IBM’s New Visual Age For Java V2.0 Speeds Enterprise Java Application Development
Provides the Most Advanced Environment for Building e-business Applications
SOMERS, NY (July 21, 1998) – IBM today announced VisualAge for Java* v2.0, the award-winning Java programming environment for building Web-enabled enterprise applications. A key element of the IBM Network Computing Framework, VisualAge for Java leads the industry with the most advanced support for building enterprise Java applications, JavaBean** components, servlets, and applets. It is the only Java development environment that supports the development of Java applications that can scale from Windows NT+ to OS/390* enterprise application servers.
“VisualAge for Java is a powerful tool in which IBM has incorporated numerous innovative and compelling features resulting in a truly enterprise class development tool,” said Stephen Hendrick, an analyst with IDC. “The Enterprise Access Builders in VisualAge for Java provide capabilities for connecting Web clients with legacy data that are unparalleled in the industry.”
The new version of VisualAge for Java leverages recently developed IBM Java technology, such as servlet development support for the IBM WebSphere* application server environment. The new features of the tool increase performance, streamline program maintenance, improve project management through team programming, and make it easier to connect Java applications to enterprise systems.
Some of the new advanced features included in this release are:
A high-performance compiler (HPC) that delivers enhanced Java performance by optimizing code to run on specific server platforms, including Windows NT, IBM’s AIX*, OS/2*, OS/400* and OS/390. This feature gives customers the ability to run the same application simultaneously on multiple platforms without sacrificing performance. “Our system is now in production on 74 CSRs’ desktops,” said Ray Hislope, Director of New Technology Deployment, Primerica Financial Services. “The VisualAge for Java high-performance compiler has been critical to our success. We had a requirement of averaging two seconds response time per page, and this is the only technology that enabled us to meet that requirement.”
New Enterprise Access Builders that provide persistence support, as well as connectivity to additional enterprise application servers. Server access includes support for CICS*, TXSeries*, and SAP R/3+, giving developers enhanced support for extending existing enterprise systems to the Web.
Data Access JavaBeans that allow developers to easily create Java code, enabling easy Java application access to JDBC-enabled relational databases from a single Java application.
Integrated Java team programming support to reduce the complexity of managing large projects.
A new remote debugging tool that increases efficiency and productivity by allowing developers to test and debug multi-tier, multi-language applications spanning multiple server platforms.
A New Open Tool Integrator API for integrating third-party tools, such as those provided by the IBM Object Connection* “Partners in Development,” into the VisualAge for Java development environment.
The industry’s most advanced support for building Java applications for AS/400* and System/390*.
New support for AIX as a development platform, in addition to existing support for Windows NT and OS/2.
Complete support for IBM’s enterprise Java solutions, including: integrated wizards that are custom-built for IBM’s SanFrancisco Application Business Components; new Tivoli Beans* that make applications ‘Ready to Manage’ with Tivoli enterprise management software; Lotus eSuite* components that allow developers to create business productivity applications; the ability to create Java applets, applications and Domino* agents for use in Lotus Domino applications; and a complete IDL environment for creating and managing applications that can communicate with CORBA business objects, such as those deployed on IBM’s Component Broker* application server environment.
“By delivering a collection of integrated Java solutions, VisualAge for Java allows customers to realize the potential of enterprise-class Java programming,” said Emilie McCabe, vice president of marketing, IBM Application Development and Object Technology. “VisualAge for Java makes it simple for customers to leverage the applications they have and extend them to the Web, creating a powerful and productive e-business environment that will deliver a competitive advantage in today’s on-line marketplace.”
Source: IBM