SCIENCE

PALO ALTO, CA -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of version 1.3 beta 2 of the Java[tm] 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE[tm]). This latest release includes a new specification for Enterprise JavaBeans[tm] (EJB[tm]), an architecture for distributed enterprise software components. The specification provides enhanced support to programmers, including cross-platform portability, ease of development and deployment, and enhanced performance. The EJB 2.0 specification simplifies the development process, making it easier for developers to focus on business logic and pass on to end users the EJB architecture's benefits, such as scalability, multi-transaction capabilities, and security features. The EJB 2.0 specification includes: World-class support for freedom of choice between multiple tools, databases, applications servers, networks, storage devices, and vendors Integration with Java[sm] Messaging Service (JMS) through Message Driven Enterprise JavaBeans, for legacy data and multi-client interoperability Improved container-managed persistence for ease of data modeling and portability A query language for rapidly finding and exchanging information EJB relationship support for faster deployment and improved performance Increased network interoperability support for EJB components through Internet Inter- ORB Protocol (IIOP), an object-oriented protocol that allows distributed programs written in different programming languages to interoperate "With its new EJB architecture, the new J2EE platform greatly simplifies connectivity between applications and databases. Combined with its enhanced XML, messaging, and integration support-- the J2EE platform allows developers to build portable, database-independent applications," said Rich Green, vice president and general manager, Java Software Development, Sun Microsystems. "This means programmers can spend less time coding, and deliver quality products faster." Overall, the latest J2EE Software Development Kit (SDK) provides Web service developers greater XML support, performance, flexibility, simplified integration, improved portability, and interoperability among J2EE servers. This makes it possible for a wider audience of developers to take advantage of the "Write Once, Run Anywhere"[tm] benefits of the Java platform. To date, the J2EE SDK has been downloaded more than 1 million times. Of these total downloads, the J2EE SDK 1.3 Beta release has been downloaded more than 100,000 times. The number of J2EE licensees that are now branded compatible has more than doubled this year, from 9 companies in 2000 to a total of 20 in 2001, demonstrating the overwhelming demand for J2EE platform compatible products. The J2EE v 1.3 beta 2 SDK also features enhanced XML support through a variety of robust APIs. (API refers to Application Programming Interface, the specific method by which a computer program can make requests of its operating system or another application.) These enhancements include: Implementation-independent support for parsing and transforming XML documents with the Java API for XML Parsing (JAXP), giving "plug and play" support for a variety of available parsers XML translation and filter support for dynamic web publishing based on Java Servlet and JavaServer Pages[tm] (JSP[tm]) technologies The new J2EE SDK also provides expanded support for the JMS API, including: Support for building asynchronous applications, which allow business processes within an application to operate independently and hand-off tasks as needed Core support for Message Oriented Middleware (MOM) that has attracted messaging vendors, including Sonic Software and Talarian, to produce J2EE compatible products. In addition, top vendors of J2EE compatible application servers including BEA, Borland Software, Brokat Technologies, IBM, iPlanet, Macromedia, Oracle, and Silverstream have all developed JMS technology-based messaging products. Enhanced legacy and integration support through J2EE Connector Architecture includes: A standard for integrating back-end applications, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Resource Management (CRM) systems, to "plug and play" with any J2EE 1.3 platform-compatible application server. Support to enable application server vendors to leverage resource adapters for connectivity to various enterprise information systems (EISs), eliminating costly and time consuming custom integration of these applications. Sun worked with twenty-three other companies, within the Java Community Process[sm] 2.0 program (JCP) to finalize the new EJB 2.0 specification. This expert group includes the following fifteen licensees of J2EE technology: Art Technology Group (ATG), BEA Systems, Borland Software, Brokat Technologies, Fujitsu Limited, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, IONA, Macromedia, Oracle, Persistence Software, Secant Technologies, SilverStream, Sybase, and WebGain. The work of this expert group demonstrates how this program delivers new technology at the rate of innovation. "Sun's work with the Java Community Process program to develop the EJB 2.0 specification demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the open standards that give developers and end users freedom to choose from best-of-breed business solutions," said Robert Gingell, chair, Java Community Process Program. "The program provides an open process that enables the industry to build on the success of Java technology in delivering powerful integration solutions for simplified development." The Java Community Process 2.0 program started with 60 Java specifications and 180 participants. Today, one year after its launch, there are over 120 Java specifications under review, a significant number of which are XML-related; and there are over 357 members. For additional information visit www.sun.com