KNIME is a leader in the data analytics world. Their open-source, low-code/no-code software empowers users to harness data science, machine learning, and business intelligence. Their journey with Equo is a powerful testimony to how the right technology can transform software capabilities and user experience.

Challenges

KNIME faced several challenges that required a solution:

Modernization Hurdle: Integrating web-based features into their desktop app was a significant challenge due to the lack of a stable, cross-platform embeddable browser.

Platform Inconsistencies: Different native browsers on various OS platforms led to uneven user experiences.

Stability and Usability Issues: Particularly in Linux and Windows, existing embeddable browsers were unstable and lacked modern JavaScript feature support.

Outdated UI:The need to modernize their user interface to provide a seamless, integrated experience.

Initial Solution with Equo Chromium

KNIME first turned to Equo Chromium to integrate their web application, KNIME Hub, into the desktop version of the KNIME Analytics Platform. Turning to Equo Chromium also allowed KNIME to overcome platform-specific browser issues and phase out outdated technologies like Internet Explorer 11.

Evolving with Equo: A Deeper Integration

As KNIME's aspirations grew, so did their collaboration with Equo. The decision to fully embrace Equo Chromium was driven by a desire to modernize their entire desktop application, transitioning from a traditional Java desktop application to a sleek, web-based interface. This significant shift meant using Equo Chromium not just as an embedded browser for some views but as the backbone of their modern, web-based desktop app.

A Strategic Shift for Enhanced UX and Onboarding

KNIME realized the potential of offering a more intuitive and visually engaging user interface by adopting a web-based approach. This strategic shift was not just about aesthetics; it was about making their platform more accessible and easier for new users to navigate. Equo Chromium enabled this transition seamlessly, allowing KNIME to retain the robustness of their Java backend while presenting a modern, web-based frontend.

“Equo played a crucial role in the modernization of one of our central products. Their products not only helped us with a smooth transition but also opened new avenues for innovation for our KNIME Analytics Platform. Equo has been more than a vendor; they've been a game-changing partner in our journey.”
Martin Horn, Senior Software Engineer and long-time KNIMEr

Dual Application Advantage

The innovative approach taken by KNIME was to run two versions of their application simultaneously – the original Java desktop app and the new web-based desktop app. This dual-system setup allowed users to seamlessly switch between the classic and modern interfaces with just a click. The rationale behind this dual system was not just to offer flexibility to users but also to ensure a smooth transition as the modern web-based desktop app works towards achieving feature parity with the traditional Java application.

The dual application approach offered key advantages, such as the ability to reuse KNIME's existing Java backend and the capability to display existing UIs, like dialogs, on top of the browser during the transition. This strategy was crucial in preserving both consistency and reliability while upgrading the user interface.

Enhancing KNIME's Platform with Equo SDK Components

KNIME's use of Equo's Comm API and Equo Middleware showcases their commitment to security and performance. By leveraging these tools, KNIME established secure, serverless communication between the backend and frontend, and efficiently served any frontend resource from their original location (also resources contributed by their vibrant developer community at one of the multiple extension points the KNIME Analytics Platform offers).

Another key component in enhancing KNIME’s Analytics Platform has been the integration of Equo Chromium Headless. This powerful tool has improved KNIME's data visualization capabilities, it's being used for automated image generation and report creation. Specifically, KNIME leverages Equo Chromium Headless to directly render high-quality images from chart nodes, such as pie charts, within their GUI editor. Moreover, a significant addition to this functionality is the API to convert HTML documents into PDFs, greatly enhancing KNIME's new reporting features.

Equo Chromium Headless extends beyond the user interface, as it also enables the generation of detailed reports without the need for a graphical interface.

Conclusion

KNIME's transformative journey with Equo has redefined what's possible in the space of visual analytics workflows. Through integrating Equo's products - from the versatile Equo Chromium and Chromium Headless to the innovative Comm API and Middleware - KNIME has not only resolved existing technical challenges but also unlocked new frontiers in user experience and data visualization. This successful collaboration is a testament to how Equo's holistic solutions can revolutionize a platform.