News and New Product Briefs (April 21, 2000)
Arbortext offers Java Catalog classes for XML processors
With the release of open source Java-based code, Arbortext is helping developers resolve public identifier issues in XML documents. The Java Catalog classes turn XML public identifiers into accessible resources or files on a user’s system by implementing an XML Catalog format and the Oasis Entity Management Catalog format. The Java classes can be integrated into the majority of Java-based XML processors, which allows users to move documents around the Web or between systems and ensure that the correct Web page or external file is still referenced.
After registering with Arbortext, download Arbortext’s Java Catalog classes for free:
Sun updates Forte Fusion
Sun Microsystems has introduced its Forte Fusion 2.0 application integration suite, which now offers a multitude of integrative options as well as support for Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT).
Forte Fusion 2.0 enhancements include the following:
- Support for XSLT, which supplies a standardized way of incorporating data across domains and applications
- OS/390 deployment, which allows users to best utilize their network’s processing capabilities
- XML support, which is the software’s native data representation form
- New package adapters, which simplify the incorporation of applications into e-business objectives
- An array of integration options, including point-to-point integration for direct message-based integration via XML over Java Message Queue or HTTP; message brokering with XSLT rules to translate message content and to discern message routing needs; and business process integration across multiple applications
Pricing for Forte Fusion 2.0 varies depending on configurations and options. The suite should be available during the second quarter of 2000.
VisualGenetics revises digital images online
Q-Research has unveiled VisualGenetics, a suite of Java-based applets whose users can update and change digital images online in realtime. The software also sports image-editing tools, including rotation, cropping, painting, flipping, red-eye reduction, warping, and image layering and blending. VisualGenetics, which works with low-bandwidth connections, can improve low-resolution images on a browser while showing how the changes will look when they’re implemented as full-resolution images at the server. New versions of an image can be compared to the original image, and users determine which version they prefer. Selected changes are implemented and saved to the server.
The VisualGenetics applets can be licensed individually or as a package to Internet content providers.
Sun works toward JCP 2.0
Sun Microsystems has revealed that it is working with an advisory group of Java technology users to change the Java Community Process. The JCP creates Java technology specifications via a community-oriented process, but it has been under fire lately for adhering too closely to Sun’s whims. The panel has presented a revised draft of the JCP to be reviewed by Java technology licensees. Based on responses from those licensees, the draft will be modified and available for public review by the end of April. Advisory group organizations include BEA Systems, Compaq, Apple Computer, Fujitsu, Novell, HP, WebGain, and Wind River Systems.
Proposed revisions to the JCP involve creating an executive committee to endorse technology specifications and to decide when technology specifications should be made available to the public; also recommended is an expansion of the terms for participating in the JCP process.
Internet Imaging Protocol released for download
The Digital Imaging Group (DIG) has made an open source version of its Internet Imaging Protocol (IIP) available for download. The Java-based implementation provides Web developers with an open source client and server for IIP solutions as well as royalty-free licensing options. The IIP protocol transforms high-resolution digital images into low-resolution images on the fly, which decreases download times. Users can still zoom in on selected images to view more detail.
The IIP Open Source Client and Server source code is free until May 1. It is then priced at 5.
Download the IIP source code:
Akamai offers advanced reporting services
Akamai Technologies has made available the Traffic Analyzer and Reporter realtime and historical reporting tools, both of which analyze Website usage for FreeFlow and FreeFlow Streaming customers.
The Akamai Traffic Analyzer is a Java-based client that monitors the traffic at a customer’s Website as well as the Akamai network. Customers can view the geographic origin of visitor traffic, which may be of particular use for evaluating traffic patterns during media events. For instance, Akamai customers who advertised during the Super Bowl could view hits in realtime, thus providing immediate feedback on concurrent streams, the number of viewers, and the viewers’ locations.
The Akamai Reporter provides a historical look at Web traffic. The Web-based service can be customized to generate customer-specific reports, including the average number of concurrent streams, number of unique viewers, number of hits, number of minutes that content was viewed, and amount of content delivered. Customers can use the Reporter to judge future traffic patterns based on previous trends, to plan for changes in bandwidth and capacity, and to view traffic cycles over time.
Akamai FreeFlow and FreeFlow Streaming customers can obtain the Akamai Traffic Analyzer free of charge. The Akamai Reporter is priced at 99 per month.
