SharePoint 2007: The Definitive Guide

InfoPath and SharePoint Integration Overview

In the previous section, we explored the server-side configuration of InfoPath Forms Services. In this and coming sections, we discuss how InfoPath forms can be integrated with SharePoint.

Prior to using InfoPath Forms Services within a site collection, the WSS 3.0 feature called Office SharePoint Server Enterprise Site Collection Features must be activated within the site collection. Depending on the Site Collection Template chosen for the site, this feature may already be active.

Tip

To activate any WSS 3.0 feature, administrative privileges are required.

To activate the feature, follow the steps listed here:

1. Open the SharePoint site on which you wish to activate the feature.

2. Click Site Actions → Site Settings → Modify All Site Settings.

3. Under the Site Collection Administration column, choose "Site collection features."

4. Choose Activate for the "Office SharePoint Server Enterprise Site Collection features" option.

Before we delve into the how-tos of integrating InfoPath and SharePoint, let's take a minute to discuss the main integration areas and some of their uses.

InfoPath 2007 form templates can be published into a Windows SharePoint Services form library. If InfoPath Forms Services were not active within the site collection, filling up these form templates would require the InfoPath client application. With the help of the Office SharePoint Server Enterprise feature, these forms can be configured as browser-enabled. InfoPath forms that are ...