JavaOne Conference Product News
Didn’t make it to the JavaOne Pavilion last month? Need an overview of the new products in your area of specialty? This listing provides summaries of new products available or previewed on the JavaOne Pavilion floor.
Latest revision of top-selling Java book released
The Complete Java Training Course: Third Edition (including Java How to Program: Third Edition) is the latest revision of the world’s top-selling Java computer science textbook. The new book, from Deitel & Associates, Inc., is completely updated to cover Java 2 and includes new chapters on JavaBeans, JDBC, RMI, Servlets, and Collections. The Complete Java Training Course includes the textbook and our Java Multimedia Cyber Classroom interactive CD-ROM. Due to ship August 1, 1999.
The list price is 6 for the book, 9.95 for the Complete Training Course.
Version 2.0 of first-ever imaging SDK now shipping
RasterMaster for the Java platform was the first Imaging SDK created for Java developers, according to Scott Brill, spokesperson for Snowbound Software. Now shipping in version 2.0, the class library provides pure Java imaging functionality, including support for raster formats JPEG, GIF, DICOM, BMP, TIFF, CMYK, and more.
What makes Snowbound’s Imaging SDK different? RM 2.0 adds the capability to print images at high resolution from within Java. The easy-to-use API’s functionality also includes display, rotation, zoom, pan, scroll, print, save, deskew, despeckle, rotate any angle, and more.
RasterMaster 2.0 View ,350; RasterMaster 2.0 Plus ,995; RasterMaster 2.0 Extended ,995.
New release of TowerJ 3 development environment now available
TowerJ is a high-performance deployment environment that is becoming the industry standard for deploying business-critical server-side Java applications.
Unlike typical Java virtual machines (JVMs), just-in-time (JIT) compilers, and Dynamic Adaptive Compilers (HotSpot), TowerJ converts Java application bytecode into highly optimized self-contained binary native executables off-line from production server hardware prior to deployment. This approach allows for the more efficient execution of server-side Java applications, improving performance and system throughput on existing hardware. In addition, the TowerJ approach enhances reliability, security, intellectual property protection and application manageability, according to Tower Technology.
The newest release of TowerJ, version 3, now shipping, allows for the mixed-mode deployment and execution of Java bytecode and precompiled native code, delivering both high performance and the dynamic features of Java technology. TowerJ supports all the standard enterprise Java APIs, including EJB, RMI, JDBC, JSP, and Servlets. TowerJ is available today on Solaris, HP-UX, Compaq Tru64 Unix, Windows NT, AIX, IRIX, and Linux, with DG/UX targeted for the third quarter of 1999.
Independent benchmark tests (https://www.volano.com/report.html) show TowerJ to be the performance leading deployment environment for server-side Java applications, according to Tower spoksperson Madison Cloutier.
The Commercial Starter Kits costs ,000.
Simply Objects Release 3 lets you use UML and Java
Simply Objects Modeling tools, from Adaptive Arts, provide a seamless way to architect Java systems using UML. The tool set features a solid interface, analysis and design facilities, layout algorithms, custom code and Web-site generation, reverse engineering, JSL scripting, and support for teams. Due to ship July 1999.
Pricing ranges from free to ,995.
Avoid defining tables and issuing SQL calls — with JYD Object Database
Written entirely in the Java language, JVD Software Engineering’s JYD Object Database is a multiuser system with transaction logic, client-server support, and garbage collection on the database. JYD Object Database stores pure objects, avoiding the need to define tables and issue SQL calls. Essentially, programmers write Java applications as if everything were in memory. The DBMS moves objects to and from secondary storage and takes care of concurrent access to objects. This product puts a serious object database within the reach of every Java developer. A package is also available that includes a modeling tool for generating complete database interfaces. The tool is priced from 9.
Java component- and app-development tools now offered by Tendril Software
The StructureBuilder 3.2 family of tools, now shipping, are UML model-based Java component- and application-development tools. “They are the only visualization tools to be tightly integrated into an IDE,” according to Tendril Software spokesperson Nick Kimball.
StructureBuilder can currently be integrated into Visual Café and NetBeans; other integrations are planned. StructureBuilder allows a developer to generate code from interaction diagrams. StructureBuilder can also recognize many relationships when reverse engineering. StructureBuilder has synchronized source code and Class Diagram. It supports Sequence Diagrams and Use Case Diagrams. With this tool you can generate Javadoc tags automatically and create HTML documentation of your object model with diagram image maps. StructureBuilder allows you to visually define, verify, and generate supporting code for JavaBeans and Enterprise JavaBeans as well as parse, identify, and extend existing components. The product contains a comprehensive and easy-to-use Open API. StructureBuilder is certified 100% Pure Java.
