AX1102

About Axiom client applications

Users interact with Axiom using either the Desktop Client or the Web Client.

Desktop Client

The Desktop Client is the general name for the Axiom application that runs on the client desktop. The Desktop Client provides access to spreadsheet-based plan files, reports, and other supporting files. The Desktop Client also provides access to full administration features for the Axiom platform, including managing security, Scheduler, tables, imports/exports, file groups, and more.

There are two different versions of the Desktop Client:

  • Excel Client. The Excel Client provides access to all Axiom features within a Microsoft Excel interface.

  • Windows Client. The Windows Client uses a .NET-based engine to emulate the spreadsheet environment without requiring Microsoft Excel. It provides full access to Axiom features, but certain spreadsheet features are limited.

Syntellis recommends the Windows Client as the primary client application for all users who need access to the Desktop Client. Generally speaking, use of the Excel Client should be reserved for spreadsheet file development, due to the easy access to full spreadsheet functionality.

Web Client

The Web Client provides browser-based access for Axiom, limited to certain web-enabled features. The Web Client does not provide spreadsheet functionality.

Using the Web Client, end users can access browser-based plan files and reports. Certain system administration features are available in the Web Client, such as limited Scheduler, security, and table management. Various Axiom products also provide product administration features in the Web Client.

This help file discusses features available in the Desktop Client and the Web Client. Some features can only be accessed in one client or the other, whereas other features can be accessed in both clients but with different user interfaces. The Desktop Client supports the broadest range of functionality. If a help topic does not specify which client it applies to, the Desktop Client should be assumed.

User access to the Axiom Desktop Client

User access to the Axiom Excel Client and the Axiom Windows Client is controlled by Axiom security. In order to use these clients, users must have one or both of the following security permissions, as defined on the Permissions tab of the Security Management dialog:

  • Excel Client Access: The user can launch and use the Excel Client.

  • Windows Client Access: The user can launch and use the Windows Client.

If a user does not have either of these permissions, then their Axiom access is limited to the browser-based functionality in the Web Client. This may be appropriate for certain users who only need to access browser-based reports and plan files. Additionally, some Axiom products are mostly or entirely browser-based, and therefore do not require use of either Desktop Client.

If a user does not have access to the Excel Client or the Windows Client, then that user cannot launch that client using any method. For example:

  • The associated icon for the client does not display on the Quick Launch menu. If a user does not have access to any clients or add-ins, then the rocket icon and the Quick Launch menu are hidden entirely.

  • The associated icon for the client does not display on the Quick Links section of the default web home page. If a user does not have access to any links, then the Quick Links section is hidden entirely.

  • If a user attempts to launch the client using some other method—such as a desktop shortcut, or a hyperlink with the client type specified—the launch will fail with a message stating that the user does not have access to the client.