Extending Oracle Applications on Mobile

Using Oracle MAF and Oracle Mobile Security

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

Contents
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................... 03
Building Mobile Centric Applications.......................................................................................................... 04
Business Challenges....................................................................................................................... 04
Development Challenges................................................................................................................ 05
Choosing the Right Development Approach & Framework....................................................................... 06
Oracle MAF One Platform for Complete Mobile Solution....................................................................... 07
Benefits of Oracle Mobile Application Framework (MAF).......................................................................... 08
Avoiding Using Heterogeneous Mobile Platform within IT Landscape...................................................... 09
Reducing Mobile Application Development Life Cycle Time using Oracle MAF........................................ 10
Exploring Enhanced Security Features with Oracle MAF.......................................................................... 18
Oracle Mobile Security Suite Components................................................................................................ 19
Specific Learning Implemented by RapidValue, which is not available in a Developer Guide............... 20
eQuipMe Enterprise Mobile Applications Using Oracle MAF................................................................. 21
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................. 25
About Us.................................................................................................................................................... 26

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

02

Executive Summary
The popularity of mobile applications can be seen in every aspect of the enterprise. Enterprise mobility
solutions, and as a service, are increasingly gaining prominence. There are several factors which is
influencing this growth. As per industry experts and leading market research firms:
By 2017, 50% of employers will require employees to supply their own device for work purposes
(BYOD)
87% of connected devices sales by 2017 will be tablets and smartphones
Enterprise Mobility spend to double from 5% to 10-12% of total IT spend by 2020
By 2020, the Global Enterprise Mobility market opportunity has been pegged at $140 billion
Source: Nasscom, Gartner and IDC
Going with these numbers, the technology landscape is driving the entire mobile eco-system towards
enabling mobility for organizations, across industry verticals. Right from retail, healthcare, financial
services, manufacturing, logistics, construction, telecommunication and even real-estate are aligning
their business strategy with mobility roadmap.
There are many approaches to choosing the right mobile application framework and tools for building the
mobile applications.
This paper, specifically, explains extending Oracle Applications on Mobile using Oracle Mobile
Application Framework (MAF) & Oracle Mobile Security. It addresses the framework, approach,
architecture options to extend Oracle applications on mobile, why one should avoid heterogeneous
mobile platforms within their IT landscape, how Oracle MAF can reduce the mobile app development life
cycle time and the enhanced security features available in Oracle MAF.
The paper, also, describes some of the key learning and benefits achieved using Oracle MAF, to
implement several enterprise mobile applications by RapidValue Solutions.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

03

Building Mobile Centric Applications

Developing mobile applications is not easy, as there are several parameters to be considered, such as
business and development challenges.

Business Challenges
The enterprise or business challenges are mainly:
Securing corporate information
Integration with systems
Supporting BYOD or multiple devices
Secure Corporate Information and Enterprise Systems: The CIOs would like to ensure that the mobile
adoption does not make changes to the current security infrastructure and policy implementations. They
would like to extend the current security methods. Also, they would like to decouple the authorization and
authentication from the enterprise backend systems.
High Performance and Transactions: The mobile application platform and architecture should be able to
scale-up according to the transaction volumes. In the present age, several transactions will hit in the form
of just queries, there will be users simply checking the products without actually purchasing one.
Therefore, the mobile application platform should be able to handle high volumes. Also, the platform
should have the ability to support concurrent applications, simultaneously.
Integration: One of the major concerns is, how can the enterprise data and applications be exposed,
using the existing tools and the technologies for integrating with mobile.
Skilled Resources: The CIOs would like to have a platform for development which utilizes popular
technologies like Java and available skill sets in the company, so that they can utilize the existing IT team
for making changes and maintenance.
Aggressive Timelines: On an average most organizations would like to develop 25 applications and add
many new features to the application in a year. The time lines became aggressive from months to weeks.
Therefore, the mobile application platform should have the ability to support quick development using
declarative frameworks and pre-built components.

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Skilled
Resources
Required

Development Languages &

Testing Tools
Specific Skill-set for Native
Application Development

Secure
Enterprise
Systems

De-couple Corporate
systems from front-end

Integration with other

Systems
High
Performance
& Scalability

Mobile Integration

Client pressure for

Quick Time to Market

Faster response time

Aggressive
Timelines

Integration

Cost Effective Solution

required by Business
Managers

Cost- Efficient
Solution

BUSINESS
CHALLENGES

Extend Existing Corporate

Security without Changes

Higher Volume of
Transactions
High Availability

Development Challenges
Build & Integrate Complex Backend Functionality: The developers would like to focus on front-end
functionality and UI coding. Almost 50% of their work is involved in writing code for APIs, developing
backend functions like GPS, push notifications, chat etc. They prefer a development framework that will
ease the complexity of device backend feature and provides quick integration capability, security features
and other functions like chat, GPS etc.
Some of the other challenges include multiple devices support and availability of wide-range of Integrated
Development Environment (IDE).

