Beginning InfoPath™ 2003

5.2. Utilizing XML Data in InfoPath

5.2.1. Why Use an XML Data Source?

Because you can hook forms up to databases such as Access and SQL Server, you may wonder why you would need to use XML as a data source. Two of the main reasons are portability and collaboration. Because InfoPath gives customers a choice of e-mailing forms, using them on laptops offline, and collaborating with them using Windows SharePoint Services (WSS). WSS is discussed in Chapter 17, "Working with InfoPath and Windows SharePoint Services."

5.2.2. Creating an InfoPath Form Using an Existing XML Document

You created an InfoPath form based on an Access database in Chapter 4, "Creating an InfoPath Form from an Existing Data Source." Creating one based on an XML data source is not much different. However, in contrast to using the database, you have a choice of basing the InfoPath form on just the structure of the database rather than also having to use the data itself. For the purposes of this section you do just that. Use the task New from XML Document or Schema . . . from the Design a Form task pane. Once you have clicked the task, you are taken to the Data Source Wizard, introduced in Chapter 4. The information requested is different because you will specify which XML document you want to use instead of database specifics.

5.2.2.1. Try It Out: Specifying a XML Data Source

1. Open Microsoft InfoPath.

2. Click Design a Form in the Design a Form task pane.

3. Choose New from XML Document or Schema . . . in the Design ...