The pricing structure is as follows: StructureBuilder Standard 95; StructureBuilder Enterprise 95; StructureBuilder Enterprise Pro 95; StructureBuilder Enterprise Pro-SM ,990.
Free Java toolkit is shipping now from Entrust Technologies
The Entrust/Alliance Java Toolkit (Edition 4.1) supports the use and management of Entrust/PKI user credentials and full-certificate life-cycle management. The toolkit includes support for PKIX-based protocols and supports full X.509 Version 3 certificate and chain validation. The toolkit also creates and processes KCS #7 enveloped messages. The Entrust/Alliance Java Toolkit is shipping now.
Advanced printing/report generation package supports Java apps and applets
Style Report 2.0 is an advanced printing/report generation package for Java platform applications and applets. Any type of Java data sources, such as JDBC and GUI components, can adapt easily into Style Report. The API supports the full spectrum of report generation, from printing Swing JTable to charting and cross-tabbing. High-performance, high-resolution printing is archived with custom printer drivers. Built-in drivers also provide output in PDF, Postscript, RTF, and HTML format. The package includes built-in report previewing, a large number of table styles, and many data adapters. Visual design tools are also provided to further cut down coding. Due to ship July 15, 1999.
The Lite Edition is free; the Pro Edition costs 95; and the Source Edition is priced at ,495.
Protect your Java class files from reverse engineering — with Condensity!
Condensity shrinks, obfuscates, and optimizes Java code, protecting Java class files from reverse engineering and making them smaller and more efficient. Plumb Design spokesperson Michael Freedman says, “Condensity’s proprietary technology reduces the size of Java applets by an average of 40 percent.”
Condensity automatically generates jar, zip, cab, and raw versions of your condensed code. Condensity analyzes code to determine which methods can be safely finalized, improving execution speed.
A simple step-by-step process gives you total control of the balance between protection, size, and interoperability. This flexibility combines with a user-friendly interface.
Condensity outputs obfuscated code that is compatible with all versions of Java Virtual Machines. It reduces class file size, speeds performance, and packages your Java language code for deployment. It is easy to learn and fast to use, according to Freedman.
Condensity is priced at 49.95.
ServletExec Debugger 2.1
The ServletExec Debugger, from New Atlanta Communications, promises no more tedious debugging via System.out.println. The debugger is a basic Web server implemented in Java that has the full ServletExec servlet engine built-in for servlet source-code debugging. The ServletExec Debugger allows you to debug your servlets within most popular Java IDEs, including Symantec Visual Café, Borland JBuilder, IBM VisualAge for Java, Metrowerks CodeWarrior, Sybase PowerJ, and Microsoft Visual J++. Due to ship June 1999 (public prerelease currently available).
ServletExec 2.1
ServletExec 2.1 is a lightweight and inexpensive Web application server and servlet engine that implements the Java Servlet API and JavaServer Pages (JSP) for Microsoft IIS, Netscape Enterprise, the Apache server, and MacOS Web servers. The product shipped June 1, 1999.
The cost of ServletExec 2.1 is 95 per Web server.
Snapplet Web authoring tool now available
The Internet is no longer restricted to JPEG and GIF images!
Snowbound Software offers an applet — called Snapplet — that can free Web sites from the restriction to JPEG and GIF images. Snapplet is a Java applet that downloads and views files in imaging formats such as TIFF, BMP, JPEG, MO:DCA, CALS, and GIF through Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers. Additionally, with the DICOM and JEDMICS support option, you can support two significant imaging market segments — medical imaging and military engineering imaging — with true Java technology.
Snowbound’s applet allows the browser client to offer functions such as zoom, rotate, pan, scroll, save, and next page without any installation (i.e. no plugins needed).
The pricing structure: 20 seats ,000; 50 seats ,500; 100 seats ,000; 500 seats ,500; 100 seats – 0,000. Customized applets are available at an additional cost.
You can see sample of the applet’s capabilities at /Java/Applet.htm.
Java programming library can be embedded in any Java-based app
ILOG JRules offers a comprehensive Java language programming library that can be embedded in any Java-based application, client, or server. JRules is ideal for use in multi-threaded application servers and high-performance network-management applications. ILOG JRules leads the industry in high-performance, low-overhead rule engine technology. The rule engine operates on your existing business objects.
The ILOG spokesperson says, “If your application’s business logic needs greater flexibility and dramatically increased performance, then ILOG JRules should be part of your future.”
