Integration Developer News
Thursday, July 02, 2009

TIPS & TRICKS

TIBCO ActiveMatrix Supports SCA for SOA
During JavaOne 2008, TIBCO demonstrated its ActiveMatrix Service Grid will sport support for the Service Component Architecture (SCA).
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SOA Expert Warns SOA Not a Hammer for All Nails
Many enterprises working on SOA projects are assuming wrongly that SOA can be applied to every situation that it experiences, one SOA expert warns. Get advice from Kyle Gabhart, Director of SOA Technology for Web Age Solutions.
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JavaScript, Flash ‘Extremely Useful’ for SEO
JavaScript and Flash are "extremely useful" in providing search engine optimization (SEO) services for an enterprise, an industry expert has claimed.
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Enterprise Ajax + SOA = User-Driven IT
Alone, SOA and Ajax both promise considerable payback to IT, but combined the two technologies are two sides of the same coin enabling a new class of Web-based applications called Rich Enterprise Applications or REAs. John Crupi and Chris Warner from JackBe discuss uses for REA and how this new platform expands the power of both Ajax and SOA.
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Survey: Job-Hunting? You Have 10 Minutes
If you’re hunting for a new job, you’ve only got 10 minutes to make your best impression, according to a survey from Robert Half Finance and Accounting, one of the world’s best-known recruiting firms. IDN looks at the survey and reveals the top 5 questions asked in the first 10 minutes.
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uXcomm: Eyes End-to-End SOA Management
Last month uXcomm Inc. released its Service-Oriented Management Architecture (SOMA) to unify SOA management across mobile devices, enterprise apps and legacy resources. SOMA is for device makers, ISVs and enterprise architects to easily add management features into any server, network element, appliance or storage device. One key to SOMA’s ability is uXcomm’s Management Service Bus, a management-tuned variation on ESB.
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Survey: Enterprise PC Security Faces Changes
IT analyst firm Enterprise Strategy Group says that the stale state of the PC security market may be about to change. The ESG report Desktop Security at the Crossroads surveys 206 security IT professionals and found respondents see little or no difference in anti-spam, anti-virus or firewalls. The study also found IT interest beyond simple one-size-fits-all security.
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Evans: Global Web 2.0 Use To Zoom n 2007
In 2007, Evans Data Corp. studies say enterprise devs with Web 2.0 skills in Ajax, RIA, REST and alike will enjoy great career benefits. Further, Evans says top ISVs and toolmakers are gearing up to support a variety of worldwide developer communities. IDN speaks with Evans’ CEO John Andrews about 2007 dev trends, in advance of its annual Developer Relations event, March 1213.
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Survey: Apps at Risk for Reverse Engineering
Some two-thirds of companies with Java, .NET or Open Source applications are at risk of having their apps “reversed engineered,” a recent survey of 600 corporations concluded. IDN takes a quick look at the vulnerabilities, and a survey of 600 corporate IT shops.
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Survey: Execs View IT as a Game Changer
A June survey finds CEOs and CIOs are unsatisfied with how their companies respond to business changes. The survey asked 320 execs to gauge their company strengths and weaknesses to responding to marketplace pressures. IDN looks at where say IT can help, and even where they say IT may be hurting.
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F500 Dev Outsourcing in for Changes
Major U.S. IT outsourcing firms, including Accenture and IBM, will face tougher competition from specialized and offshore firms over the next two years, says a report just released from AMR Research. One big reason for this shift: F1000 firms are now willing to break up their mega-outsourcing 1-source contracts, and issue many smaller projects to best-of-breed providers.
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Use Case: Building Add-ins for VS.NET
VisualStudio.Net has become a popular dev tool in large part because of its feature-rich structure and easy UI. However, it is not always easy to customize VS.NET. In this case study, Elementools CEO offers an insights, lessons learned (and sample code) on the best ways to adjust VS.NET to meet your individual dev needs.
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Information Builders Marries Ajax, BI
Information Builders is marrying Ajax to its WebFocus business integration platform to provide a lively, less-costly thin-client for custom business reporting. The technology will be available later this year. IDN takes a quick peek and how a BI and Ajax blend could spell new opps for devs.
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Survey: ESBs, SOAs Enpower Integration Devs
A recent survey by the Butler Group is finding that ESB/SOA capabilities to allow services, data and business logic to more easily interact is changing the tone of BPM and EAI discussions. And, while the survey finds increased willingness to invest in ESBs/SOA, that trend may not float all boats. IDN takes a quick look at the study.
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Survey: 75% of Java Devs Looking at SOA
Three-fourths of enterprise Java devs are working on SOA, or soon plan to, says a survey of 500 Java devs. Almost one-third say they plan to connect C++ apps to SOAs. IDN looks at the research from CodeFutures, who provdies Service Data Object (SDO) software.
