Building a mashup can be broken down into a process with distinct steps. These steps are outlined in this lesson. The first mashup you create following this lesson will apply these five steps.
Estimated time to complete this lesson: 15 minutes
Table of Contents
1. Define the business problem you need to solve and what the output from the finished mashup is
2. Identify the data required to solve the problem
3. If the data is not available as a feed (RSS, Atom or XML via the Internet or intranet), create the feed in MashupHub
4. Create the mashup using the Mashup Builder, keeping in mind the desired output
5. Verify the output satisfies the problem
Five steps for creating a mashup:
1. Define the business problem you need to solve and what the output from the finished mashup is.
In this step clarify the problem to solve and think about how you want the output to appear. Some questions to ask:
- What elements need to be present in the output?
- What format should the output be in; RSS, Atom or XML format?
- Write down exactly what the problem is in specific terms.
2. Identify the data required to solve the problem.
A mashup can be thought of as two or more sources of data combined to create new information that is more valuable than the original data.
Think about the data in your business or enterprise.
1. Which data do you need access to, to solve the problem?
2. Where does this data reside?
These sources of data can be used to create MashupHub feeds:
Enterprise Data Sources
- DB2 XML Columns (pureXML)
- Domino Server
- IBM Information Server
- IMS Transaction
- LDAP Directory
- Relational Database Query (SQL)
- SAP Application Functions
- Tivoli Directory Integrator
- Web Service
Departmental Data Source
- Access Data File - Microsoft Access document
- Comma Separated Value File
- Excel Workbook
- Existing RSS or Atom Feed (Registration)
- XML document
Existing data on the Internet or intranet
3. If the data is not available as a feed, create the feed in MashupHub.
Use the
New Feed link from the MashupHub home tab to turn your data into a MashupHub Feed. RSS, Atom or XML feeds already available on the Internet or intranet can be accessed directly from the
Source operator in the Mashup Builder.
Module 2, Creating Feeds,
provided information about how to create feeds.
4. Create the mashup using the Mashup Builder, keeping in mind the desired output.
Keep these tips in mind when creating mashups:
Tip : Use Preview Frequently
When creating a mashup look at the output of the current operator using the
Preview tab of the
Details window. Any time a change is made in the
Properties tab to an operator, check the
Preview tab to see the affect of your change. Sometimes the results may not be as you expected. Using preview often helps to reduce the time it takes to create a mashup.
Tip : Save Frequently
Saving frequently is also helpful. A mashup can be saved at any time during creation so work is not lost. The mashup may not be finished, but the work can be returned to at a later time.
Tip : Examine the Output from Different Operators
Don't be afraid to explore using different operators to modify the output. You can always add and delete operators to get the output you want.
Also, don't be afraid to try different parameters and use different functions from within the Mashup Builder. You can't break anything, so feel free to explore.
5. Verify the output satisfies the problem.
Once the mashup is created, run the mashup and look at the output in the browser. Did you achieve the results the problem definition required?
If not, go back to the Mashup Builder and modify the mashup to create the desired output.
Next Lesson:
Lesson 4: Creating the Sorted Client List Mashup
MashupHub Tutorial - Table of Contents:
Welcome to MashupHub
Module 1: Introduction to MashupHub
Module 2: Creating Feeds
Module 3: Creating Feed Mashups
Module 4: Using MashupHub Objects in Lotus Mashups
Module 5: Additional Resources and Summary