Create rich GUIs with ILOG JViews
ILOG JViews is a 100% pure Java language library that allows developers to create highly customized, visually rich graphical user interfaces.
It complements the simple components provided by Swing technology and other Java-platform vendors, providing services for creating Web-based maps, for visualizing complex data relationships, and for the easy creation of custom application graphics.
“ILOG JViews gives developers the fastest, most comprehensive solution for designing and maintaining the GUIs of their most demanding apps — in the Java language,” according to the ILOG spokesperson.
Pricing starts at ,500.
BankFrame provides factory of Java components
EON Technologies’s BankFrame is an architecture, a framework, and a factory of Java components for building banking solutions for multiple delivery channels. The BankFrame component library comprises Swing technology, JavaBean and Enterprise JavaBean components for building scaleable solutions. Turnkey applications, assembled from BankFrame components, include Call Center, Online Banking, Teller, Loan Processing, Bank Administration and Core Bank Accounting. Components are available individually.
Components are individually priced.
Data Vista Pro is a 100% Pure Java applet
DataVista Pro, from Visualize, Inc., is a certified 100% Pure Java applet that allows you to tap the power of Visual Interactive Data Analysis (VIDA) for enterprise level, Internet- and intranet-based services. DataVista Pro allows you to seamlessly integrate cross-platform graphing, analysis, and data-drilling capabilities into an enterprise solution.
Contact the company for pricing.
Security toolkit supports Transport Layer Security on Java platform
According to Phaos Technology, SSLava 2000 is the first security toolkit to support TLS (Transport Layer Security) on the Java platform, for building military-strength security functionality in a variety of Internet business applications, from financial services to healthcare. SSLava 2000 from Phaos is a new release of the world class SSLava Toolkit, the first SSL (Secure Socket Layer) solution for the Java platform, according to Phaos.
SSLava 2000 is available July 1999.
Pure Java data-visualization class library from Visualize
VantagePoint is a powerful and flexible 100% Pure Java data-visualization class library. VantagePoint utilizes a model-view-controller architecture that supports a wide range of two- and three-dimensional graph types, allowing for seamless integration with multiple data sources that update in real-time.
New fonts set provide high legibility on low-res devices
The New Media Core Fonts set, from Monotype Typography, Inc., was created in response to software and hardware developers’ need to empower and enable their products in the new-media market. The font sets are designed for high legibility on low-resolution devices such as computer screens, consumer electronic devices, and television screens.
Licensing details are available from the publisher.
Universal Update 1.5 is your extended enterprise information broker
Universal Update is an information broker for the extended enterprise. It is designed to unite islands of information. Universal Update facilitates the collection, transformation, and exchange of vital information between business systems. It enables the sharing of previously untapped information with employees, partners and customers.
Because Universal Update does away with programming, it eliminates complex and expensive transaction- and event-based implementation. According to Sundog, the product’s dynamic architecture allows for rapid setup and promotes a healthy, adaptive enterprise.
Universal Update’s non-event-driven architecture facilitates opportunistic, nonintrusive data integration. According to Sundog’s representative, the architecture “dissolves political issues and keeps integration projects from becoming major IT productions.”
Universal Update v1.5 is available now, and pricing begins at 4,000.
Get an out-of-the-box solution for consumer and embedded devices
Espial’s small-footprint Internet application suite includes Espial Escape, a Web browser with JavaScript; Espial Ebox, an e-mail client; and Espial Assistant, a personal information manager. Together they provide device manufacturers with a fully customizable and out-of-the-box solution for consumer and embedded Internet appliances.
Espial’s Internet application suite has been developed with low-resource environments in mind, and for diverse visual displays and input devices. A visual user-interface tool, a comprehensive set of user-interface components and extensive product APIs — included with Espial’s Internet applications — offer device manufacturers tremendous flexibility to very easily and quickly customize Espial’s Internet applications to suit their specific needs.
New version of StaffXpert, the first Java-based services automation product
StaffXpert, released in fall 1998, was the first Java-based services automation solution. StaffXpert 2.5 is a proven Web-enabled solution that allows professional services and consulting organizations to dynamically deploy their people with a new level of accuracy.
StaffXpert incorporates InfoDream’s patent-pending linguistics technology — XtractionXpert — to help companies make the best choice in selecting employees, consultants and subcontractors for projects. XtractionXpert uses high-powered natural-language processing to extract and break down resumé information into specified fields in a database record. During extraction, it adds up experience levels in skills, rolls up skills into knowledge areas and then identifies them with broad categories. StaffXpert’s powerful database-driven skills matching capability, combined with availability and billing rate information, provides managers a comprehensive view of available resources and project profitability measures.
InfoDream’s StaffXpert handles the needs of the service enterprise by offering a comprehensive set of custom configured program modules that includes Client Relationship Manager; Client Project Manager; Contract Manager; Time Sheet Reporting & Billing Automation; and Recruiting and Hiring.
TeamCenter 2.5 is revised version of pure Java project-collaboration system
Inovie Software, Inc., announces TeamCenter 2.5, a revised version of its 100% Pure Java project-collaboration system. TeamCenter 2.5 introduces a number of key enhancements targeted directly at helping project team members synchronize and coordinate their activities, while improving management’s ability to plan and track multiple projects in real-time. New features include high-level executive project summaries, notifications and milestone charts that act as an early-warning system and keep management abreast of the latest project developments. Integrated group discussions help project team members debate and resolve project issues. The new Interactive Resource Histogram allows project managers to easily view and adjust project workloads for maximum efficiency.
Pricing starts at ,995 for 10-Team-Member Server. Pricing is server-based and based on team-member capacity in the TeamCenter user directory.
Java-based desktop and productivity suite available for integrated enterprise
TaskForce is a Java-based desktop and collaborative productivity suite for the integrated enterprise. TaskForce is composed of an enterprise application server, a unified desktop environment and a team-focused suite of productivity tools. The company spokesperson says that the product “provides an ideal solution for companies interested in a cost-effective alternative to fat client desktop and groupware environments.”
TaskForce is well suited for Internet-enabled thin-client computing and business portals that provide a business-driven knowledge-management solution with task-oriented tools to allow users to collaborate, capture, organize, share and track information at all levels within a global organization.
TaskForce includes:
- Document management
- Project management
- Contact management
- Corporate address books
- Customer management with sales automation
- Integrated Lotus eSuite
- Java-based Web browser that supports HTML 4.0 and Javascript
- PIM / Calendar / Scheduler package
- Interactive organization charts
- TN 3270 emulation
- User subscription profile and powerful system administration
TaskForce provides an enterprise-based solution that supports a wide range of platforms, scalability over distributed servers and connectivity options. It is due to ship in August, and is priced from ,500 to 0,000 per server.
StarOffice 5.1 runs natively on Linux, Solaris, Windows, and OS/2
StarOffice is a premium office productivity suite that runs natively on Linux, Solaris, Windows, and OS/2. When supported by the StarOffice Server, StarOffice for Java, written 100% in the Java language, delivers the complete functionality of the StarOffice Desktop on a network computer or any Java-technology-enabled machine. Now with the StarOffice 5.1 release, developers can efficiently create cross-platform macros and custom applications with StarOffice IDE, StarBasic programming language, and StarOne API.
StarOffice has a fully integrated set of powerful applications that provides word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design, presentation, HTML editor, e-mail/news reader, event planner, formula editor, database that supports JDBC, and many other functions. The task-oriented design of StarOffice is completely integrated with the Internet and permits efficient management of projects with local and virtual team members. Furthermore, StarOffice provides an effective set of document filters that allow interoperability with those using Microsoft Office products.
The Personal Edition is priced at 9.95, and the Professional Edition pricing starts at 69.00 per license.
Best-selling help authoring tool lets you create Java help systems
RoboHELP Office 2000 is the best-selling help authoring tool that allows application developers to quickly and easily create user assistance and documentation. RoboHELP Office allows users to create Sun’s new JavaHelp, cross-platform WebHelp, WinHelp, HTML Help, Web sites, printed documentation and more.
Sun Microsystems has developed the JavaHelp format as the standard for user assistance in Java-based applications. RoboHELP Office 2000 allows authors to create new JavaHelp systems that utilize all the capabilities of Sun D5s format, and extend it further with support for browse sequences, and “See Also” functionality. With RoboHELP Office 2000, authors can leverage any existing Word documents, HTML pages, WinHelp or HTML Help projects to effortlessly generate JavaHelp files.
RoboHELP Office 2000 also offers significant breakthroughs in the new version of Blue Sky D5s cross-platform WebHelp solution. WebHelp is the leading cross-platform Help solution for software, Web-based applications and server-based applications. This third generation of WebHelp provides truly universal, full-featured Help systems for Windows 2000; Windows NT 3.x; Windows 98, 95 and 3.1; Macintosh; and UNIX. It can also be deployed on Internet and Intranet sites. Help systems created using WebHelp dynamically detect which Internet browser is installed on the end user’s system and optimize the display of all features in both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
Blue Sky Software plans to release RoboHELP in mid-summer 1999.
