General

What is ivata masks?

ivata masks is a library of routines developed in Java/JSP/Struts. They automatically create masks and lists, based on java reflection and settings specified in XML. This saves a huge amount of time.

Rather than develop input screens and lists for each value object class, you need to define just 2 screens - one for lists, the other for input masks. An XML file defines which fields should be displayed or filtered out in each, and the library automatically interrogates the value object classes to discover which fields are available for display. We use the Struts messages to automate the field labels, based on the field name as a key.

We used this approach to replace a system in development by a large UK retail bank. Before we applied this approach, the client had coded each input screen and list by hand. The unified approach dramatically reduced workload by a factor of several weeks.



Who will benefit from ivata masks?

ivata masks is a tool by Java coders for Java coders. It makes it simpler to create mask & list based applications in Java.



Where can I get help on ivata masks?

This FAQ answers some frequent questions already. If these resources don't help you with your problem, the ivata masks developer List is a good source for help. Most of the ivata masks developers are subscribed to the list, so they can answer questions directly.



Are ivata masks program binaries legal for commercial/business use?

Yes, but under the terms of the Gnu General Public License, you must also distribute any changes to the source code you may have made.

If you need a different licensing arrangement contact us.



Which operating system does ivata masks work on?

ivata masks has been built and run on various flavors of Windows and Linux.



Which JVM should I use?

It should work fine with 1.4+.



Licenses

Which license does the ivata masks project use?

ivata masks is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (vesion 2). This is a free license which enables the ivata masks community to benefit from both the program and the source code behind it.



Can I use XYZ license instead?

If you require an different license, please contact ivata to arrange an alternative.



Why does ivata masks use a dual license strategy for source code?

Dual licensing of the ivata masks source code provides open and free access to the technology both for the GPL community and for other developers or companies that cannot use the GPL. Dual licensing is common practice in open-source projects like Perl, OpenOffice.org and Mozilla.



If I contribute code to ivata masks what am I going to be asked to do as far as licenses are concerned?

All contributions to the source code will require that the code is automatically available under the GPL. ivata asks that developers fill out the Joint Copyright Assignment so that the copyright is unified. The JCA ensures that ivata can defend license violations if necessary. ivata is absolutely committed to the dual license mechanism of GPL + proprietary for source code and will remain so committed.



Do I have to fill out a JCA?

Yes, if you want to contribute to the project, you must fill out a JCA first.



How do I file a completed JCA?

There is a fax number at the foot of the document. Print the document out, fill out your details, sign it and fax it to the number listed.

Please also pop it in the post to ivata.



Are ivata masks program binaries legal for commercial use?

Yes, you are free to sell copies of the ivata masks program. The only condiditon is that, if you make changes to the source code, under the terms of the GPL license, you must distribute these changes so that the community may benefit too.

It is possible to arrange alternative licensing. Please contact ivata for more information.



Can ivata ever take away the code?

No, once a program has been released under the terms of the GPL license it is always available under those terms. ivata is firmly committed to keeping this project open and available to the community.