SUN relveales Java 2 enterprize package

 New York 09 Dec 99 SUN launched the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE), a unified platform that simplifies multi-tier enterprise application development and deployment in today's diverse corporate environment, and enables businesses to protect and leverage existing infrastructure investments. J2EE is also a key piece of the end-to-end Java solution: the technology engine for end-to-end eCommerce. The unification of industry tested and adopted enterprise Java technologies -- such as Enterprise JavaBeans™ technology and JavaServerPages technology -- along with support for the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) in J2EE definitively extends Java technology computing into the enterprise-class arena.

"J2EE extends the Java 2 platform into the heart of the enterprise by including technologies necessary for businesses to run applications that are available anytime, anywhere," said Patricia C. Sueltz, president of Software Products and Platforms, Sun Microsystems. "With the arrival of this edition, companies now have an open, end-end platform -- from the datacenter to the device -- upon which to build their end-end eCommerce applications. And the Java 2 platform is the technology engine for this end-end eCommerce.

Companies executing on their end-end eCommerce strategies require software solutions that are open, scalable, and best-of-breed," continued Sueltz. "Java technology, along with the development and licensing processes that have evolved with it, has enabled a software market in which enterprise customers can choose the software implementation best suited to their needs and be assured of deploying on a strategy that is open and will allow them to grow."

To date, over 40 industry leaders have endorsed J2EE, and many have outlined their roadmaps for adoption (see addendum). "The strong industry adoption of J2EE will provide a robust marketplace from which enterprises can choose the appropriate application that meets their particular needs," continued Sueltz. "With Java technology, companies have the freedom to choose what's best for them now and in the future, while continuing to leverage their existing investments."

Competitive companies today need to provide easy-to-access services to their customers, partners, employees, and suppliers. Typically, applications that provide these services must combine existing enterprise information services with new business functions and deliver to a broad range of users. Importantly, these services must be simple, scalable, open and secure. J2EE reduces the cost and complexity of developing these services, resulting in enterprise applications that can be rapidly deployed and easily enhanced to respond to market opportunities or competitive pressures.

The Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition is comprised of four pieces:

  • The Platform Specification: Explains the APIs that must be provided with all operating system versions of the J2EE platform and includes full descriptions of the support levels expected from each. The specification defines a consistent yet flexible approach to implementing J2EE, which means a wide range of existing enterprise systems already in use throughout industry will be able to support J2EE.
  • Reference Implementation: Sun's "sample application" of the J2EE platform that provides an operational definition of the J2EE platform. The reference implementation is not a product; rather, its purpose is to validate the specification.
  • Technology Compatibility Kit: A test suite that helps to ensure consistent J2EE implementations across various vendor offerings. For application developers, this means full portability for enterprise applications.
  • J2EE BluePrints: Documentation and examples from Sun and its partners that describe and illustrate "best practices" for developing and deploying J2EE applications

 

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