News and New Product Briefs (March 6, 2000)
Sun releases Java API for XML
Sun Microsystems has released the JAXP (Java API for Extensible Markup Language Parsing) Optional Package. JAXP adds XML capabilities to the Java 2 Platform, which should help developers create cross-platform business-to-business applications based on Java and XML.
The JAXP Optional Package allows developers to create and change XML documents with Java APIs. It also supplies a standard way to merge an XML-compliant parser with a Java-based application. Depending on an application’s requirements, developers can switch between XML parsers without changing the application code. Although Java Project X is set as the default XML parser in JAXP, the software can accommodate any XML-compatible parser.
Sun is pushing XML integration with the Java 2 Platform in an effort to further XML as the standard for b-to-b ecommerce applications. The JAXP Optional Package, developed via the Java Community Process (JCP), complies with XML standards. Through the JCP, JAXP is being reviewed as an addition to the next versions of the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise and Standard Editions.
Download JAXP free-of-charge from Sun:
Escape 4.0 captures Internet smart-device market
Espial has introduced Escape 4.0 Professional Edition, a Java-based embedded device browser with a footprint smaller than 800 KB. Escape 4.0 targets Internet-enabled consumer products, such as digital TV set-top boxes, automotive computing, and networked game consoles.
Escape supplies users with write once, run anywhere capabilities via an embedded operating system. The architecture supports HTML 4.0, tables, forms, frames, images, applets, DOM, JavaScript 1.4, SSL versions 2 and 3, DHTML, and cascading style sheets, among other features. It also offers extensive plug-in capabilities and integrates support for Sun’s Java Media Framework (JMF) for playing visual or audio media. Java applets or Escape 4.0 plug-ins can expand the program’s multimedia capabilities. A customization API allows OEM device manufacturers to create a browser’s look and feel within an embedded device.
Pricing information for the Escape 4.0 Professional Edition was unavailable at press time. The Escape 4.0 desktop browser is a free download.
Novell connects with eGuide
Novell has announced the release of eGuide, a software application service that provides corporate users with a way to connect with people across networks via a single Internet location. Novell eGuide can facilitate access to directory information within and between companies.
Novell eGuide allows users to access data stored in NDS eDirectory and any data source that supports the LDAP standard, including the Internet and enterprise directories of customers and suppliers. Users can find names, locations, phone and fax numbers, network IDs, and email addresses. Novell eGuide connects directly to the data source, which results in quick searches. Once a person is found, the user can send a message via an interface that operates with most Web browsers. Future versions are expected to support additional data sources, including Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) databases.
Written in Java, eGuide operates on NetWare, NT, Unix, and Linux. Pricing for Novell eGuide is currently unavailable.
CMP Media predicts future of Java
CMP Media’s E-Research Unit has released a study of the market’s perceptions of open source and Java. The report — called Open Source and Java: Where Is It Headed? –reveals enterprise-level developers’ perspectives on what the risks and barriers are of open source Java, who should coordinate a Java specification effort, and what the minimum requirements are for an open Java environment.
The study also identifies preferred development tools and the platforms on which enterprise-level developers would use open source Java. Among the open source and Java projects undertaken by the respondents, Apache JServ and Open XML were used most often. More than 60 percent of the respondents indicated that language fragmentation and loss of portability were important issues in the creation of open source Java.
The complete report, priced at ,000, is available from the E-Research Unit:
WRQ ships Reflection for the Web 3.0
WRQ has released version 3.0 of Reflection for the Web and Reflection for the Web, Professional Edition, which provide Web-based host access across the enterprise and beyond the firewall. The Java-based Web-to-host solution, previously dubbed Reflection EnterView, relies on a component-based architecture, so users need to download only the desired elements.
Reflection for the Web allows enterprises to share information with employees, business partners, and remote workers on HP, IBM mainframe, Unix, AS/400, and OpenVMS hosts.
Reasons to consider Reflection for the Web:
- Component-based architecture allows fast downloads remotely
- Security proxy wizard helps set up secure server connections and automatically generates security certificates
- IBM 3270/IBM 5250 green screens can be automatically converted into Web-style user interfaces (Professional Edition only)
- Java-based APIs permit the use of Java, VBScript, JavaScript, and HTML to automate logon scripts, access dialog boxes, and build Web frameworks around legacy applications.