The following is the price structure for RoboHELP products: RoboHELP Office 2000 US List Price: 99; RoboHELP Classic 2000 US List Price: 99; and RoboHELP HTML 2000 US List Price: 99.
Dallas Semiconductor releases new assortment of iButton accessories
Dallas Semiconductor, maker of the rings that were the ubiquitous trinket at the 1998 JavaOne conference, features a new assortment of accessories that put the Java virtual machine in the iButton at the owner’s fingertips. The whole idea behind digital accessories is that you wear your digital credential on a carefully guarded accessory.
The newest accessory is the Metal Card. Made of durable stainless steel, the Card comes with a chain for wearing around the neck. However, without the chain the metal loop can attach to another accessory, such as a key fob or a belt loop.
Previous choices for wearable Java-powered iButton computers have included the rings, key fobs, wallets, watches and keepers that attach to other accessories or clothing…things you’ve spent your entire life practicing how not to lose. The iButton can be transferred from one accessory to another.
Inquire with company for pricing. Qualifying service providers may receive price reductions for large-volume deployments.
Get the latest release of the Java-powered ring from Dallas Semiconductor
The new Java Powered Ring, release 2.0, has been significantly improved over the original version that was first introduced at the 1998 JavaOne show. Memory available for Java applets and data has been expanded from 6 KB to 134 KB. This single device can support a few large Java applets or many smaller applets for providing a variety of independent services to the user. The new release also provides Java Card 2.0 functionality, including full support for the javacardx.crypto package of cryptographic functions for e-commerce applications.
Universal System Controller uses Java-powered iButtons
Lares Technology’s Facility Access Control System uses Java-powered iButtons in ring, metal tag, watch, or keyfob format as access control keys.
The Java-powered USC-V7 brings the power of Java right onto the board. Using an embedded Java Virtual Machine, the USC-V7 provides a new level of customization, control and reporting capabilities. Designed to be used by itself or in combination with Lares Technology’s USC-624 controller, the USC-V7 incorporates a Tini Web server as well as the same FIPS-certified crypto engine as the USC-624.
The iNETanywhere Universal System Controller 624 (USC-624) supports the full line of the Lares Technology access and facility-control products. Ethernet based, the USC-624 is capable of managing in excess of 5,000 doors and hundreds of thousands of users. The USC-624 FIPS-certified crypto engine is capable of highly secure encrypted and authenticated communications over the internet, allowing management to administer remote sites without incurring long-distance charges.
The product ships in August and is priced as follows: USC-V7 ,495 retail; USC-624 ,295 retail.
Tatung offers its fastest entry-level SPARC system
The COMPstation U10-440 is Tatung’s fastest entry-level SPARC system to date. This new line of single-processing workstations and servers takes advantage of the recently released 440 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi chip from Sun Microsystems. Both tower and rack-mount models are available.
The U10-440 was designed to provide an ideal development environment for programmers, developers and organizations that use Java technology. Offering advanced yet affordable SPARC-based computing platforms, Tatung meets the demanding needs of Java-platform developers with systems featuring industry standard technology, such as PCI. Tatung’s workstations and servers are installed at tens of thousands of user sites throughout North America.
COMPstation U10-440 starts at ,690. The rack-mount model (U10-440R) starts at ,780.
New version of Elixir IDE includes Java 2 Debugger and Build Engine
Elixir IDE version 2.0 is shipping with the latest additions of a Java 2 Debugger and a Build Engine. The Debugger is based on the early access Java Platform Debugging Architecture (JPDA), a much-awaited functionality. The Build Engine provides a completely customizable software production process. Coded entirely in the Java language, Elixir IDE runs on all JDK 1.1 and Java 2-compliant platforms.
Elixir IDE costs 9 for a single-developer license.
Free IDE for C++ and Java implements multidimensional desktop
Visual Programming Armoury is an IDE for C++ and the Java language. It implements a concept of multidimensional desktop. The ergonomics of VPA helps you maintain large projects. There are frameworks for C++, Persistence Smith, and the Java language. All of them are compiler-independent structured processors of source code. The C++ framework includes a designer of event-driven composite GUI and a resource editor. The Persistence Smith framework is built upon the object-relational layer, which allows you to interact with business objects instead of going directly to RDBMS. The Java language framework supports class diagrams and reverse engineering of source code.
Construct apps from new and prefab components with Java-based environment
LiveWater Component Design Center is a Java-based environment that enables software professionals to construct applications from new and prefabricated components by simplifying component customization for multiple uses. The product facilitates the management of components and component-based application for development and across application servers.
The product is available in September 1999.