50% of Time goes into

coding Backend
Functions
Time for Writing Security
Features

Development and
Testing on Variety of
devices

Various Screen sizes

and Form factor

Wide-range of IDEs and

Development
Frameworks

Build Complex
Back end
Functions

Multiple
Devices

Developer
Challenges

Development
Frameworks

Integration to APIs
BYOD

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Integration
with Device
Functions

Enabling Phone
Capabilities
Integrating Native
features

Choosing the Right Development Approach & Framework

There are multiple mobile application development options available, such as Mobile Web App (HTML5,
JavaScript), Native mobile apps (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry), Cross-platform (PhoneGap,
Appcelerator, IBM Worklight, RhoMobile and Adobe AIR) and Mobile apps (iOS, Android) using Oracle
MAF.
Developing Mobile Application can be a made easy, if you choose the right mobile application framework.

I know that trying to

code or Program
everything myself
would be a disaster

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

8 weeks of
development were tedious.
Many support engineers
couldnt communicate in
properly, and the final app
couldnt be launched
because of its bugs. All I
got for spending effort &
money was a terrible app.

06

And this is how

I tried to build a
Mobile
Appusing
Oracle MAF

Oracle MAF One Platform for Complete Mobile Solution

Develop

Manage

Integrate

Deploy

Secure

Develop Developers should use MAF to build mobile applications using HTML5/Java/CSS3
environment i.e. to build cross-platform mobile applications. Since, Java and HTML5 are popular
technologies, the organizations can leverage the existing IT skill sets. You can build mobile apps for iOS
/Android phones and tablets using a single source code. The applications can leverage the device
features like camera, GPS, contacts etc. using the in-built Cordova. Also, developer should build offline
capabilities using local SQLite database.
Integrate Integration of corporate data and applications with external systems has been a major concern
for organizations adopting mobility. Use Oracle FMW components for seamless integration of enterprise
data and applications with mobile devices. Oracle SOA suite and OSB can be used for exposing
enterprise data as web services and REST APIs. The Web services and APIs can be created out of the
existing systems without causing any change to the IT infrastructure using FMW components like SOA
suite, OSB and adapters.
Secure - Oracle MAF supports in-built security framework which can leverage the security and access
features in Oracle Mobile Security components like OAM. MAF provides a unique Login authentication
with EBS SDK for Java. Existing enterprise backend system authentication and authorizations can be
federated or re-used using MAF without changing. MAF also supports multiple in-built security frame
works like Mobile and Social, OAuth 2.0 and HTTPS. MAF can integrate easily with OAM / OID and use
backend roles and privileges for secure authorizations.
Deploy - The MAF applications are deployed on a robust web logic server to manage large volume of
transactions. It ensures high availability and scalability.
Manage Allows management of fraudulent activities, logins, device finger printing etc.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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07

Benefits of Oracle Mobile Application Framework (MAF)

Oracle MAF addresses all the critical challenges and provides a cost-effective solution with quick
deployment.
It is a one platform to developers for a complete mobile solution.
Some of the key benefits include:
1.

Single Platform It handles end-to-end life cycle for enterprise mobility solutions

2.

Hybrid Framework It supports developing Android and iOS applications with Single Source
Code

3.

Easy for Developers - to adopt using existing skills

4.

a.

It supports standard technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript

b.

Java forms the core for Business Logic

c.

It is available as a plug-in for both JDeveloper 12.1.3 and Eclipse IDEs

Speeds up UI development
a.

It is based on MVC framework

b.

It consists of in-built UI components and CSS features

c.

It uses declarative custom components for drag & drop development

d.

The platform enables accessing device features such as camera, contacts, GPS etc.
using in-built Cordova plug-in

e.

Additional plug-ins which allows extension of apps functionality such as barcode

scanning is also available

f.

It supports development of applications that can work in offline mode by using local
SQLite database

g. Developers can debug the applications using the framework

5.

