Hello.
I was wondering if it is possible to make a Portal that would display report information in a dashboard format (charts, red/yellow/green lights, etc). The example in the first chapter of the Portlets in Action seem to point to yes.
Can you connect things like multiple Excel spreadsheets? Does it have to be DB based? Can you connect to things that are not in
Java?
I suppose most important for me -- does this book cover the questions I have about with examples?
And, of course, as the 1st chapter indicates, a portal may not be the best solution? Is a dashboard to simple to need a portal? Would a gadget or stand alone webapp be easier (as far as learning curve?) Does the book cover how to develop Mashups or only Portlets?
Wow -- another question...heh -- Is Liferay the recommended system for Portlets or the only system for Portlets (or neither I suppose...)
Thanks.
--tiff