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Web Services OK for MC Integrations
IT executives are increasingly interested in using web services for mission-critical integration among multiple endpoints, says a survey of 170 IT execs. IDN takes a look at why CIOs and architects are finding web services approaches more appealing --- even for complicated and mission-critical Enterprise Information Integration (EII) projects.
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ActiveBPEL 2.0 Enhances Integration Tooling
An upgraded ActiveBPEL Open Source Business Process Execution Language engine is now making it easier for a variety of enterprise Java and .NET devs to work with business-focused web services projects. IDN looks at the upgraded features and provides a link for downloading.
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IT Outsourcing Game Set To Change Big Time
Major U.S. IT outsourcing firms, including Accenture and IBM, will face tougher competition from smaller firms, says a report AMR Research. A big reason for the shift: F1000 firms are now willing to break up their mega-outsourcing sole-source contracts, and issue smaller RFPs to find best-of-breed specialty providers.
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Survey: 2006 Brighter for Dev, Architect Jobs
After some dry years, software architects and devs in 2006 may see their biggest up ticks in salaries since the bubble burst, according to a leading IT recruiter. But, more money will mean more work. Among the big winners: professionals who can bridge high-tech and business needs using web-to-legacy integration, analytics, SOA and security.
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ActiveBPEL Engine Gains XQuery, JavaScript
An upgraded ActiveBPEL Business Process Execution Language engine is now available for free download. Upgrades included XQuery and JavaScript support, as well as code samples and a number of other key ease-of-use features for devs to get into business process projects for web services. IDN takes a look at the new features and provides links to code and documentation.
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Dev Jobs Outlook Bright for 2006
In 2006, salaries for software architects and devs may finally see their biggest up ticks since the bubble burst, according to CIO surveys conducted by a leading international IT recruiter. But, with higher salaries will come bigger workloads. Among the big winners: professionals who can bridge high-tech and business needs using web-to-legacy integration, analytics, SOA and security.
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CIO Survey: Web Services Up for Info Integration
IT executives are increasingly interested in using web services techniques to design and deliver complex, multi-source integrations, according to a recent survey of 170 IT execs, including CIOs and architects. IDN takes a look at what survey researchers say is a major breakthrough for the acceptance of web services approaches for complicated and mission-critical Enterprise Information Integration (EII) projects.
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AJAX Tools Support Web 2.0, Open Source
A pair of AJAX-focused tools are now available to devs looking to work with Rich Client Apps (RIA) and other innovative, commercial-grade projects. IDN looks at Genuitec’s MyEclipse and ClearNova’s ThinkCap.
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ESB-CON: Rescheduled for March 2
ESB-CON Due Diligence Day, to be held March 2006, will bring together for the first time in one place top players in the ESB space to deliver their vision of how ESBs can transform SOA and Enterprise IT. ESB-CON is a one-day online Virtual Conference and Technology Showcase for Enterprise Service Bus technologies.
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Survey: IT Pay Outlook Mixed for '06
Despite signs that new high-tech projects, such as SOA and web services, are gaining steam, salaries may have peaked for many IT professionals. Take a look at the Enterprise Systems 2005 IT Salary Survey, and see the signs it points to for '06.
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Tool Uses Java APIs for Doc Integration
For those Java/J2EE devs knee-deep in document-related projects, relief may be in sight. Computhink’s ViewWise 5.6 IDE assists with doc creation and management projects – especially those that need integration, compliance and secured access. See how ViewWise’ support for more than 50 Java APIs can help with legacy and XML doc projects.
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CIO Survey: More Work, More Money in 2006
In 2006, high-tech salaries for software architects and devs may see their biggest upticks since the bubble burst, according to recent CIO surveys. But, with higher salaries will come bigger workloads. Nonetheless, the big winners will include pros who can bridge tech and business needs with web-to-legacy integration, analytics, SOA and security.
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Download: JNBridgePro's .NET/Tiger Interop Tool
JNBridge is offering a free download (for a limited license) of its latest .NET-Java interop tool, JNBridgePro 3.0. Optimized for interop between Tiger (J2SE 5.0) and .NET Framework 2.0, upgrades include: access to Java and .NET (Framework 2.0) generics, mapping between Java and .NET enums, enhanced support for end-to-end security for apps that run across .NET and Java.
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Embedded Dev Wages Spike, Job Index Says
Wages for devs with expertise in embedded systems spiked in Q3 2005, according to the latest IT survey data from the Yoh Index of Technology Wages. Overall, appdev wages remained strong for .NET, Java, C/C++ and DBA skills. IDN provides the Yoh latest stats, and shows the changes from Q2.
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ESB Projects Team Up on Open Source JBI
Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) projects put into Open Source by Iona Technologies and LogicBlaze will collaborate on a Java Business Integration (JBI) implementation. Find out how ESB cooperation may make it easier for to design and deploy an Open Source ESB option.