Security It includes extended enterprise security with in-built security framework

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Avoiding Using Heterogeneous Mobile Platform within IT Landscape

While extending Oracle applications, it is best and wise to use components from the Oracle stack. Oracle
Mobile Platform now provides end-to-end infrastructure to develop, integrate, secure and manage your
mobile applications. Oracle MAF provides in-built capabilities and configuration options to leverage the
Oracle Fusion Middleware (FMW) stack of components which will ensure faster development time and
lesser coding. All these integration and security can be implemented without even writing a single line of
code. Lets analyze how major Oracle components can eliminate the need of heterogeneous systems and
applications.
Development This is the crux and the major foundation of this whitepaper. Oracle MAF can be the best
mobile application development platform that can provide a cross-platform framework for developing iOS
and Android mobile applications. MAF includes pre-built configuration to enable Oracle Mobile Security
and is compatible with Oracle FMW components which means lesser coding and quicker
implementation of security. We can avoid using other cross-platform frameworks when we have MAF
Integration Oracle provides Oracle Service Bus (OSB) and other FMW adapters. There is no need to
look for other Enterprise Service Bus (ESB). OSB is a proven integration and routing mechanism, which
also provides facility to implement Oracle web service security.
Security Oracle FMW is rich in security components and is out-of-box compatible with MAF. Oracle EBS
SDK for Java (JAAS Login) can be configured using MAF default HTTP basic authentication. MAF
includes pre-built feature for implementing app containerization and security using OMSS (Oracle Mobile
Security Suite). This is an extension of Oracle Identity Management (OIM) security that provides role
based access to enterprise mobile applications. This helps developers to use this for MDM/ MAM and
there is no need to use any third-party solution. We can implement risk based login using Oracle MAF.
Oracle API gateway is an great tool that can provide first level defense security by implementing at the
HTTP servers and between the firewalls. It provides the first check for API control and monitoring.
Monitoring - Oracle MAF also provides consoles for API monitoring, detecting fraudulent activities, user
activities etc. This eases the complexities of building a separate admin or web interface for monitoring and
managing the mobile applications.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Reducing Mobile Application Development Life Cycle Time using Oracle MAF
Oracle MAF includes several features and functionality which accelerates the implementation process.
Some of the features provided, and configuration required to go-to-market quickly are:
1.

Drag and Drop Components It allows developers to create task flows and create task flow
views

2.

Re-usable Components It can be created and stored in the library for other projects

3.

Declarative Components

Configuration 1: Create task flows for views using MAF task flow components

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Configuration 2: Simplify the UI screens linking and definition using Control Flow
Link the AMX views/ UI screens using control flow component
Rename the View Title
Provide user-friendly name for control flow case component

Configuration 3: Create AMX Page Views and Navigation

Create Default AMX page view layout component (e.g. Do you need Header, footer, primary
buttons etc.)
Click on the View to create AMX page default code layout

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A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Configuration 4: Create Data Source by specifying the Source URL

Data Controls are created automatically

Data Controls created

automatically

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Configuration 5 - Defining AMX page Data-View and Layout

Auto parsing of web service response using data controls
Drag and Drop Data Control Components to create List View

Drag and Drop Data Control Components to create List View

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 RapidValue Solutions

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Configuration 6: Generate the List View Code without writing a single line of code

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Configuration 7 - Web Services Integration using OSB

Route web services from Oracle EBS using OSB
Configure Logic within the OSB for message routing

Transform web service using OSB from SOAP to REST/JSON

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Configuration 8: Implement OWSM security using OSB

Provide additional web service security using OWSM
Implement various OWSM security policies
Example - Username/Token security, SAML token, Kerberos token etc.

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Exploring Enhanced Security Features with Oracle MAF

OMSS is an enterprise mobile security suite that is placed on top of Oracle Identity Management (OIM)
and Access Management (OAM) platforms. It is an extension of OID (Oracle Internet Directory)/OIM
platforms. This is a MDM/MAM suite from Oracle that extends corporate security by providing client side
App Containerization for iOS/Android apps. OMSS avoids the problems of personal apps being
monitored and managed by corporate policies in the BYOD scenario. It creates a separate
corporate app container which whitelists the app authentications and authorizations using OAM/OID
services. It also has an optional PIM (Personal Information Manager) applications for securing emails,
contacts, tasks etc. and synchronizing with corporate exchange servers.
Some of the key features are:
It provides application containerization and isolates enterprise apps from personal apps
It supports Remote wipe
It restricts Data Transfer
It extends Oracle Access Manager and IDM services for role based authentications and
authorizations
It provides Oracle secure workspace with Oracle Mail Manager tools for PIM apps such as email,
contacts, calendar, tasks etc.
It provides Oracle mobile security admin console for remote wipe, locking apps, controlling access
and monitoring
MAF version 2.0.1 + includes default support for app containerization using OMSS. This is
currently available only for iOS apps of MAF
With MAF 2.0.1, securing MAF application with OMSS is as simple as clicking a check box in the
Deployment Profile Dialog Box, and the deployment process automatically generates the iOS binary (ipa
file), wraps the binary with Oracle Secure Workspace container and signs the application with the
distribution certificates and provisioning profiles. MAF and OMSS consist of internal compatibility in-built.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Oracle Mobile Security Suite Components

