InfoPath Q&A: How can I use InfoPath forms without having InfoPath installed on users' PCs?

Learn which software products are required if you want to use InfoPath 2007 forms, but not install the InfoPath client application on the PCs of users who must fill out forms.

Vickie asks:

Hi,

Our company is recenctly seeking a solution for our purchase authorization form. We need the user to access the form(without install InfoPath on their PC, probably publish the form to a share folder) and be able to submit it for approval. I would like to know what’s needed for us (ex. Form service or share point…). We are currently using Lotus Notes instead of Outlook. Is it possible to have digital signature function? Please suggest what’s the best for us. Thanks

Hi Vickie,

If you do not want users to have InfoPath installed on their PC, you have only one option, that is, to use InfoPath browser forms. You will still need at least one PC where the InfoPath client application is installed, otherwise you won’t be able to design and publish InfoPath form templates.

To be able to run InfoPath browser forms, your company will need to buy/license Forms Server 2007 or Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 with Enterprise features. If you only require browser forms and do not intend to use all the other features that come with MOSS, Forms Server 2007 might be a good choice for your company.

If you intend to email forms around or access them from within an email client, you will need Outlook 2007. As far as I know, neither InfoPath nor SharePoint offer support for Lotus Notes. And yes, InfoPath browser forms offer support for digital signatures.

My advice to you would be to contact either a Microsoft sales representative or consultant, or a SharePoint consultant in your neighbourhood. Such a person would be better able to assess the needs of your company based on your current and future infrastructure, so that you can make the right decisions and investments up front.

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