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BEA: XML Brings Distributed Apps To Masses
BEA Systems’ buyout of tools provider M7 signals that BEA execs believes that traditional Java/J2EE developers will be working side-by-side with a new family of Open Source technologies for SOA solutions. IDN talks with BEA vice president Bill Roth about BEA’s vision for a blended SOA developer community, and why XML, not Java, will bring distributed computing to the masses.
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Survey: Some AppDev Pay May Have Peaked
Despite signs that new SOA and web services projects seem to be gaining corporate acceptance, the uptick in new projects doesn’t seem to be boosting salaries increases for appdev programmers or managers. Enterprise Systems 2005 IT Salary Survey finds a wide range of hands-on and manager salaries may have peaked in 2004, in fact. Check out what 1,000 IT hiring execs say are the latest in IT dev trends.
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Amazon, Microsoft Partner on B2B Web Services
Amazon and Microsoft are partnering on an initiative aimed at getting Visual Studio.NET devs to build innovative apps to tie into Amazon’s Web Services (AWS) platform. The two launched a dev contest, open through year’s end, for building entrepreneurial apps that tie into Amazon product data and services for their own home-grown business, or for their enterprise.
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Architect, Dev Employment Strong, Wages Flat
A major compensation index study for F500 firms finds a mixed picture for architects, devs. While employment rates are the highest they’ve been since 2001, wages have remained virtually flat during that 4-year period – rising only about 5% during the entire period. Take a look at the latest hot job sectors, and the average hourly wages for those skills, thanks to the Yoh Index of Technology Wages.
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End Users To Gain Voice in SOA Blueprints
Finally, it appears that enterprise end users will get their chance to influence the creation of SOA Blueprints for the real world. IDN examines the results of the first OASIS meeting, where vendors of products and services will now work closely with leading enterprise end user firms in banking, manufacturing and other sectors.
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Java ORM Data Mapping Eclipse Plug-in Due
A new Eclipse plug-in will soon be released that looks to speed up how Java/J2EE devs can map their applications code to underlying SQL databases. See why the JSR220-ORM Project lead says that object-relational mapping technologies are the “last missing piece” for getting rid of the pain Java/J2EE devs face when building complex apps.
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Spyware Concerns on the Rise in 2005
One of the first security surveys of developers and IT pros in 2005 finds spyware on their list of top concerns this year. Two-thirds of respondents said this year spyware would present a greater threat than viruses or phishing. Notably, end users still don't know what spyware is, or how to identify it. Get prepared with stats and tips.
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Lack of Skilled Devs Slows Web Services
Web services adoption is still being slowed by a lack of readily-available skilled devs, according to the latest survey from Evans Data Corp. See why 1-in-5 IT managers still say they can’t find enough talent who know how to build web services and interfaces.
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Tips for Unlocking XML’s Secret Powers
Forget about that new Harry Potter book. There is real magic in learning to work hands-on with XML. Integration Developer News spoke with technical execs from Quadrix Solutions to find out how XML power users have the “applications glue" ever. Take a look a 5 key tips.
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Iona Pushes ESB Integration, Interop Envelop
Iona Technologies showed JavaOne attendees how the latest Java-based Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) technologies will push capabilities for cross-platform integration and interop. Iona, with Sun, Oracle, and SAP, showed how an ESB with Java Business Integration (JBI) can ease data sharing among apps, and smooth interop between Java and .NET components.
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Complex Data Sharing Using XSLT and XPath
As XSLT and XPath gain a foothold among web services devs, many Java and .NET devs still think resist using these tools for complex data sharing projects. Integration Developer News recently spoke with Zarella L. Rendon, coauthor (with John Robert Gardner) of one of the top books in the field -- Prentice Hall's XSLT and XPath: A Guide to XML Transformations for how XSLT and XPath can help devs with complex dat-driven web services or integration.
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Survey: Evans Reveals Mobile Dev Concerns
A recent Evans Data study of mobile devs looks at the pros, cons and common practices for wireless development. The survey comes as JavaOne planners have lined up a wide array of wireless event programs. Among the tidbits: (1) devs are building apps for both intermittent connections as well as always-on apps; and (2) devs care less about the number of handsets deployed than about features. Get a glimpse of mobile dev concerns and trends in Evans 2005 mobile dev survey.
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Borland 2006 Roadmap Eyes JBuilder for Eclipse
This week, Borland execs revealed a 12-month roadmap that includes a suite of new JBuilder products to be built on the Eclipse Open Source IDE, marking a notable shift from its long-term sole support of Sun’s NetBeans IDE.
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IT Asks Regulators for Better Communications
A group of top CIOs, led by H&R Block, says the growing cost and complexities of complying with Sarbanes-Oxley are looking for better face-to-face communications between CIOs and government regulators. See what the CIO Executive Council says you should watch for when tackling IT architectures to comply with complex regs.