Pricing varies with the number of users and system configurations.
ObjectFX updates SpatialFX
ObjectFX has released version 2.0 of SpatialFX, a spatial visualization application. ObjectFX offers software that incorporates business information with Web-enabled spatial interfaces such as maps or network diagrams. These maps and diagrams can be used to visually analyze, monitor, and interact with corporate information systems.
SpatialFX’s component architecture includes a library of more than 500 Java classes, client-side JavaBeans, a backend application server, Java servlets, and server-side EJBs. Users can run either ObjectFX’s Java Spatial server or SpatialFX EJBs within commercial application servers such as BEA’s WebLogic.
SpatialFX’s new features include:
- Cross-platform US street databases
- Door-to-door routing services
- Numerous GIS-type enhancements
- Use of the Java 2D API for cartographic-quality map rendering
- Standardization on JDK 1.2.2 (Java 2)
Persistence licenses TIBCO’s ebusiness apps
Persistence Softwarehas entered into a licensing agreement with TIBCO Software to offer TIBCO’s realtime ebusiness infrastructure platform, TIB/Rendezvous, with the Persistence PowerTier application server. PowerTier can cache and synchronize data across multiple servers while TIB/Rendezvous facilitates messaging between servers.
Enterprise and ebusiness applications tied together by TIB/Rendezvous share data transparently. PowerTier ecommerce servers with the TIB/Rendezvous software create a scalable, fault-tolerant network of processing servers.
SoftWired dispatches iBus//MessageServer
SoftWired AG has released version 3.0 of its iBus//MessageServer, a Java messaging solution. iBus is used to deliver messages and business notices among applications.
The enhanced iBus//MessageServer offers:
- Java language support
- JMS messages by TCP/IP or SSL
- Persistent storage in a transactional database
- Full JMS 1.0.1 compliance
- Customizable quality of service (QoS)
- Unique add-ons including support for HTTP Web tunneling
- Ultra scalability via reliable IP multicasting
iBus//MessageServer can facilitate realtime data and information distribution over the Web and wireless networks.
DBC previews My eSignal
Data Broadcasting Corporation (DBC) previewed a Java-based quote service, My eSignal, at the Online Trading Expo in New York City. My eSignal delivers realtime financial data over the Internet. Via active-push technology, quotes automatically update on a user’s workstation. My eSignal displays individual trades as they occur.
Some benefits include:
- Access to information such as commentary, news, research, charts, and market data and to links to trading tools
- Historical charting capabilities
- Ability to apply studies, including moving averages, stochastics, and Bollinger Bands
- Access to CBS MarketWatch
- SEC filing information
- IPO reports and weekly IPO calendar from Net Earnings
My eSignal supports Windows 9x and NT. Pricing varies with payment schedules and the number of services requested.
Keenovation automates with eSign-on
Keenovation has introduced eSign-on, a Java-based Web companion that automates logins, registrations, and form completions for online purchases. With eSign-on, users can log in to multiple Web-based email accounts, verify online orders, or simply access their online brokerage accounts.
eSign-on’s Java architecture offers a range of functionality, including interoperability and dynamic content delivery. Users can combine user accounts, passwords, addresses, and credit card numbers into a digital wallet.
eSign-on is a free download from Keenovation.
AVS enhances OpenViz
Advanced Visual Systems (AVS) has announced version 1.3 of OpenViz for COM and Java. OpenViz helps IT organizations and ISV developers make their applications Web ready by creating lightweight Java applets and ActiveX controls.
OpenViz has added a pure Java software renderer that enables OpenViz-based Java applets to run on any platform with a JVM. This is a useful feature for any IT organization interested in deploying applications on the Web or in a heterogeneous network of multiple-vendor desktops.
Other version 1.3 features include:
- Advanced visual-data manipulators and interactors
- Server-based image generation
- Enhanced documentation set with search engine, demonstrator applications, and better debugging aids
- New features for enhancing the presentation of text, axis systems, and other graphics elements
OpenViz 1.3 pricing is currently unavailable.