Software development and reuse environment for Java devs using UML
Coded entirely in Java, Elixir CASE provides a powerful and scalable software development and reuse environment for Java developers using the Unified Modeling Language. Unlike many CASE tools that capture graphics with little semantics, Elixir CASE builds upon an object-oriented semantic model that ensures the integrity and consistency of all aspects of the design. With full backward compatibility with JDK 1.x, Elixir CASE runs on all Java 1- and 2-compliant platforms including Solaris, Windows NT/95/98, and Linux, allowing Java developers to take advantage of the significantly enhanced performance and features of Java 2 technology.
Elixir CASE 95 for a single-user license.
Software visualization tool lets developers observe inner workings of Java programs
VisiComp is a software visualization tool that enables a software developer to observe the inner workings of any Java program as it executes. Unlike modeling tools that show static relationships between classes, VisiComp shows the dynamic relationship between objects. Data structures take shape on the fly as a real-time manifestation of your program unfolds on your screen. VisiComp provides developers with a means by which they can quickly and easily obtain a deeper understanding of program functionality. VisiComp runs on any Java platform (1.1 or 1.2).
The price is 95 per copy and includes one year of e-mail technical support and free upgrades.
Easy-to-use UML-based modeling tool comes in new version
SoftModeler/Business is a simple-to-use UML-based modeling tool which naturally supports distributed component-based development (CBD), not only at the deployment stage, but also in the design phase. Additionally, the modeler is finely tuned to best fit the specific needs of developers working with Java technology, including JavaBeans and Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB).
Softera announces its full support for the new Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition. According to Softera, SoftModeler/Business is the first modeler to fully support the new EJB draft standard 1.1, including Entity Beans. With the tool, developers can design and model both Session and Entity beans with SoftModeler/Business, while their work is kept and corrected on-line so as to conform with the standard. Then, with one mouse click they can automatically generate the skeleton of the EJB components as well as all matching interfaces.
SoftModeler/Business is itself an application written in the Java language, so it runs on many platforms, including Win32, Sun Solaris and Linux.
The pricing structure is as follows: Standard Edition, 95; Professional Edition, 95; and Enterprise Edition, ,990.
Design reports once and generate them on any JDK 1.1-supported platform with Elixir Report
Coded entirely in the Java language, Elixir Report is a report writer that allows you to design your reports once and then to generate them on any platform that supports JDK 1.1 or higher. The publisher says, “Its flexibility aids both power users who need a quick visual-report designer and generator and developers who need to embed reporting capability in their applications.”
A single-user license costs 49. The runtime engine for report printing and viewing is free, but embedding the report designer for creating and modifying reports is chargeable.
Open source chatterbot talks with Web clients 24 hours a day
ALICE is a free Open Source chatterbot development environment and server supporting AIML (Artificial Intelligence Markup Language), an evolving standard for creating Web-based chatterbots. ALICE (Artificial Linguistic Computer Entity) is a chatterbot that talks with Web clients 24 hours a day.
Enhancements made to MindQ’s Java Developer Training
MindQ Publishing, Inc., a Knowledge Universe company, has announced significant enhancements to its industry-leading suite of courseware on Java technology topics, Developer Training for Java. All fifteen courses are enhanced for the Java 2 platform. New courses added to the suite include Enterprise Java Beans and Overview of Java 2. In addition, a number of features have been added to all of MindQ’s Java courses. The course content is aligned even more closely with the Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform (JDK 1.1 and Java 2) exam. MindQ has expanded the sample code library and made it easier to access and use. New self-assessments automatically tailor course content to the skill level of the developer.
The price for training ranges from 95 to ,595.
New tool provides functionality for real-time synchronous distance teaching
TANGO Interactive Distance Learning Server is a complete distance-learning solution. Using the power of the underlying TANGO Interactive Web-based collaboration framework, the distance-learning server provides unmatched functionality for the real-time, synchronous distance teaching.
The only distance-learning solution built using exclusively commodity Web technologies, the system’s interactive teaching technology benefits from unrestricted access to all Internet resources while keeping cost of ownership low by reusing the existing infrastructure. Most of the tools available in WebWisdom’s TANGO Interactive Virtual Meeting are also available in the distance-learning product. The teaching tool includes student-feedback tools, progress-evaluation and testing tools, one-of-the-kind shared DHTML and forms browsers, and seamless integration with WebWisdom’s courseware-management system.
Active Shared Objects technology provides a way to embed interactive shared simulations in the courseware. Session recording and automated Internet publication for asynchronous use is available as an option.
TANGO costs ,990 for a commercial license supporting 15 concurrent users.