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Get More Control Over XML Business Apps
As many enterprise developers work on web services and data integration projects, they are becoming increasingly frustrated that they don't have more control over the XML portions of their work. IDN has found several hands-on sites to help your XML applications get down to business.
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5 Ways To Unlock XML's Integration Power
A growing number of devs are finding benefits in learning hands-on XML skills. For example, devs at Quadrix Solutions have found that the more devs know about XML, they have in their hands the best "applications glue" they've ever worked with. Take a look at 5 steps that can help you unlock the power of XML for integration.
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Java Interop “Critical,” Says Eclipse Exec
Eclipse Executive Director Mike Milinkovich says that Java interoperability with other languages, including XML and .NET, will be key to Java’s continued enterprise success. But, in an interview with IDN, Milinkovich stated that Eclipse will remain focused on developer tooling issues -- and not take up any interoperability solutions that might stray into “runtime’ technologies.
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Java Repository APIs Adopted in Open CMS
The first J2EE Content Management System to come with support the Java Content Repository API (JSR-170) is available for download and use. Magnolia 2.0’s support of JSR-170 means that content from different systems can be easily combined or copied. Another key, magnolia is an Open Source Java CMS, freely available for download from Obinary, a Swiss-based development group.
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Spyware Concerns on the Rise in 2005
One of the first security surveys of developers and IT pros in 2005 finds spyware on their list of top concerns this year. Two-thirds of respondents said this year spyware would present a greater threat than viruses or phishing. Notably, end users still don't know what spyware is, or how to identify it. Get prepared with stats and tips.
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Architect FAQ for WS-Security Projects
Two key events for web services security this week: (a) The RSA Security convenes in San Francisco; and (b) OASIS wraps up final comments on its plan to secure SOAP attachments via WS-Security. To give architects and devs some hands-on perspectives on securing web services projects, IDN spoke with Mark O'Neill, a leading web services security expert author.
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Meta Group's 6 'Musts' for BPM Tools
Architects and devs frustrated by a fragmented BPM market of more than 140 different tools may finally get some relief in 2005. The Meta Group’s new report shows CIOs, architects and devs the Top 6 features to look for in a business process management solution. Review the checklist.
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Study Finds Changing DBA Roles in 2005
A report from Evans Data Corp. has found that more than half of all DBAs are working not just with their SQL database, but with web services, XML, middleware and even application performance tasks. See more about the changing face of DBAs and devs in 2005.
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Smarter Mobile Java Framework Eyed for 2005
A new push is on for a smarter, less finicky Java mobile architecture -- with the goal of making it easier for Java/J2ME architects and devs to design, deploy, develop and manage mobile apps. See what in the plans from Nokia, Orange, Sony and others of the biggest names in mobile.
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Leveraging Web Expertise for Secure SOA
A growing number of security experts say many of your current Best Practices from web applications architecture will work just fine -- with just a tweak or two -- for your SOA or composite apps. See why a coalition of long-time security vendors agree, and suggest a 3-tier SOA security blueprint.
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"Asset Harvester" Speeds .NET, Java Reuse
See how a start-up ISV is changing the face of reuse with a spiffy technology for quickly harvesting your legacy Java and .NET assets into reusable components. OSTNet's API-based reuse framework eliminates long-lead times and cost-overruns. Story also includes a look at OSTnet's "2-Minute Quick Start to Reuse" program.
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Avoid Top 5 Web Service Security Flaws
The "Top 5" threats list for web services notes that many vulnerabilities arise from some common practices -- including the use of open or standards-based technologies. Learn how XML parsing and WSDL publishing can open up your business to attacks, and get some expert tips for avoiding security holes.
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Demystifying SOA for Architects, Devs
2005 is setting up to be a banner year for SOA -- Services Oriented Architectures. This week Integration Developer News begins a series on SOA for architects and developers, with an eye toward looking at how to prepare your IT enterprise -- and your careers. This week a look at the core concepts of SOA, and why they can let architects/devs be more creative with less risk.
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Avoid 6 'Gotchas' in Enterprise Mobile Dev
Mobilizing enterprise data and apps requires a different mindset than traditional client/server projects, according to enterprise wireless experts from Intel, IBM and other leading providers of wireless and mobile dev solutions. IDN reveals the Top 6 tips for spotting potential wireless gotchas, and how to avoid them.
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Oracle Integration: Starting with Perl
With Oracle Open World to be held next week in San Francisco, Oracle execs and users say that integration capabilities of Oracle DBs and app servers will be a key focus in 2005. This week, IDN begins our "Integration with Oracle" series, with a a look at how devs and DBAs can use Perl for some projects. IDN speaks with Andy Duncan, co-author of O'Reilly's Perl for Oracle DBAs to get tips, tricks, and even some code samples.