Destiny updates clipstream
Destiny Media Technologies has released version 2.0 of clipstream, its product for adding streaming audio to Web pages. The audio codec has been replaced for better sound quality. Because clipstream is Java based, it can be embedded directly into a page, like a graphics file, so it does not require a lengthy download time. clipstream is also easier for end users because it does not require a player window to be launched.
clipstream does not require a server to install. The Webmaster uses the clipstream compressor to convert a WAV or MP3 file into a streaming format. The audio file and Java player is then uploaded to the Website and linked to from the Web page, in a process similar to placing a graphic element.
clipstream is priced at 9 for a small Website that contains up to 30 clips.
Oracle announces Oracle8i Release 2 for Linux
Oracle has announced the pending availability of Oracle8i Release 2 on Linux, a scalable and secure Internet database.
Oracle 8i Release 2 offers new features to meet the demands of ebusinesses, including:
- Advanced built-in analytical functions for data warehousing
- Java 2 support
- XML support
- Enhanced security measures to protect data in storage and in transit
Oracle8i Release 2 should be available from Oracle Technology Network as a free download in mid-March.
O’Reilly to host Java conference
The O’Reilly Conference on Java will take place March 27-30 at the Westin Hotel in Santa Clara, Calif. The four-day conference combines intensive tutorials designed to teach the tools needed to solve problems immediately and a comprehensive program of sessions aimed at helping attendees determine the future of Java for the enterprise.
Sessions include:
- Keynote speech by Simon Phipps, IBM’s chief Java and XML evangelist
- Real-world application development
- Enterprise Java architecture
- Security
- Open source Java servers
- Java and XML
- User interfaces
- Databases
Find out more about the conference and how to register:
Register online:
JOFF debuts Java in Finance Website
The Java Objects for Finance (JOFF) consortium has introduced a specific Java in Finance Website that provides organizations with information on Java-based solutions. The JOFF site offers a forum for exchanging information on Java technologies related to the financial community. It will offer open forums for discussion as well as free access to information, such as publications, events, opinion pieces, training, and research. Regular postings will supply news updates and address finance industry FAQs.
SPC launches resource center
Software Productivity Center (SPC) has launched a resource center that provides software organizations with practical, timesaving information such as articles, templates, whitepapers, links, and how-to’s. Topics addressed cover the entire software life-cycle, including:
- Design and programming
- Development in Internet time
- Software aspects of ebusiness
- Product management
- Project management
- Testing
The information is geared toward a software organization’s daily challenges, and it aims to provide readers with the best practices and concepts in software development.
The resource center also includes an archive of the free biweekly newsletter E-ssentials, which features hot topics, techniques, and tips for software development and project management from a variety of software experts.
eBusiness Technologies unveils DynaBase 4
eBusiness Technologies has announced DynaBase 4 for Java, which gives developers the ability to create DynaBase applications in Java as well as Web Basic. The new edition supports Java Servlets, which enhances the development of interactive Web-based applications with shorter development cycles, platform independence, separation of logic from presentation, ease of use, and extensibility into the enterprise.
DynaBase 4 for the Java platform will include:
- Access to structured (XML or HTML) DynaBase content through a DOM interface
- XSL transformation
- Integration with third-party Java software
- Support for JDBC drivers
DynaBase is an XML-based Web content management and dynamic delivery solution that automates production and can personalize content on intranets, extranets, wireless networks, and the Internet. Pricing information was unavailable at press time.
aJile Systems unveils realtime Java single-board computer
aJile Systems has unveiled the aJ-PC104, a realtime single-board computer. The aJ-PC104 is based on an existing JEM2 processor from Rockwell Collins. It meets the PC/104 specification and is bundled with a Java runtime and basic software-debugging tool. It can be used as a standalone single-board Java computer or as a Java processor module in a PC/104 stack.
Features include:
- Multiple JVM support
- JEM2 direct execution Java microprocessor
- 10BaseT Ethernet
- Programmable interrupt controller
- 1-MB SRAM
- 1-MB Flash
- 8-bit general-purpose I/O
- Java runtime software, including TCP/IP networking
- Optimizing linker/application builder
- PC-based debugger; interfaces to aJ-PC104 through the PC parallel port
Pricing starts at 99.
Gemstone enhances Java application server
GemStone Systems has updated its GemStone/J Java application server to version 3.2. The improved ebusiness platform offers a seamless clustering architecture and combines Sun’s HotSpot JVM with GemStone/J’s Persistent Cache Architecture (PCA) technology. The combination allows business-to-business Internet commerce sites to support thousands of simultaneous interactions, while sustaining performance levels.
GemStone/J 3.2 features include:
- Advanced clustering support
- Enhanced reliability via the GemStone/J HotSpot Debugger, which supports Sun’s Java Platform Debug Architecture
- Support for Covalent Raven SSL 1.4.2
- Compatibility with the GemStone/J 3.1 GNS system and repository
- Conversion process for 3.0.2 repositories
- Windows NT background process to run the servlet engine
All enhancements in GemStone/J 3.1 patches have been included in GemStone/J 3.2, including a configurable distributed HTTP session-tracking feature and support for distributed garbage collection.
Pricing information is currently unavailable.
Insignia/BSQUARE sign Jeode deal
Insignia Solutions and BSquare have inked an agreement in which BSquare will distribute Insignia’s Jeode platform to developers of Internet appliances based on the Microsoft Windows embedded family of operating systems. The deal is expected to meet the demand for an accelerated Java solution in the Internet appliance market.
The Jeode platform is Insignia’s accelerated implementation of Sun’s PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava specifications. A technique called adaptive dynamic compilation makes the Jeode EVM execute Java applications about six times faster than interpretive VMs, according to Insignia.
BSquare will offer the Jeode platform to customers as a component of its product and service offerings. BSquare will start by porting the Jeode platform to specific Windows CE-supported microprocessors. BSquare will also license and integrate Jeode technology for software development projects. Eventually, the Jeode technology will be incorporated into BSquare products such as software development kits for Web pads, Windows-based terminals, and interactive television set-top boxes.
Sterling adds Intelligence
Sterling Software has expanded its Eureka:Suite family of integrated business intelligence tools with the addition of Eureka:Intelligence and Eureka:Portal version 2.0. Eureka:Intelligence is a 100% Java, Web-based integrated query, analysis, and reporting tool. Users can access, change, and format data for personal or shared use. The application combines common business intelligence capabilities into a single tool.
Eureka:Portal 2.0 is a customizable business intelligence portal that provides a Web-based single point of entry into all application information and an XML-based API.
Availability and pricing information is not yet available.
Dartmouth ditches C++ for Java
Starting in the spring term, some Dartmouth computer science and engineering courses will be instructed in the Java programming language rather than in C++, which has been taught since 1994. Coursework can be completed on both PCs and Macs.
Java, easier to learn than C++, is becoming an important aspect of the Internet. However, computer science majors will still learn C++, which is used in most upper-level courses.
The change poses a slight problem for teaching assistants and section leaders, who may need to learn Java along with their students. This is the third time that the course, which previously used BASIC and Pascal, has switched languages.
Random Eye images automates design process
Random Eye Technologies has automated part of the graphic design process with the release of Random Eye images, the first intelligent software for creating images. Users go to the Internet to select from a series of archived images viewed in a random stream of compositions. Random Eye images was written in Java, so the application can function on any Java-enabled platform, including Windows, Macintosh OS, and Linux.
Essentially, the software retrieves images from CDs, photo agency Websites, or the user’s own hard drive and compiles new photographic compositions at a rate of one layout every three seconds. The images are loaded onto layer palettes that establish rotation, position, opacity, and size. The user can change the layer sequencing, add an image, or request a specific topic search.
A set of compatible PhotoShop plug-ins is under development. Random Eye images is priced at 49.
Versant presents enJin
Versant announced the release of enJin, a suite of products that integrate with the application server environment.