Using MAFs pre-built security framework:
There is no need to write even a single line of code
MAF by itself provides tight integration with OMSS. It is enabled by selecting the check box while
deploying the application

SSO Integration
(Kerberos)
OMSS
Containerized App
OMSS Admin
Console

DMZ

OID
OM

INV

PO

Oracle API
Gateway

APR

OAM

Oracle Secure
Mail/ PIM Manager

App
Tunnel

Oracle Mobile
Security Access
Server
OWSM
Enterprise
System
OSM/ESB

Personal App

Oracle Mobile Security Suite (OMSS) Architecture

Note: OID - Oracle Internet Directory, OAM - Oracle Access Manager, OWSM - Oracle Web Service
Manager, OSB - Oracle Service Bus, ESB - Enterprise Service Bus

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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Specific Learning Implemented by RapidValue, which is not available in a

Developer Guide

1.

Train

For displaying order status

progression
Train component was
available in ADF faces but
not in MAF
Custom Train components
are created from start by
replicating the components
from the ADF faces
Used MAF panel group
layout and MAF tables
components, along with
CSS for creating the train

2.

Tab View

Team Calendar

For sorting orders

according to Today, Week,
Month time period

For sorting orders

according to Today, Week,
Month time period

MAF does not have a tab

view component by default

MAF does not have a tab

view component by default
Used MAF List View

Used MAF tables and

Command buttons, along
with CSS
Used Java logic for listing
the orders according to the
time period

Also used Java logic for

coloring the bubbles for
changing train status

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

3.

20

Component and
Command buttons along
with CSS
Also used Java logic for
displaying the leave data

eQuipMe Enterprise Mobile Applications Using Oracle MAF

This section illustrates some of the applications developed by RapidValue Solutions using Oracle MAF.

1.

FSM Mobile Application

The application allows field service technicians to view daily tasks lists, schedule customer appointments,
view customer/ product & service details, real-time reporting of charges, optimize customer visits, based
on location through maps, etc., while on the move.

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2.

Inventory Management Mobile Application

The Inventory & PO receipt management application ensures that the store managers (in retail) and
enterprises are well aware of the status of the goods that are being obtained and also, which are being
sold/ shipped. The application has various privileges which have been allotted to each of the users. The
users can access PO, Line items, create and place orders, scan barcodes, check order status, look up for
SKUs etc.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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3.

Procurement Management Mobile Application

The procurement mobile application helps to streamline your workflow and business processes. The
procurement management application enables users to create and view PO, manage purchase
requisitions, check order status, add line items, view receipts etc., from anywhere, and in a secure
manner.

A Whitepaper by RapidValue Solutions

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4.

Expense Management Application

The expense management application helps employees, who are travelling and not often near their
desktop, to submit travel related expenses for reimbursements through the mobile. The employees can
also scan and upload receipts and documents from the mobile application. It also facilitates the managers
to approve the expense report, using the mobile application.

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Conclusion
Oracle MAF is Oracles strategic platform for cross-platform mobile application development. MAF can be
used to develop iOS and Android mobile, as well as tablet applications using a single source code.
The declarative components and quick integration mechanisms help developers to quickly develop mobile
applications. The development framework along with Oracle Mobile Service Integration and Oracle Mobile
Security provides a comprehensive mobile suite for extending enterprise systems to mobile, without
compromising on security. Enterprises can extend their corporate security strategy using the Oracle
Mobile Suite.

This paper was presented by RapidValue Solutions, Rajesh Padinjaremadam, President & CEO
and Abhijit Ramachandran, Product Manager Oracle Mobility at Collaborate 15 Conference in
Las Vegas, USA.
If you need more information, you can please write to the author, Abhijit Ramachandran at
abhijitrc@rapidvaluesolutions.com
RapidValue has a team of domain experts and mobility consultants to help you build innovative
and comprehensive mobile applications for your enterprise. If you need guidance on building
your first mobile application, please write to contactus@rapidvaluesolutions.com, well be happy
to hear from you.

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About RapidValue
RapidValue is a leading provider of end-to-end mobility solutions to enterprises
worldwide. Armed with a large team of experts in mobility consulting and application
development, along with experience delivering global mobility projects, we offer a range
of mobility services across industry verticals. RapidValue delivers its services to the
worlds top brands and Fortune 1000 companies, and has offices in the United States
and India.

www.rapidvaluesolutions.com

+1 877.643.1850

www.rapidvaluesolutions.com/blog

contactus@rapidvaluesolutions.com