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2 More Steps Forward for Java Mobile Devs
Sun, along with Nokia, Orange, Vodafone and other leading Java-enabled handset makers and mobile carriers, are taking steps to help push bigger and better mobile apps development in Java/J2ME. Take a closer look at new JSRs for making Java app dev more portable across handsets. Also, Sun starts the countdown on the January 2005 requirement for all Java mobile apps to pass through the Java Verified testing and certification program.
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Expert Tips for Securing Web Services
The lead author of one of the most comprehensive books on web services security offers some key tips for designing and deploying security for enterprise-based web services projects. Devs should prep for attacks on their SQL, directory and URL strings. Take a look.
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Avoid 6 'Gotchas' in Enterprise Mobile Dev
Mobilizing enterprise data and apps requires a different mindset than traditional client/server projects, according to enterprise wireless experts from Intel, IBM and other firms speaking at last week's SD 2004 Best Practices event in Boston. IDN reveals the Top 6 tips for spotting potential wireless gotchas, and how to avoid them.
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Versant Aims To Ease Data-Driven Projects
Data management software firm Versant has launched a new tools suite to help Java and .NET devs better achieve data mapping and persistence -- two of the most vexing aspects of apps integration. See how Versant's Open Access Suite brings automation and abstraction techniques to some of IT's most time-consuming tasks.
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50+ APIs Attack Document Integration
For Java shops knee-deep in document integration projects, Computhink's ViewWise Integration Document Management brings an API-rich Java SDK to document integration, compliance and security tasks. See how 50+ APIs and document sharing Best Practices can ease input, sharing, updating and archiving.
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Download: NetBeans 4.0 IDE Beta from Sun
Last week, Sun released the NetBeans IDE 4.0 Beta, which sports a number of key upgrades, including: support for Tiger (J2SE 5.0), a rewritten Ant-based project system, and Java refactoring. Get more details, and access to the free download for Windows, Linux, Solaris and MacOS X.
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AppForge Uses .NET to Cut Pain for Mobile Devs
AppForge is taking a real bite out of the high cost and high maintenance of mobile app development with an integrated development/deployment platform that brings "write-once/run anywhere" to mobile apps for PDAs, SmartPhones, Pocket PCs and a wide range of cell phones, using VB and Visual Studio.NET -- not Java. See how AppForge cuts the time and hassle of building, deploying and managing mobile apps.
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Where In-Depth XML SKills Pay Off
Even though many IDEs and tools will auto-generate your boring XML, some experts say that hands-on knowledge of certain XML skills can really reap benefits -- and can especially improve performance and ease of integration for some web services projects. Architects from web services firm Quadrix Solutions share their insights on how to tame XML for integration and SOA projects -- in both .NET and Java.
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DB "Connections" That Don’t Drain Performance
Connecting to a database improperly can be one of the greatest drains on system resources. Learn how "Connection Objects" can help architect reusable DB connects without killing performance.
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IDN Pick 6: Fear and Low Margins at Oracle Trial
Integration Developer News' Pick-6 this focus on news coming from Oracle's court challenge of the U.S. government's move to block its takeover of PeopleSoft. As PeopleSoft this week blames Oracle's failed buyout attempt on its missing its sales numbers, see what's up in the trial. We look at items from news.com, LinuxWorld.com, CxOtoday, and Accountancy Age (which claims PeopleSoft offered 50%+ discounts to keep customers), and CRMBuyer.com (which reports on customer "hostage" fears from Oracle).
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Inside Eclipse 3.0's June 30 Download
The Eclipse Foundation sent word this week that it will release Eclipse 3.0 for download June 30. Integration Developer News interviews Eclipse project lead Erich Gamma to get details on Eclipse's (4) main directions. Get insights on Eclipse 3.0's: new UI, rich client support, better navigation, and steps toward support for Java-like languages and IDE-independence.
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Dev Opportunities from Customer Data Chaos
Over the last decade, enterprise IT managers have spent millions on CRM (customer relationship management) projects. But, now that the frenzied CRM spending is slowing, many companies are waking up to find they still don’t have an easy-to-manage, unified customer data system. See why, even in a budget-constrained era, this customer data chaos is creating opportunities for Java, .NET and DBA developers that know the customer data territory.
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Teclo Perl Code Sample
Telco Code Sample
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Devs Need Unified SOA Blueprints, Practices
Java and .NET developers, as well as DB and legacy developers, should all work from the same page when it comes to Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Best Practices, say execs at The Middleware Co., the managers of long-time J2EE portal TheServerSide.com. See why TMC says that SOA is "not just web services," and why J2EE developers can expect a career boost with the right "communication" skills.
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Apache Releases First Geronimo Codeset
Developers can now get their first glimpse at real code for Geronimo, ASF's Open Source J2EE project. Source and binaries are available for a free download. See why Geronimo's code release signals that another J2EE Open Source option is closer than many thought.