The package includes:
- EJB integration for IBM WebSphere
- ODBMS
- Java developer’s interface
- Versant Asynchronous Replication (VAR)
- XML Toolkit
- Fault-tolerant server
Versant has also acquired object-to-relational (OR) mapping technology for enJin. The technology supplies automatic synchronization with line-of-business systems. The Versant XML Toolkit allows an import/export capability to map raw XML data into Java objects. By the second half of the year, Versant expects to integrate Versant enJin with its business messaging infrastructure platform, providing an enhanced set of XML capabilities such as staging, message routing, transformation, and transactional mediation among multiple data sources.
Versant enJin will ship with OR mapping and the Versant XML Toolkit in the second quarter of 2000. At that time, Versant will also ship a lighter version to give customers the flexibility to select object-to-relational mapping without object persistence.
Pricing for Versant enJin Lite will be ,995.
Backweb meets business-to-business demands
BackWeb Technologies plans to meet ecommerce demands with the BackWeb Sales Accelerator 2.0, an application based on the automated delivery of push technology. The BackWeb Sales Accelerator application uses BackWeb Foundation to collect and automatically deliver important information to a sales force and partners or resellers.
BackWeb Sales Accelerator 2.0 offers an array of new features and capabilities, including:
- New Java architecture that allows BackWeb Sales Accelerator 2.0 to fit seamlessly into multiplatform, business-to-business, and extranet environments
- Permission groups setting that facilitates flexible deployments and operations
- Browser-based client interface that supplies an easy-to-use interface for subscribing to, publishing, and viewing content
- Automated publishing features that companies more control over their content
- Online viewing capability that lets mobile or remote users download BackWeb Sales Accelerator content via any standard Web browser
- Windows 2000 support
BackWeb Sales Accelerator’s Automated Encyclopedia module now allows documents to be organized by topic and supplies an improved subscription and alert mechanism. The application’s Market Intelligence Module offers a Web-based administrative interface as well as expanded content-processing capabilities.
BackWeb Sales Accelerator 2.0 will be available during the first quarter of 2000. Pricing information was unavailable at press time.
LookSmart and SlangSoft speaking each other’s language
LookSmart has partnered with Slangsoft to create foreign-language versions of the LookSmart directory. Slangsoft’s Java-based National Language Support technology will allow Internet users to browse and interact with LookSmart sites in a variety of languages. The first site based on this partnership is a Japanese-language site.
Slangsoft’s technology allows non-English text to be entered and viewed by Web users regardless of operating system, hardware platform, or fonts. The technology requires no installation, download, or plug-in. Slangsoft has also encapsulated the technology into its IGene API, which readily allows Web developers to internationalize and localize Websites and programs.
Second edition of ‘Java Software Solutions’ released
Addison-Wesley has released the second edition of the Java programming textbook Java Software Solutions: Foundations of Program Design. The book, coauthored by William Loftus and John Lewis, teaches beginning programmers how to design and execute object-oriented applications.
New features in this edition include:
- Graphics Track pages to reinforce chapter themes
- A new chapter on exceptions and I/O streams
- Boxes denoting more information on the Web
- Syntax boxes highlighting Java language elements
In addition, the text has added recent Java developments, such as the Java 2 and Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) platforms, and more graphical capabilities
Java Software Solutions: Foundations of Program Designis available for 4.
Caldera will distribute Java 2 to Linux developers
Sun Microsystems and Caldera Systems signed an agreement in which Caldera will distribute Sun’s Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE), and the Java HotSpot Virtual Machine to the Linux developer community. Access to J2EE will allow Linux developers to create Java-based enterprise applications for Linux systems. The distribution agreement will provide the Linux community with the most current Java technology and will allow Linux end users to benefit from Java technology-based applications.
The agreement also makes Caldera the first commercial Linux distribution vendor to license Sun’s Java technology source code. Sun and Caldera will be the first commercial vendors to offer the development community the latest release of the Java 2 Platform for Linux. Sun expects to ship by mid-February a Linux version of J2SE, which will incorporate contributions from Blackdown, a nonprofit organization of Linux and Java technology developers.
