HCL Nomad, a client that can run your domino applications, is gaining popularity due to its simple deployment and management process. Let’s explore what HCL Nomad is and how it works, what applications it can run, and why you should use Nomad for web browsers.
What is HCL Nomad?
HCL Nomad is a client that runs on a webpage, making it as simple as possible for you to access your Domino applications. With Nomad, you don’t have to worry about upgrades, as they will all be managed for you. Plus, if you already have an CCB license, you get Nomad included at no extra cost.
HCL Nomad runs on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, thanks to the Web Assembly technology it relies on. You can also run Nomad on Android and iOS devices, with apps that are installed from the relevant app store. Enterprise management is available if needed, but you won’t have to worry about big schedule rollouts like those for traditional Notes client upgrades.
HCL Nomad aims to provide a lightweight Domino experience in your browser. It supports ADD formulas, script replication, execution language, ACL fields, field level security, and encryption. You won’t have to make specific design modifications to your applications either.
However, there are some limitations to Nomad. It does not support Java, Java plugins, or XPages. Nomad is also sandboxed, meaning it is isolated from the operating system, which can limit how applications interact with it.
Despite these limitations, HCL Nomad can still revolutionize how you use your Domino applications. You can run your applications on multiple operating systems, switch browsers, and use it on any machine. Plus, it’s easy to install and start using within minutes.
Nomad server on Domino
In order to take WebSocket Secure communications that can be used from the browser, a proxy is necessary to unwrap the RPC stuff in a WSS packet. This allows the dominant server to see the RPC and treat it like another client running RPC. However, some people may not like using Safe Links or may find it difficult to learn a new product, so the HCL Nomad server on Domino has been created. It is a Domino add-in that runs on a Domino server and is inherently manageable by Domino administrators.
The goal of the Nomad server is to make Safe Links an optional component for simpler deployments. If Safe Links are not necessary, the complexity of having a different product is reduced, and fewer requirements are needed, such as not requiring an LDAP server setup. The Nomad server can integrate with the cert manager for TLS configuration and auto-generate an identity certificate for federated login or SAML deployments.
The architecture for using the Nomad server is simplified compared to using Safe Links. Incoming communication comes from mobile devices to either the Nomad server or an HTTP proxy, and the Nomad server communicates with the backend in RPC. This results in a more elegant and simplified architecture, making it more appealing to users.
To use the Nomad server, simply download the package and extract it into the Domino directory. It can run on one or multiple Domino servers and can be clustered. This server is a great option for those who want to simplify their Domino architecture without sacrificing functionality.
In a recent update, the Nomad server is now shipped with every shipment of Nomad for web browsers, allowing users to stay in sync effortlessly. To install the update, users only need to unzip the file over their existing files. Once installed, the clients can perform a range of basic functionalities such as searching for items, adding new clients, and editing documents.
The webinar has some great demos from how easy it is to install the Nomad server as well as seeing Nomad in action on both desktop and mobile.
The Nomad also features a new addition across all three clients – the capture signature feature. This feature allows users to capture electronic signatures from a rich text light field, which can be added to documents for approval. This feature ensures confidentiality and security while making it easier for clients to approve documents and sign them electronically.
Restyle and HCL Nomad
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with the latest design trends can be a challenging task for developers. While a full application rebuild may be the ideal solution, it’s not always a feasible option due to time and budget constraints. This is where Restyle comes in. Restyle is a new tool that allows developers to easily update the visual styling of existing Domino applications.
Restyling an application only refers to visual changes, it doesn’t affect the logic or content of the application. Restyle has a set of options that developers can use to pick and choose the design elements they want to update. The guiding principle of Restyle is to not break the application, touch any notes, formulas, monitor, script agents, JavaScript, or change the application’s content.
Restyle supports restyling different components of the application, such as views, forms, sub-forms, pages, action bars, embedded outlines, frame sets, navigators, and default folders. It also allows developers to choose from a set of themes and color schemes, and to adjust the application’s color management.
An advantage of Restyle is that it’s fast, taking less than a minute to run, and it’s low risk. Restyling an application with Restyle is a simpler way to make your applications look new and fresh without going through the hassle of a full application rebuild.
While Restyle is complex, developers have access to a style guide and other documentation to help them navigate the tool. Restyle is continually adding new components to its list, making it easier for developers to update their applications with the latest design trends.
All the above make Restyle an excellent tool for developers who want to update the visual styling of their applications. It’s fast, low risk, and has a set of options that make it easy for developers to restyle their applications.
As for upcoming features, one of the most exciting additions is the capture signature feature, which will be available on Android in March and later on iOS. In addition, the web version will have the latest script updates and admin features rolling out in March. We also have a roadmap of features planned for later in the year, which we’re keeping under wraps for now.
If you have any questions about Nomad or need any help setting it up, just drop us a line and we are happy to help.