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Tool Hangs Up on High AppDev Costs for Voice
A small software firm in the farthest corner of the South Pacific is going to the farthest reaches to better enable devs to build and deploy a wide array of voice-driven web services and integration projects. Tired of the high cost and lock-in of proprietary vendor tools, Australia's Skunkworks has crafted a rich-voice appdev environment in Perl.
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Tips & Tricks: A Cross-DB Resource Guide
More and more, enterprise developers (Java, VB/.NET, C++, etc.) are being asked to create more efficient solutions for providing cross-database access to applications and users. Even without knowing a great deal about web services techniques, developers have a growing number of options, thanks to a variety of enhancements to familiar tools and techniques.
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Quick Guide to Taming XML for Integration
Knowing some in-depth XML can really make a difference in the performance and ease of integration for certain beginner web services projects. IDN spoke with execs from an experienced web services development firm to provide a Quick Guide to some of the best XML tips for senior Java and ASP/.NET developers.
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Devs Using Python to Boost Integration
As Sun and Microsoft both look to embrace scripting languages in web services run by Java and .NET, IDN spoke with IDN spoke with Alex Martelli, the author of O'Reilly's leading books on the topic of Python in the enterprise -- "Python in a Nutshell" and "Python Cookbook." He offers Win32, Java and .NET devs some useful perspectives on Python, and how Python scripting can extend the integration capabilities of their Win32, ASP.Net, Java and C/C++ applications.
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Top 5 Web Service Security Flaws Identified
There a new Top 5 threats list for web services. The report was prepared by web services researcher Spire Security LLC and Forum Systems, a web service security provider. Many of the threats will sound familiar to long-time web-based developers, but see how XML parsing and WSDL scanning can impact the security of your web service project.
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Hands-On: Building Asynchronous Web Services
How do web services devs best to deliver guaranteed two-way (asynchronous) communications to confirm transactions, update databases and otherwise make sure both ends of the web service are in synch? IDN has gathered some great resources (code sets, techniques, advice) from your fellow developers to help you take asynchronous web services head-on.
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Countdown Starts for Java's Project Tiger
The countdown has begun to this summer's launch of J2SE 1.5 -- Project Tiger. Now available for beta review, the coming upgrade to Java 2 Standard Edition looks to address some of Java's most discussed ills -- including complexity of development, poor application monitoring and management, and insufficient rich client support.
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Survey Finds Combining .NET with Java Cuts Dev Costs
More than 1-in-3 enterprises plan to use a dual Java/.NET strategy for their web services rollout, according to the latest survey from European IT researcher Quocirca. Respondents say keeping life-cycle development and deployment costs down is a major motivator. See if your web-to-legacy integration and custom web services plans can benefit from bringing .NET and Java devs closer together.
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Java Devs React To Middleware Co's Site for .NET
The Middleware Company, creator and manager of TheServerSide.com, a leading online community for enterprise Java/J2EE devs, has launched a .NET version of its site. TheServerSide.NET is the first non-Java project launched by The Middleware Co. since its founding in 1998. See why The Middleware Co. feels now is the time to support .NET news and discussion - And why many Java devs welcome the outreach -- and many don't.
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Chatty vs Chunky: A Dev Guide
More and more, developers in online forums and at events are asking for more info on the concept of "Chatty versus Chunky," coined by Jonathan Hawkins and Emmanuel Schanzer of Microsoft to describe an efficient 3-tier application design (web with to/from connections to stateful legacy systems). IDN provides this Quick Study list of some top technical sources on the topic to provide insight, templates and sample code.
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Can an Apache XMLBeans Help Speed Java Devs on XML?
Concerned that Microsoft is way ahead of Java in supporting XML, BEA has handed over its internally-developed XMLBeans technologies to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) to make it available as Open Source to devs. BEA VP Byron Sebastian told us why BEA is concerned about availability of XML support for Java devs, and how an Apache-run XMLBeans may help.
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Case Study: Brokerages Push XML for Finance
The country's largest brokerage firms are expanding basic XML specifications to define a new open and standard markup language for financial services. FpML v2.0 (Financial Products Markup Language) will provide developers important new guidelines for building B2B web services. But, even if you’re not in finance, see how FpML highlights some keen insights on how your own industry should use Open Standards to construct web services transactions.
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Sun Nixes NetBeans/Eclipse Marriage
Java devs hoping for a single, unified Open Source toolkit for working with web services got bad news this week, as execs from Sun's NetBeans and Eclipse.org couldn't reach agreement on how to marry their technologies. One Sun exec said the Sun/Eclipse marriage didn't take place because the parties weren't able to set "common ground [for] mutual development."
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Hands On: Cross-DB Resource Guide for Devs
More and more often, enterprise developers of all stripes (Java, VB/.NET, C++, etc.) are asked to build cross-database access for applications and end users. This week, as part of IDN's reference library series for "developers as integrators," we present the latest in a growing list of cross-db methods for JDBC, OBDC, ADOdb, JDO, SQL and XML.
