Introduction

n2pdf Archive is an application that can be used to index and convert entire Notes databases to PDF format, as well as to view the resulting documents. The application uses n2pdf and webPDF to convert Notes documents, e-mails, and entire Notes databases (including in-house developments, third-party applications, and Domino templates) to PDF format (PDF documents) in an automated manner for archiving purposes. Moreover, this conversion process can be run at will or at scheduled intervals.

n2pdf Archive stores generated PDF documents using the file system and structure elements such as directory structures, configurable file name syntaxes, the option to store documents as individual PDF documents or as “PDF document compilations” (e.g., “all the documents in a job in a single PDF document”), etc. In addition, it maintains all the Notes structures in the corresponding documents and/or databases (e.g., document linking between documents if both documents are found in the PDF) if possible.

The entire process is defined, controlled, and run using job documents (or jobs for short). These job documents are created and managed in a central database using Notes, and the application uses them as a basis for running all conversion and archiving processes.

A connection to webPDF enables the program to also use functions such as forcing document compliance with the PDF/A format (PDF/A-1 to PDF/A-3) and adding digital signatures or certificates (for protection against tampering) during the conversion process. This, in turn, ensures that the conversion process can provide PDF documents that can be used for legally compliant long-term archiving purposes.

In addition, n2pdf Archive is also designed to handle file attachments. In fact, these attachments can either be provided as a converted PDF document or embedded in their original format if they cannot be converted (e.g., for non-supported formats). One of the ultimate goals within this context is to ensure that the attachments in the target PDF can be used much the same way they would be used in Notes (e.g., double-clicking on them in order to open them, detaching them and saving them on a hard drive, etc.).

The program ensures that the entire conversion process is logged in the job document, making it possible to check the quality of converted documents. Moreover, a variety of information (e.g., number of documents generated, runtimes) is logged as well in order to make it possible to calculate the costs involved in running a job.

The application itself can be run as a stand-alone program (Client mode) or loaded as a “plug-in" (Server mode) in a Domino server.

The conversions are performed by individual "converter instances" (threads). This means that several jobs can be executed at once. Thus the application can be adapted to existing hardware (e.g. number of processors).

n2pdf Archive is licensed as an independent application.

The n2pdf website or n2pdf Support are available for further information.