JavaServer(TM) Engine

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What is it?

The JavaServer^TM Engine is a collection of reusable Java^TM classes that automate connection management, security and administration to simplify the development and deployment of network enabled, server-based applications.

Who is it for?

The JavaServer Engine is for Java technology developers seeking to exploit the network, without having to create and manage all the complexity and infrastructure normally associated with network application development.

These developers include VARs (Value Added Resellers) and SIs (System Integrators), Corporate Developers and ISVs (Independent Software Vendors).

What problem does it solve?

Application developers typically spend more time managing the plumbing of networked applications, such as client connections, user authentication and data security, than they do in creating innovative application functionality. To turn that emphasis around, and simplify the delivery of secure network enabled applications, Sun's JavaServer Engine delivers this "plumbing" in a simple package.

By leveraging JavaServer^TM Engine in their applications, developers are guaranteed simplified connection management (to both HTTP and non-HTTP clients), robust data security, user authentication; and web-based server administration - the same infrastructure used in the award winning Java Web Server^TM. This radically reduces development complexity, accelerates application delivery, and increases the quality and reliability of the resulting network enabled applications.

Example applications include: medical information and imaging applications that use proprietary data formats; Point of Sale applications requiring industrial strength security and authentication; along with any variety of industry-specific examples such as gas pumps sending proprietary data streams to data centers, and low-volume custom finance applications disseminating portfolio information. We've even used it to network enable a multi-user source code management application, JavaSafe^TM.

What are the key features?

The JavaServer Engine contains the functionality a developer needs to distribute and manage their network application services.

• Applet-based administration: Developers can manage multiple servers, and client access to them, from any remote web-based location.
• Security: Provides SSL-based security for privacy and authentication.
• Protocol independence: JavaServer Engine architecture ensures that developers can craft solutions for even the most proprietary data formats and communication protocols.
• Native support for the Java Servlet API: In addition to creating services, developers can also use servlets to easily extend the functionality of their servers.

There are protocols other than HTTP?

Sure, you already know of FTP, LDAP, ICAP, and IMAP - no one protocol is going to provide a universal solution. Instead, the JavaServer Engine provides protocol independent, pre-built functionality common to all network enabled, server-based applications: connection management, authentication, and administration.

Do I no longer use a web server to access my Java technology-based applications?

You can use whatever you like -- web servers, by definition, offer access through hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). If your application requires additional IP protocols, the JavaServer Engine is an ideal building block to accelerate application deployment.

In fact, Java Web Server^TM is an immediately productive, out-of-the box web application solution, with application extensibility accomplished through servlets. But when the complexity of the application problem requires a more granular control of the HTTP protocol, then JavaServer Engine is a powerful and flexible alternative.

How much does it cost? What do I buy to deploy my applications?

Packaging and pricing have not yet been announced.