Dashboards support Actuate and Google gadget specifications. These specifications define the XML structure of the gadget files. Gadget developers can make custom gadgets using the Google gadget specification to display the customized content on the dashboard.

Actuate gadgets are included with Information Console and stored in the Encyclopedia volume. The data visualization, data selection, report and extras gadget categories are Actuate gadgets.

Google gadgets are XML files that contain CSS, HTML, and JavaScript code. Gadget developers can create custom Google gadgets or use public ones to access the services of those gadgets from the dashboard. Google gadgets give the dashboard developer complete control of how data appears within a gadget, can request external content for display on the dashboard, and can link to Actuate gadgets.

For example, a Google gadget can receive shipment tracking number code, send the code to the shipping company’s web service, receive the data on the current status of the shipment, and format that data for display on the dashboard. When a user selects an order number the current status on the order shipment appears on the dashboard, in the import gadget.