A swinger’s guide to Java published
Manning Publications has a new book, Swing, by Matthew Robinson and Pavel Vorobiev. The book targets serious programmers interested in maximizing Java’s Swing technology, which allows developers to create powerful and complex cross-platform GUIs.
The book opens with an overview of Swing and such basic concepts as panes and boxes. The authors then focus on the more advanced topics, such as:
- Text packages
- Tree packages
- Table packages
- MDI environments
- The creation of a pluggable look and feel
The examples that illustrate each topic include code in which Swing features are customized and combined. Programmers can save development time by reviewing the solutions and bug workarounds.
A softcover version of the book is available for 9.95:
The entire manuscript is available online:
https://www.spindoczine.com/sbe.
Codagen Technologies announces Java code generator
Codagen Technologies announced the availability of gen-it for Java, a code generator that allows generation-time control and customization during the development of enterprise applications.
gen-it uses generation instructions, called generation templates, to easily generate operations containing repetitive code. Generation templates are used to filter variables to selected components and to define the complete specifications of an operation. This in turn decreases the time needed to code and maintain software applications, since developers can make changes within the modeling tool, or at the generator instructions level, instead of manually coding.
gen-it for Java supports Windows 98/NT, and is available for download from Codagen at an introductory price of ,900 per user.
Product information:
ResQNet.com introduces ResQNet version 4.0
ResQNet.com announced ResQNet 4.0, a 100 percent pure Java applet that transforms mainframe and AS/400 screens into graphical interfaces without any additional scripting or programming. The new version of the program sports automated administrative functions and simplified end-user access.
The software includes its own TN3270/5250 connectivity and works with the standard security protocol, Secure Socket Layer (SSL), to encrypt data being sent over the Internet. Version 4 enhancements include:
-
Advanced macros that give administrators greater control over screens.
-
Comprehensive database access that extends the reach of hosts to include database access functionality. The database access facility is compatible with Oracle JDBC Thin and OCI drivers, JDBC/OBDC bridges, DB/2 Java drivers, and other database products.
-
Customized applets, which customers can launch. These can merge data from host systems with server-based applications and send data to servlets or such processing agents as Active Server Pages, servlets, and JavaServer Pages.
-
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) support that allows the system to automatically retrieve profile-related information from directory servers.
Pricing for ResQNet 4.0 was unavailable at press time.
CIMphony performs agent and teller functions
UniView SOFTGEN, working with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking, has created a new, Java-based agent desktop capable of performing all agent and teller functions through integration with Call Center technologies. The application is 100% pure Java and runs on both Windows NT (supervisors) and OS/2 (agent’s) computers.
The CIMphony Server automates telephony functions, while the CIMphony Total Call Experience application tracks all calls from “cradle to grave” to give Call Center managers a thorough understanding of phone traffic. Information reported to the Java Agent Desktop from the CIMphony Server includes the caller’s Account Number, Number Dialed (DNIS), origin of call, the customer’s language preference, and much more. The Agent Desktop queries the Total Call Experience database in realtime to display any previous history for the caller.
More information on CIMphony products:
Is it possible to painlessly reformat source code?
Raleigh Group International (RGI) has announced Visual SourceFormat 3.0, an application that allows developers to reformat C++ and Java source code in any style. This makes the development process more efficient, and makes it easier to maintain old code or work together in programming teams.
Programmers can choose from seven prebuilt style profiles or create their own, controlling over 40 different aspects of spacing, indention, and comment-block insertion. With the Professional edition, you can reformat code directly in the Visual C++ IDE.
Download Visual SourceFormat Viewer for free for a limited time:
Wireless handhelds support Java 2 Platform
Research In Motion Ltd. plans to support the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME) and Sun Microsystems’ K Virtual Machine (KVM) in its family of wireless handheld devices, including the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950, RIM 850 Wireless Handheld, and Black Berry Wireless Handheld.
J2ME is optimized for wireless handhelds and includes APIs, a JVM, libraries, and tools for wireless devices. Applications developed with J2ME require Sun’s KVM, which is a smaller implementation of the Java technology run-time environment that runs on wireless handheld devices. RIM’s support for J2ME and KVM opens the wireless handheld application development arena to more Java technology developers.
RIM expects to provide developers with access to the new Java technology support during early 2000.
Product information::
Flashline.com offers EJB solutions
Flashline.com now offers Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) component-based solutions from Xenosys Corporation, specifically the Open Financial Exchange Toolkit for Java (JOFX) and the Internet Content Exchange Toolkit for Java (JICE). Enterprise developers can use these products to develop and deploy distributed financial services and content exchange client or server-side solutions.
The JOFX toolkit contains predeveloped bits of application code that can be used for creating OFX servers, clients, Web-based PFMs, and financial portals. The toolkit relies on the Open Financial Exchange (OFX) protocol for the development and deployment of online financial services, including banking, bill payment, bill presentment, and investment information applications.
