Do I still need to download JInitiator on the client to run a Forms application?
JInitiator is a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that plugs into either Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer to replace the native Java Virtual Machines that those browsers provide.

Depending on the client platform the browser is running, we are supporting the following JVMs :

• Windows32
  • Oracle JInitiator (with Netscape and Internet Explorer) and
  • Internet Explorer 5.0 native JVM
• Macintosh
  • Apple MRJ 2.2.3 (with Internet Explorer 5.0)
• Solaris
  • Sun JDK and Java plug-in

For more information on the level of certification and possible restrictions, please refer to the Client Platform Support statement of direction available on technet.

What is the difference between the Forms CGI and the Forms Servlet?
The Forms CGI and the Forms Servlet have the same functionalities:

• Generate the HTML tags needed to start a Forms application according to the client browser used
• Communicate with the Load Balancer Server to determine the least loaded host and perform load balancing

The difference between the CGI and the Servlet are the following :

• The Servlet gives better performance than the CGI
• The Servlet leverages Oracle9i AS infrastructure (mod_jserv and Apache Jserv)

Both deployment methods are supported.

Can I use another web listener instead of Oracle HTTP listener Powered by Apache to run a Forms application?
Given that we are using standard technology, the CGI implementation is supported with any kind of web listener CGI compliant. However, the Forms CGI is installed and configured out-of-the-box with Oracle9iAS and if another web listener is used, the configuration will have to be done manually.

Can I deploy my Forms Application over the internet through Firewalls and Proxies?
Yes, Forms Services supports HTTP and HTTPS protocol with HTTP/1.1 compliant firewalls and proxies. Although those two protocols are supported, we are recommending the use of HTTPS instead of HTTP. Deploying Oracle Forms Services in HTTPS mode not only provides a more secure environment for application deployment but also enables the utilization of the SSL tunneling mechanism commonly implemented by 3 rd party proxy server and firewall products.

How can I deploy my Forms Applications without having to open a new port in my firewall?
If you don't want to open a specific port for Forms Services traffic on your firewall and only allow standard port (80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS), you can run Forms Services on a different machine than the web listener and use the same port (i.e. both web listener and Forms listener on port 443).

Is it possible to call Java classes from the Forms application on the application server side?
Forms Developer gives you the ability to generate the PL/SQL code necessary to call any java classes from a Forms application. Using this feature, you are able to call compiled java classes from Forms Services on the middle tier.

How can I manage and monitor Forms Services activity remotely?
Forms Services is integrated with Oracle Enterprise Manager to allow the administration and the monitoring of Forms Listeners, Load Balancer clients and Load Balancer Servers. From the OEM console, you can remotely create, start, stop or monitor these processes and even create jobs to restart them automatically in case of a failure.