Caldera Systems’ OpenLinux platform will also be shipping J2SE and Java HotSpot in future versions of OpenLinux 2.3+, OpenLinux eServer, and future OpenLinux-based products. Sun and Caldera will work together to provide enterprise Linux developers with support and consulting services.
Microsoft battles another JVM bug
Microsoft is battling another security glitch in its Java Virtual Machine (JVM). A report by Hiromitsu Takagi of the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry notes that the bug may allow interlopers to steal files from Web surfers using Internet Explorer (IE) versions 4, 5, and 5.01.
According to Takagi’s report, a hacker can take advantage of the security gap by placing a single line of code into a Java applet, and then inserting that applet into a Web page. An IE browser accessing the page will automatically download and execute the applet, which will then read specific files on a user’s system. The applet may then forward the files as an email attachment or transmit the files back to a Web server.
Since the JVM is an optional, user-selectable component of IE, Takagi recommends that IE users disable Java until Microsoft releases a patch. Users could also download Sun’s Java plug-in or switch to Netscape Navigator.
For an in-depth look at Sun’s Java plug-in, see Geoff Friesen’s “Plug In to Java with Java Plug-In” (JavaWorld, June 1999):
VisiComp debuts Java visualization tool
VisiComp has debuted VisiComp 1.0, a software tool that allows Java developers to view program structures as they develop on screen during runtime.
Programmers can see relationships between runtime objects while the program is running. This capability can help programmers uncover memory leaks, track down bugs, test program integrity, and verify correct functionality. It can also be used to decipher inherited Java code.
Written in Java, VisiComp offers an easy-to-use graphical interface with field values displayed and automatically updated. Configurable scaling and filtering features give programmers greater control over the display of objects and variables.
VisiComp 1.0 is priced at 95 per copy. The purchase price includes email technical support and one year of free upgrades.
Download a demo of VisiComp:
Symbol and Epic partner on Java-based solutions
Symbol Technologies is partnering with Epic Data International to create integrated data collection and enterprise solutions for the manufacturing market that rely on Java-based wireless technology.
Symbol is interested in incorporating Java-based wireless technology into its mobile computing products because it wants its applications to perform across a range of mobile computing platforms. Java also provides a single solution for both internal and external ERP (enterprise resource planning) or SCM (supply chain management) needs.
Epic Data is a natural partner since it has successfully enabled Java for both backend and mobile computer applications in various ERP environments. Epic Data also offers expertise in the automatic data collection and ERP markets.
ThinkFree Office liberates users
ThinkFree introduced ThinkFree Office, a Web-based productivity suite that is free to consumers and compatible with Microsoft Office. The Java-based applications are optimized for the Web and promise to meet users’ anytime, anywhere computing needs by supporting broadband, dial-up, and offline use. ThinkFree Office requires only a browser; it can be accessed from any platform.
The ThinkFree Office applications include the following:
- Write, a Microsoft Word-compatible word processor and HTML editor
- Show, a Microsoft PowerPoint-compatible presentation graphics program
- Mail, an IMAP4 and POP3 email client with an integrated file-attachment viewer
- Contacts, an address book with built-in LDAP support
- Calc, a Microsoft Excel-compatible spreadsheet
- Folders, a file manager for navigating and managing documents in local folders or in ThinkSafe cyberfolders
Working off a Java object server, ThinkFree Office serves and caches Java objects onto the client computer, which results in quick response times similar to that of a native application. The applications continue to function even if an Internet connection is lost.
The company says that ThinkFree Office facilitates file sharing, eliminating the need for disks and compatible computers; allows Unix and Linux users to work on their native platform without pesky Windows emulation needs; and takes up little hard-disk space.
Consumers can download a free copy of ThinkFree Office:
PointBase enhances Java database
PointBase has improved the functionality and performance of its object-relational Java database for networked and mobile applications with the release of version 3.x. The new release offers enhanced developer tools, SQL-standard database triggers, and multi-byte character support for international languages. The pure Java solution facilitates the development of mobile applications for global enterprises, applications for mass deployment across the Internet, and embedded applications for Internet appliances and devices.