The JICE components implement the XML-based industry standard Information and Content Exchange (ICE) 1.0 specification. These components are particularly useful for automating content exchange, both in traditional publishing contexts and in business-to-business relationships. JICE makes it easier for companies to distribute online catalogs and other business information broadly and for Web publishers to exchange content.
JICE (,000) and JOFX (,000) toolkits are available:
ThinkFree offered for free
ThinkFree.com is offering ThinkFree Office, a Web-based office productivity software suite, free to consumers. ThinkFree Office is a pure Java solution that can be used online or offline via broadband or dial-up connections.
Users can complete their work from any location using these applications. They then store the documents in either a personal ThinkSafe cyberfolder or save them to a disk. ThinkSync automatically synchronizes a disk and the ThinkSafe cyberfolder, so a user’s system is always backed up and current.
ThinkFree Office features include:
-
A complete applications suite — word processor, spreadsheet, email, presentation graphics, and address book
-
Compatibility with most operating systems — Windows, Linux, Unix, or Mac OS
-
Full compatibility with Microsoft Office
-
Scalability for large portals
-
Easy access to information from anywhere
ThinkFree Office:
Sign up for the O’Reilly Java Conference
The O’Reilly Java Conference on March 27-30 in Santa Clara, Calif. will kick-off with Simon Phipps, IBM Corporation’s chief Java and XML evangelist. Phipps spearheaded IBM’s Java efforts, and he will set the stage for the conference on Enterprise Java.
The conference is a highly technical meeting for Java programmers. Tutorials and conference sessions will take an independent, technically rigorous approach, paralleling O’Reilly’s books. In-depth sessions will focus on using Java to build world-class enterprise applications. Session topics include “Jini in the Enterprise,” “Portable Data Access in Distributed Enterprise Applications,” “XML in the Java 2 Platform,” and “Design Considerations: Migrating from Client Server Applications to ebusiness Application.”
Complete information about the O’Reilly Java Conference:
Sun scraps Java standardization plans
Sun Microsystems scrapped any plans it had with the European-based industry association ECMA to make Java an international standard. Sun wanted to maintain its Java copyright throughout the international standards process, which the ECMA would not allow.
Although Sun plans to keep its interfaces open, IBM was so bothered by its bailing on the ECMA’s efforts to standardize Java that it plans to withhold support for Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE).
On a happier note, Sun finally responded developer complaints when it announced that developers who ship products based on Sun’s source code will no longer have to pay royalties to Sun, though this only applies to Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE) and its compiler. Developers still need to negotiate terms for shipping products based on Sun’s J2EE and Micro Edition. Additionally, developers must still pay to take Sun’s compatibility tests and to use Sun’s engineering support services.
Java partners scuffling for deals
Sun Microsystems Inc. decided not to establish an across-the-board branding fee for the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE), and now partners are scuffling to cut deals with the company. Instead of following its flat 3 percent royalty for all partners plan, Sun will now negotiate branding fees separately with Java licensees. This has pitted large Java partners against smaller vendors that depend on Sun’s official stamp of approval to sell Java-based products.
Although Sun won’t charge royalties for products based on the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE), it will negotiate for products built with the Enterprise and Micro editions of Java 2.
Sun also plans to charge vendors for branding. Large Java licensees, such as BEA Systems and IBM, have refused to pay any branding fees. They believe that the J2EE brand does not carry enough clout with customers to justify the cost. However, industry experts expect the J2EE brand to become increasingly important throughout 2000 as IT managers consider the EJB (Enterprise JavaBean) component model for Web-based applications.
Expanded iCommerce line
GemStone Systems, Inc. offers new Internet-commerce application offerings with the following additions to its Java-based GemStone/J product line:
-
GemStone/J Web Edition — entry-level product providing an inexpensive, full-capability environment for the quick and easy development of iCommerce apps
-
Component Edition — includes all J2EE component models, including Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), which allows developers to create component-based applications
-
Enterprise Edition — highly scalable execution environment for J2EE-based applications that capably supports thousands of concurrent users
-
Commerce Automation Edition — blends workflow capabilities into its J2EE execution environment, which give developers greater flexibility for automating business processes needed by interactive iCommerce installations
The editions are all code-compatible and use varying levels of the same J2EE environment. The products will be available starting January 10 on Sun Solaris or Windows NT platforms. Pricing starts at ,950 per CPU for the Web Edition and is available from:
Free institute for online programming launched
Metrowerks announced CodeWarriorU.com, the first Web site that offers a full suite of free, online programming courses taught by expert instructors and geared toward developers of all skill levels.
The site is currently accepting students for course offerings that range from programming in C for MacOS and Windows to introductory courses on Java and C++ languages. Advanced courses will be offered in the future.
The courses are instructor-led, but students can access them at any time. They also include an array of self-assessment and study materials.
Enroll in CodeWarriorU and register for courses, visit:
Or:
