Integration objects play an important role in managing the state of an application or creating a new host connection. However, they typically are used for starting a new HATS connection from within an existing HATS customization. So when should you use an integration object? Web services and combining multiple hosts data onto a single screen are the two options of choice.

Integration objects are essentially a Java wrapper the encapsulates the macro state management. What I mean by that is, you can call setters and getters on the integration object and manage its state.

Macros on the other hand can only be run within the context of either a customization or the macros tab of the default connection. So in case you didn't already know, you can run macros automatically when the connection is established.

So, think of integration objects as an extension to a macro. They still use the .hma script during execution and they given greater flexibility for use in web services or they allow you to create a nice lightweight framework for use with JSF, Richfaces, Spring, Hibernate, and other exciting technologies.

Greg Peters
Solutions Specialist
Sirius Computer Solutions