Metaforms workshop is a set of tools and designs that provide a rich, client development platform for GUI development. Traditional power client GUI applications provide a rich user experience but are characterized by a heavy footprint. Contemporary web applications are more popular because of Zero-Footprint and Zero-Deployment issues. Using the web application architecture for Enterprise Business Applications makes it less productive for power users.

The "rich thin client" paradigm supports a client-side Rendering Engine that is similar in nature to a Flash Plug-in on the client desktop. The Metaforms Renderer supports the display of a Metaforms application that is defined in XML. The complete application layout, forms, and other rules are defined in XML, and delivered to the rendering engine.

Metaforms Designer Studio supports the design of the user interface forms, rules, and data binding with any web service.

Metaforms Workflow supports complex workflows that direct users through atomic tasks /actions to be performed.

Metaforms Rules Engine supports the execution of business rules on the client desktop that are pertinent to the problem domain. A business analyst with a little bit of training can incorporate the rules.

Metaforms Transport can interface with any SOAP service that conforms to the latest standards. Users can implement data binding using the Metaforms Controls that are provided at design time. Metaforms supports the integration of third-party application services into the rendered application seamlessly.

Metaforms workshop is a standalone desktop product, which is a developer-only studio.

Metaforms Renderer is a runtime component that should be available on each client desktop. The Renderer is provided on both .NET, and Java platforms for appropriate client requirements.