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OASIS Adopts SPML 1.0 Spec, On To SPML 2.0
SPML 1.0, an XML approach for cross-platform provisioning and for secure web services, was adopted Nov. 3 by OASIS. Supported by heavyweights IBM, Microsoft, CA, work is already underway for SPML 2.0 to bring more provisioning and security features to web services and SOA devs. Get the latest on SPML's use, the final docs, and insights from Darran Rolls, chair of the OASIS Service Provisioning Markup Language Technical Committee, for using SPML.
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IBM, Microsoft, Sun All Get Real with Web Services Code
Last month, IBM, and Microsoft showed a working demo of their next-gen web services standards for reliability, security and transactions management. Meanwhile, Sun released the first J2EE 1.4 codeset with web services, making good on a promise made late last year to bundle core web services support for SOAP, WSDL and UDDI into J2EE 1.4 source.
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Tuning Your XML for Clean Web Services
If you've been working on more than project with XML, especially for integration or web services, some experts say you need to make sure your XML is keeping up with the needs of your system for throughput, performance and such. This week, IDN brings devs an XML Checklist for cleaning up code that may have been auto-generated by a variety of tools. If your enterprise is becoming an XML house, it's worth a look. It's easy, quick -- and may even be fun.
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Developers Using XML for Real Time Data Access
A recent study by a leading developer-focused research firm is finding that XML is gaining steam for certain mission-critical data access projects. See why Evans Data Corp. says almost half of all devs surveyed are working on some data integration-related project using XML.
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Yankee Says .NET, Java Empower Dev Integration
A research note from The Yankee Group suggests a promising future for developers who know how to develop and integrate applications using Java and .NET. Yankee's numbers suggest that as much as 50% of all Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)-centric projects may fall away from integrators and into the hands of devs that know how to use Java, .NET and XML-based web services to deliver small-scale integration.
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IDN Offers Developers SOAP 1.2 JumpStart Kit
The W3C has finally published SOAP 1.2 as a formal standard, setting the Internet-based remote procedure call standard a core foundation for multi-platform web services. To mark the event, IDN presents a Developer JumpStart Kit for SOAP, amassing major SOAP assets for the developer. Click here for info on SOAP specs, Case Studies and tips from IDN, as well as from Apache, SoapBuilders, Soapware and even Microsoft (for free stuff).
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Devs Should Brace for Wave of Process, Modeling Tools
In the last several weeks, Microsoft, IBM, BEA, Borland, and CompuWare have all shipped new tools and/or extensions to help developers move their skill sets "up the stack" to better model their applications -- and include business logic in their dev projects. See why IT research firm Zapthink says it's just the beginning, and why Java and .NET devs should brace for a new wave of web services tools and IDE plug-ins that support developing process-driven services.
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Microsoft Offers ASP.NET Starter Kits, WebMatrix Tools
For devs that want to get deep with ASP.NET features, Microsoft has released its biggest set yet of free code, templates and downloads – and even made it attractive to tweak and share by making it available under a very non-restrictive license. See what Microsoft is making available, free and with few sharing restrictions.
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Survey Finds Java, .NET in Wide Use for Web Services
A survey of IT professionals released last month by Compuware Corp. found that almost two-thirds of all enterprise development shops are already using J2EE, .NET or some modeling techniques to build web services, and many are using both -- this, despite recent analyst research that predicts web services will be limited by tight budgets, a lack of standards and unproven technologies.
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Gartner Reports on Dev Opportunities in Web Services
Recent research from Gartner Dataquest finds there will be a strong pick up in demand for developers and integrators with skills using XML, SOAP, .NET and Java. In this report for IDN from senior Gartner analysts, developers get in-depth data on how IT execs plan to deploy web services over the next 12 months -- from the projects being built to the products being used. See why Gartner says devs with skills in Microsoft, Oracle and IBM have the most momentum.
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CA Law Requires Firms Disclose Security Breaches
Starting July 1, a new California law will require all companies doing business in California to notify their California customers, partners or other business relationships when they suspect their non-encrypted information has been compromised and/or stolen. IDN provides enterprise developers with insights on how the new law could likely change their jobs, and the ways their company execs think about -- and implement -- security.
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XMLSec 1.0 Helps Ensure Multi-Platform WS-Security
Developers now have one more assurance that they will be able to implement WS-Security across multiple platforms. The XML Security Library, an Open Source implementation of W3C's XML Digital Signature and XML Encryption (the core components of WS-Security), has released XMLSec 1.0 to developers. Get this download and other key XML security add-ons.
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SOAP Cleaned Up for Real-World Deployments
The SOAP scum is clearing up. After rigorous testing, fixing and review, the W3C says a final SOAP 1.2 spec could be out next month. Further, the legal clouds that hung over royalty-free SOAP have dissipated, as the vendors threatening to sue for property rights have changed their minds. See our report on what W3C says is real, along with code samples.
