[Zope] Some tough questions about zope... (long)

[Tony McDonald]

Hi Richard,

> This sounds like something we need.
> I know that I could use it.
> If folks will critique this design, I'll implement it.

I don't know if my critiques will be all that useful (being a Zope 
newbie), but hopefully this will help a bit.

> - - Proposed Access Method - -
> It is desired to be able to have "non DTML" files incorporated
> in a Zope URL system. These files might be static GIF files,
> quicktime movies, or just plain old HTML.

Yes.

> Obviously, they might be "included" in a DTML page by simply
> referencing them directly by their URL. However, I can see cases
> where one would like the access to be under the control of the Zope
> system.

Definitely. We have dozens and dozens (eventually hundreds) of files 
(QT movies, PowerPoints, Word Docs and the like - the mean size is 
about 600k-1Meg, but we have quite a few monsters at 6-7 Megs).

> For example, access controls might apply.

I think that this is 'a good thing'.

>
> The Zope mount point would enforce permissions just as if the
> file were loaded into the Zope DB.
>
> Objects can be "imported" without having them take up space
> in the database. Their creation and maintanence can be handled
> outside the Zope system.

This would be excellent news for us.

> They are rendered by "cat"ing their contents.

Does this ensure that MIME types are kept with the document, so that 
'clicking' on its link will ensure that the correct helper 
application is invoked?

Cheers,
Tone.
------
Dr Tony McDonald,  FMCC, Networked Learning Environments Project
The Medical School, Newcastle University Tel: +44 191 222 5888
Fingerprint: 3450 876D FA41 B926 D3DD  F8C3 F2D0 C3B9 8B38 18A2