Key Features of the App

The shell is the Maximo Mobile App across various environments (iOS, Android, and Windows). It does not include any functionality beyond downloading and executing functional modules, also known as Graphite applications, from the server. This design uses web technologies to provide a unified experience across different operating systems. The Graphite applications, developed using the Maximo Application Framework (MAF), are stored on the IBM Manage server. Users can access these applications even when updates to the shell are released. The shell ensures that the same execution environment is always provided for the applications to run smoothly.

When users first connect to the IBM Manage server, the shell downloads the necessary Graphite applications. It checks for updates and automatically downloads new versions of these Graphite applications when available. This ensures that the latest functionalities are always delivered without manual updates or republishing the app to public or internal app stores.

Maximo Application Framework and Maximo Mobile Graphite Applications

The Graphite Applications in Maximo Mobile are developed using the Maximo Application Framework. This framework allows developers to build responsive applications using declarative XML files and minimal JavaScript. These XML files are transformed into ReactJS applications that interact with IBM Manage components.

The configuration of these applications is managed through the Maximo Application Framework Configuration Application tool. A user can use this tool to configure or modify a Graphite application as needed. The process for configuring and deploying the Graphite applications involves downloading configuration images, making the necessary modifications, and publishing the Graphite applications to ensure they are updated on the IBM Manage server. For further details on modifying applications, refer to the official documentation.

Graphite applications and Database Storage

These Graphite Applications, developed using the Maximo Application Framework, are stored as zip files in a BLOB column of the MAFAPPDATA database table, The shell downloads these Graphite applications when users first connect to the IBM Manage server during the onboarding process. It then updates the files in the shell whenever a new version of the Graphite application is available in IBM Manage. However, not all Graphite applications are available to every user. A user can configure application they are authorized to access. This allows Maximo administrators to manage updates and user permissions efficiently. Only authorized users receive specific Graphite applications and when they decide to publish the updated Graphite Applications in IBM Manage .

The server-side management of the Graphite applications provides full control over when updates are deployed to users. Changes are properly tested and managed before being made live, without needing to resubmit the app to public or internal app stores or re-installations on end-user devices.

Server Control and Seamless Updates

Storing the Graphite applications in the Maximo database gives organizations full control over updates. Administrators can decide when updates should be available to users, ensuring proper testing and validation to minimize disruptions and maintain workflow continuity.

Because the Graphite Applications are independent from the shell, IBM can release updates to the shell through public app stores without affecting the functionality of the Graphite Applications themselves. Users can continue working without forced updates or interruptions, as the shell will automatically update the Graphite Applications when a new version becomes available in IBM Manage.

User Experience and Update Management
 

The shell and the Graphite applications downloaded from the server are decoupled. IBM ensures backward compatibility of the runtime environment that the shell provides to the Graphite Applications, allowing for seamless updates. This approach ensures that Graphite applications continue to operate smoothly, even when updates to the shell are released, without requiring manual intervention by the users or administrators.

Conclusion  
 

IBM Maximo Mobile’s architecture, featuring applications delivered through its shell and stored in the Maximo database, gives organizations full control over updates while maintaining a reliable user experience. Storing Graphite Applications developed using MAF, as zip files in the MAFAPPDATA table’s BLOB column, allows updates to be managed without disrupting workflows. The shell's ability to download and update Graphite Applications automatically ensures that users always have the latest functionality without needing to manually update the app on end-user devices or republish the app to public or internal app stores. The backward compatibility of the shell ensures that updates delivered through app stores do not impact the core functionality of the mobile application.