transforms provide you with significant formatting flexibility for your XML documents.
  • Print delivery is guaranteed when you transform your XML data to AFP and then print to an AFP printer.
  • Once XML data is transformed, you can use different tools to:
    • Print to an AFP printer or transform AFP data to PostScript (PS) or printer control language (PCL) for printing on a PS or PCL printer.
    • Send PDF data to an electronic destination.
    • View or archive AFP or PDF data.

The XML transforms let you take advantage of XML for data interchange and content management while using AFP's print and presentation technology and PDF's electronic document exchange. The following figure shows what you can do with XML data when you use the XML transforms.

Scenarios for using XML data that has been transformed to AFP or PDF

This figure shows the scenarios for using XML data that is transformed to AFP: AFP view/browse, distributed AFP print, distributed PS/PCL print, archive; and data that is transformed to PDF: PDF view/browse, E-mail, archive.

The Ricoh products you can use with the AFP or PDF output include:

AFP view/browse
AFP Viewer plug-in or Content Manager OnDemand
PDF view/browse
Content Manager OnDemand
Distributed AFP print
InfoPrint Manager and PSF for z/OS
Distributed PS/PCL print
InfoPrint Manager, InfoPrint Server, and InfoPrint Server Transforms
E-mail
IP PrintWay component of InfoPrint Server
Archive
Content Manager OnDemand

Parent topic: Working with the XML transforms