Version 3.x features include:
- Triggers capable of incorporating application logic directly into a database
- Performance improvements in database cache operations, I/O processing, and storage and retrieval of large objects (such as images, voice files, or Java classes)
- The GUI console improves efficiency with new catalog entries for SQL routines, pop-up tool tips, and context-sensitive pop-up menus
- Support of the Unicode standard for the world’s principal languages
Pricing for version 3.1 starts at 95 for the PointBase Mobile Edition, a single connection database for applications supporting Internet devices and mobile workers. Pricing for PointBase server products starts at 95.
Download a free evaluation copy of version 3.1:
TeraCast brings streaming technology to the masses
Entera has introduced TeraCast Plus, which the company says is the first commercial standards-based, multiplatform streaming server software solution with unlimited streaming capabilities. TeraCast relies on the QuickTime player and Java 2 to bring viewers content without requiring them to download large files. Instead, content providers and developers deliver active Internet content, such as audio or video files, in a continuous transmission.
TeraCast Plus features include:
- Open industry standards RTP (Realtime Transport Protocol) and RTSP (Realtime Streaming Protocol)
- Multiplatform compatibility, including Sun Solaris, FreeBSD, Linux, Windows 98, Windows NT, and Sun SPARC
- Unlimited streaming for one price
- Interoperability with complementary solutions from other vendors, such as content authoring and compression tools
Users can download a beta of TeraCat Lite for free. TeraCast Plus is priced at ,495 per server CPU.
HP redefines HP 3000 server line
HP is giving its HP 3000 server line a new name and putting an emphasis on eservices.
Changes include:
- Stronger partnerships with solution providers
- Increased capacity
- MPE/iX 6.5 security software
The MPE/iX Web server is based on Apache. It was developed with RSA’s BSAFE SSL-C library, which offers full encryption, authentication, and overall Internet security to HP e3000 users’ Websites. The secure edition is expected to ship in May 2000. MPE/iX 6.5 also supports Java 2 Release 1.2.2 and features the HP JDBC Driver.
SoftBase releases NetLert 2.0
SoftBase Systems has updated NetLert, its instant messaging software for corporations and call centers. NetLert 2.0 offers organizations instant internal messaging capabilities. It may be particularly useful for call centers, where managers can send critical information to agents without disrupting calls.
Alert messages can be sent to individuals or groups. The alert message instantly appears on the recipient’s screen for immediate notification. NetLert 2.0 also allows users to chat in groups, one-on-one, or in chat rooms. Managers can outline which users may enter which chat rooms and with whom users may chat.
NetLert 2.0 is a Java application that supports OS/2, Solaris, Macintosh, Linux, and Windows environments. It uses HTML as its native display format, which allows messages to include embedded links or graphics. The software relies on Directory Services (NDS, LDAP, and NT Domains) to work with corporate networks. NetLert will offer support for SSL security implementation, when available in Java.
The NetLert Starter Pack includes one NetLert Messaging Server installation and 25 NetLert Client connections and is priced at 95. The NetLert Enterprise Pack includes up to four NetLert Messaging Servers and 200 NetLert Client connections; it is priced at ,500.
ParaSoft updates Jtest
ParaSoft has rolled out Jtest version 3.1, an update of its automatic Java unit-testing tool. This version offers serious Java developers and managers a comprehensive solution for preventing and detecting errors.
With the new RuleWizard, development teams can establish their own set of static analysis rules to be enforced. Jtest has also increased the number of rules it automatically enforces. Jtest’s white-box testing has been improved with white-box stubs, which allows Jtest to test a class based on inputs from external resources. When external files or databases are accessed, Jtest automatically generates input from those resources and notifies the user if any inputs will result in the program throwing uncaught runtime exceptions.
Jtest can also test classes using EJB and CORBA. White-box stubs are provided for ORB and other CORBA objects referenced by the class under test. If a CORBA class refers to another CORBA class, Jtest assumes that the method calls can return any value compatible with the return type. For EJB-dependent classes, Jtest provides a dummy container context before testing the methods and invokes bean initialization routines. Jtest makes sure that EJB classes act properly regardless of the values other beans return.
Jtest pricing starts at ,495. The software runs on Sun Solaris, Windows 98, and NT.
