Using XML to Configure Groove
by Brian Buehling | Pages: 1, 2, 3

Injecting the XML Example Tool

The XML Example tool can be injected into a shared workspace by following these steps.

1. Following Groove's installation instructions, download and install Groove.

2. Adjust the Groove registry settings to allow for injecting tools with unsigned components:

   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Groove Networks, Inc.\Groove\Development]

   "DisableComponentSecurity"="1"

   Note: This setting only should be activated when testing or developing components from trusted sources. To restore component security, remove this registry setting.

3. Following Groove's user documentation, create a user account and shared workspace to test the XML Example tool.

4. Download the injector file.

5. Double click this file to start the injection process. In some cases this process will begin automatically. After injected, the XML Example tool should be listed in the "Add Tool" tab as shown below.

6. Add the tool to a shared workspace using the "Add Tool" tab. Once added, the tool should appear as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. The XML Example component added into a shared workspace

Conclusion

Groove offers an interesting alternative for developers wanting to create advanced collaboration applications without worrying about many of the complicated aspects of developing distributed applications, such as synchronization, security, and data storage.

With a little work upfront to understand the platform's architecture and configuration rules, developers have access to many sophisticated features like VOIP messaging and shared web browsing. Whether Groove becomes the next application to find a permanent home on corporate desktops along with word processors, web browsers, and email applications is yet to be seen. However, what is certain is that the ultimate success of Groove Networks depends heavily on how quickly customized systems are developed and implemented in real business settings.

The XML configuration files discussed in this article can be downloaded using the following links:

• XMLExample.grv
• XMLExample.xml
• XMLExample.osd
• XMLExample.tpl

For more information about developing Groove tools, visit the following resources.

• Download Groove
• Groove Developers Kit
• Groove Developer Information

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