Courseware storage and management system offered by WebWisdom
WebWisdom Courseware Management System is a Java tool for the storage and management of courseware. A hierarchical storage system supports with equal efficiency a small department or an entire college or university, or a professional organization that provides training.
The Manager can store and manage complex multimedia educational objects, and it is lergely independent on the authoring tools used for courseware creation. In particular, the system fully supports Microsoft PowerPoint, including in-database editing of the slides and generation of PPT files from database content. WebWisdom’s system also support IMS metadata standards. The Manager can export every presentation in XML-based format for off-line and CD-ROM use.
The courseware is retrieved from the database using WebWisdom’s XML Intelligent EduServer, a servlet extension to an HTTP server. The presentation layer is controlled via user-definable templates written in WebWisdom’s XML-based Education Template Definition Language (EDTL).
The servlet supports instant-cache capability that allows composite documents to be cached for effective, high-performance replication among the clients of our TANGO Interactive Distance Learning Server.
Implementation of JMS spec is perfect for desktop and embedded systems
iBus is an implementation of the Java Message Service (JMS) specification. It is used on both desktop systems (E-Business) and on embedded systems (Internet appliances). iBus provides an open-transport model and can transmit business events via reliable IP multicast, TCP, SSL, wireless, satellite, and so on.
Demos at the JavaOne Pavilion booth included an integration of iBus and Lotus eSuite, which was done in cooperation with Lotus, Inc.
Licenses are in the range of 00 to 350, depending on quantity.
iNETaccess/LE
The iNETaccess software is the first facility access control software written entirely in Java 2, according to Lares Technology. The iNETaccess software can be used on multiple platforms, including Windows 95/98, Windows NT and Sun Solaris. The iNETaccess software connects to industry-standard databases for storage, including Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access. The iNETaccess software is designed for easy expandability, allowing a customer to start with one or two doors, and add incrementally as needed.
The Lares spokesperson says, “iNETaccess/LE provides an easy to use solution to your entry level needs in facility access control; it gives you a stable, secure foundation.”
iNETaccess/LE software is designed for use with iNETanywhere USC-624 Access Control Panel and Dallas Semiconductor’s iButton technology.
iNETaccess/LE costs 95 (retail).
Appstream for Java is first product for streaming apps based on Java
Appstream for Java is the first product for streaming applications based on Java technology over the Internet. Appstream spokesperson Jean Lombard says the product “virtually eliminates the delays associated with applet downloads.” Due to ship in July 1999.
A free 30-day trial version ais vailable on the Appstream Web site. Pricing ranges from ,000 for the basic version to 5,000 for the enterprise version with unlimited users.
Use this fast, lightweight Java-based presentation engine on thin-client, portable, and embedded devices
Kallisto Presenter is a very fast, lightweight Java-based presentation engine for use on various thin-client, portable and embedded devices. The presentation engine is only 32k with all features enabled and runs on 1.02, 1.1, 2.0 Java platforms and the PJava platform. Kallisto Presenter is suitable for advertising, marketing, training, reference and entertainment — any content-based presentation.
Kallisto Presenter gives artists and business people the ability to display on portable and thin-client devices the same type of high-quality presentations currently deployable on desktop computers. Without programming, content creators can show animated or slide presentations on any Java-platform device with a graphic display.
Kallisto Productions also provides custom development services for creating presentations and applications to order.
Pricing for the runtime engine is based on the number of units. Development tools and development runtime licenses are ,000 for three seats.
Outside In for Java — your set of pure Java viewers
Outside In for Java compliments the current family of OEM technologies from Inso with certified 100% Pure Java viewers for over 15 different file types, including the most popular business and graphics formats. According to Inso, Outside In for Java provides file viewing capabilities that offer software developers the highest fidelity, best performance and most stable support for viewing documents on the Java platform. A set of high-fidelity viewer beans allow users on disparate platforms across the extended enterprise to exchange and share critical business information.
Eprise Corp. debuts Participant Server 2.0
Eprise Corporation, which produces business-to-business applications, debuts Participant Sever 2.0. The company spokesperson says “Participant Server 2.0 is the only product that combines content with business-rule management.”
Pricing is available upon request.
Get instant access to apps anywhere on the Net
Speiros realizes the full potential of the Java language by giving users instant access to applications — not just documents — stored anywhere on the Internet, from any Java-platform computing device, anywhere. While Speiros is fully compatible with existing applications based on Java technology (and actually speeds their performance in most cases), the platform also allows applications to do things hey can’t do in the context of a Web browser, such as having access to local and remote file systems.
One of Speiros’ many potential applications is mobile computing — without mobile computers: A Speiros user, traveling with only a Speiros login and password, access favorite applications and use them to create, edit, and share documents from any computing device equipped with a Java-enabled Web browser.