MochaMail updates Web-based email
MochaMail has enhanced its Java-based email service with the addition of an HTML-based email client for users with wimpy computers or slow connections. MochaMail provides users with a free email service that offers the feel of desktop mail clients, like Microsoft Outlook and Eudora. Users can perform tasks with pull-down menus, toolbar buttons, and keyboard shortcuts. Other new features include folders, the ability to save drafts and sent mail, access to remote accounts, and the ability to set a From address.
MochaMail also outsources its email services to ISPs and Websites. The email software can be customized with logo graphics, the customer site name, personalized toolbar graphics, default colors and fonts, default address book entries, outgoing message footer text. MochaMail coordinates the application files and mailboxes, so organizations can offer free email services without depleting disk space and bandwidth.
Collab.Net offers free open source performance-monitoring tool
With a new open source HTTP performance-monitoring tool from Collab.Net, administrators can now optimize Web server performance and oversee an entire IT infrastructure. The project, sponsored by Sparks.com, was developed using Collab.Net’s sourceXchange.
The performance-monitoring tool comprises a collection of Java APIs and utility programs. A Website can use the APIs and programs to create applications that register, oversee, and replay the stream of accepted HTTP requests. Administrators can then examine how Web applications respond to those requests and modify a Web server to attain maximum performance capabilities.
BancTec upgrades FloWare workflow application
BancTec has updated its Plexus FloWare workflow software with the release of version 6.0. FloWare 6.0 helps organizations implement new systems and incorporate them into existing networks. The application offers a workflow engine that relies on server-based CORBA and Java services. The software can be installed as a single-server workgroup solution, with components added as needed until it is a multiserver, distributed solution. The software stores works in progress, statistics, and other information in standard relational database management systems.
Brava 2.2 helps companies collaborate
Informative Graphics has introduced version 2.2 of Brava, a Java-based drawing and document solution. Brava helps organizations collaborate on projects and share drawings over the Web. It was designed to use the JVM included in a standard Web browser. Users can post images and drawings in native file formats and others can view them without needing the same native software application, hardware platform, or browser. Users can then examine and edit drawings and image files over intranets and the Internet.
Brava 2.2 includes the following server-based features:
- Brava Thumbnail Bean — enables Brava servers to transform drawings into small JPEG images that can be incorporated into a Web page
- Brava Explorer — shows specific file server directories from inside a Web browser
- Brava MPS Print Server — provides network devices with Windows-level printing capabilities
Entigo upgrades eLab and eGravity apps
Entigo is shipping updated versions of its eLab business process design application and its eGravity deployment environment. eLab and eGravity help organizations integrate new capabilities into Entigo’s online Order and Catalog applications, such as a specific delimiter.
Entigo’s eLab 1.5 suite of tools offers a visual development environment that helps organizations model their business processes and then modify Order and Catalog to match those processes. The eLab development environment includes eCoder, a Java editor for project development; eDesigner, an HTML editing tool for tailoring Web pages; and eComposer, a graphical business process design environment.
The updated eGravity 1.5 provides organizations with a Java-based runtime environment for Entigo’s Order and Catalog applications. The updated versions include an installation utility that lets administrators create, configure, and deploy eGravity servers. Entigo’s eGravity also fully supports the Java 1.2 development environment and BEA’s WebLogic application server.
Find out more about eLab:
Find out more about eGravity:
SilverStream unveils xCommerce product line
SilverStream Software has introduced its xCommerce collection of XML integration server offerings that help organizations create B2B e-commerce applications. SilverStream’s xCommerce offerings rely on XML to incorporate online business applications into legacy systems and data.
The xCommerce line comprises the following products:
- xCommerce Designer — a visual XML development and integration environment
- xCommerce Server — for XML integration deployment and management
- xCommerce Enterprise Enablers — relies on standards (such as OAG and cXML) to enable the use of XML-based data from AS400s, IBM mainframes, relational databases, Java-based business logic, and trading portals
The xCommerce Designer helps businesses develop B2B applications, while the xCommerce Server provides a standards-based environment from which XML-based applications can be implemented. The xCommerce Enterprise Enablers support both internal and out-of-box applications.
Beta versions of xCommerce are expected in April. The product is scheduled to be released during the second quarter. Pricing is not yet available.