Download Speiros for free from
Automate the assembly of EJBs with InLine Standard
InLine Standard automates the assembly of Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), the component technology pioneered by Sun Microsystems, into software applications that support and drive critical business processes. InLine Standard is designed to reduce the risk for companies using EJB technology in two important ways: by making it easier for developers at all levels to create and wire together EJBs, and by leveraging organizations’ investments in existing integrated development environments (IDEs) and application servers.
A single developer license of InLine Standard costs 95.
CrEme tailors JVM and class libraries for handheld, palmtops, and PDAs
The latest addition to the NSI Com product line of products for the Java platform, CrEme fine-tunes the JVM with Microsoft’s Windows CE devices. CrEme tailors the JVM and Java language class libraries provided by Sun Microsystems for handheld PCs, palmtop PCs, and PDAs. The new version of CrEme is based on PersonalJava V3.1 and the Virtual Machine specifications published by Sun. CrEme is based upon unique encapsulation technology that isolates the Java language portion of an application from native code.
Software Coprocessor for Java now available
JSCP — the Software Coprocessor for Java — is a product designed for a broad range of industrial and consumer embedded applications in which robustness, reduced time to market, and shorter development cycles are essential. JSCP tailors the JVM and Java language class libraries provided by Sun Microsystems for real-time embedded applications. The new version of JSCP is based on PersonalJava V3.1 and the Virtual Machine specifications published by Sun. JSCP is certified as having passed Sun’s Java Compatibility Kit test suite. Based upon unique encapsulation technology that isolates the Java language portion of an application from native code, JSCP tunes the Java technology and the JVM for the embedded environment, simplifies establishing Java on embedded targets, and supports embedded systems with loosely coupled multiprocessors. JSCP has already been ported to most leading CPUs and major RTOSs and can be quickly adapted to any standard or additional proprietary ones.
Motorola debuts the K Virtual Machine
As part of its vision to enable Internet access via wireline or wireless devices, Motorola demonstrated at the JavaOne Pavilion the new K virtual machine for consumer applications requiring “small footprint” operating systems. Sun Microsystems developed KVM (formerly known as project “KJava virtual machine”) in close cooperation with Motorola and with contributions from other manufacturers and service providers to expand opportunities for developers to create applications for low-power, low-memory embedded devices.
Web app server provides servlet execution environment
CtO-JStar is a Web application server whose focus is to provide a highly available servlet execution environment.
JStar is a “clustered” servlet engine environment that provides transparent services like intelligent load balancing, routing, autofailover, autorestart, servlet chaining, virtual servlet engines, and centralized administration.
The price is based on the class of machine and per CPU. Pricing starts at ,000.
Visual Numerics releases version 3.0 of JWAVE
JWAVE 3.0 is a client/server solution that uses Sun Microsystems’ Java components to rapidly develop and deploy applications across an enterprise via the Internet or an intranet. These JWAVE applications are 100% Pure Java and let users perform numerical analysis and visual interpretation of large, complex datasets. Among JWAVE 3.0’s most significant new features are the ability for the JWAVE Server to run as a Java servlet, the addition of 76 mathematical and statistical analysis functions from Visual Numerics’ IMSL C Numerical Library and support for the Linux operating system.
First released in 1997, JWAVE integrates the data visualization capabilities of PV-WAVE, Visual Numerics’ flagship visual data-analysis product, and the company’s IMSL mathematical and statistical libraries, with Sun’s Java programming language. The result is a product that lets developers build VDA applications written entirely in Java that are distributed and accessible over the Internet or an intranet. In addition, JWAVE lets organizations leverage investments already made in PV-WAVE. Many organizations have written large applications for desktop visualization using PV-WAVE. With JWAVE, those PV-WAVE applications can be Web enabled without costly rewrites. JWAVE allows PV-WAVE code to be placed on a server and then facilitates the creation of Java-based thin clients for accessing that code.
Visual Numerics plans to ship JWAVE 3.0 in the third quarter of 1999, and pricing starts at ,195.
Server-side Java development and deployment engine in new release
JRun is a leading server-side Java development-and-deployment engine. JRun 2.3.2 fully supports Sun’s new JSP 1.0 specification. The new version began shipping June 15, 1999.
Live Software has signed a merger agreement to be acquired by Allaire Corporation, and the Live Software team plans to join Allaire to continue delivering JRun, according to spokesperson Shannon Gillikin.
JRun is free for noncommercial usage; JRun Pro costs 95 per processor; and JRun Pro Unlimited is 995 per machine.