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Devs Can Download First WS-I Interoperability Tests
Devs can now download the first set of WS-I interoperability testing tools aimed at ensuring compliance with its Basic Profile 1.0. See what's in the key tests for making sure that vendor and end user implementations of web services will work across Java, C#/.NET and legacy environments.
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Tips & Tricks: A Cross-DB Resource Guide
More and more often, enterprise developers of all stripes (Java, VB/.NET, C++, etc.) are asked to build cross-database access for applications and end users. This week, as part of IDN's reference library series for "developers as integrators," IDN presents the latest in a growing list of cross-db methods for JDBC, OBDC, ADOdb, JDO, SQL and XML.
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A Developer's Roadmap to Using WS-Security
IDN takes an in-depth developers' look at WS-Security, now before WS-I's Basic Security Working Group. IDN spoke with Steven Van Roekel, a Microsoft web services director, and one of the co-authors WS-Security with IBM, Versign and others. He details the vision and benefits of the proposal, discusses how developers can use it, what cross-platform features exist and are planned, and how WS-Security backers are working with other camps.
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Early-Release XQuery Tools Could Be Out by Fall
Database vendors are aligning over XQuery as a standard for querying XML data and documents. IBM and Microsoft just submitted a test suite to W3C for review, and even have help from Oracle and Informix to fine-tune XQuery's support for Java. XML-watchers say early code samples and implementations could be ready by fall, with full XQuery out there in early 2004. Get an update and resources.
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Eclipse Upgrade Improves Editor, Nav Support
For Java developers looking for less platform-specific tools, the Eclipse Consortium has released its latest upgrade. Features include better GUI and nav support, improved ability to work with external tools and libraries, including support for Ant, and better editing and debugging. See the latest.
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Web Services Tool for End-to-End Code Generation
If you're a would-be web services developer stymied by a lack of tools or a steep learning curve, one Silicon Valley tools firm is looking to cut 80% of your coding. Iron Speed has developed a framework platform that could auto-generate 80% of your code for GUI, queries, workflow, transaction management and database connectivity. Find out if their approach might help your project.
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Developers Use XML for Real Time Data Access
A study by leading developer-focused research firm Evans Data found XML is gaining "surprising" steam for certain mission-critical data access projects. See how application and database developers are turning to XML to support real-time data updates for various enterprise users.
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XML: Five Years and Counting - An AppDev Guide
Believe it or not, XML turned 5 last month. But if you think the W3C's XML work is winding down, you'd be wrong -- on many fronts. IDN takes the occasion to bring developers/sysadmins up to date on W3C's plans, and on the latest resources for XML and the XML Schema Definition (XSD).
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Expert Tips for Building Web Services Security
In this exclusive interview with IDN, Mark O'Neill, author of Web Services Security from McGraw-Hill, takes developers through other technologies and trends for building XML and web services security in 2003. Code samples, templates and an expert outlook on how to navigate a sea of emerging standards are all included.
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OASIS Eyes Open Web Services Management Specs
There's good news this week for those Java and .Net developers and sysadmins who want vendors to pay more attention to developing open standards for managing end-to-end web services. OASIS continues to push an agenda for cross-platform, web services management standards.
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Chatty vs. Chunky: A Developers' Guide
More and more, developers in online forums and at events are asking for more info on the "Chatty versus Chunky" concept, coined by Jonathan Hawkins and Emmanuel Schanzer of Microsoft to describe an efficient 3-tier application design (web with to/from connections to legacy systems). Check IDN's Quick Study of technical sources.
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XACML -- A No-Nonsense Developer's Guide
OASIS has just adopted XACML as an open standard to help developers build interoperable access controls security for XML documents and end-to-end transactions. In this story, we provide a developer's guide to XACML, including reasons to use it, how to use it and when to get free (and Open) sample code.
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Download: Tool Finds Best XML Parsers for Projects
Developers have a wide choice when it comes to XML parsers, so how do you know which one is best for which jobs? Developer Pankaj Kumar has authored a nifty XML benchmarking tool for gauging parser performance, and also has come up with a short parsers checklist. Download the tool and see the checklist here.
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The Best of SOAP Tools and Info -- 2003
With the W3C weeks away from certifying SOAP 1.2 as a standard, Integration Developer News thought it timely to offer a Quick List reference to some of the best known, and most used, SOAP support tools available. Take a quick survey of the web's best resources for downloads and info on SOAP 1.2 ranging from Apache to SoapBuilders, to Soapware to Microsoft (for free stuff).
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Developers with XML Content Skills in Demand
An explosion in demand for developers who know how to build, manage and update dynamic XML-based content is coming -- starting this year, at least according to a study by Zapthink. See why developers who know how to use XML to deliver smart and inexpensive content solutions for end users will create new job opportunities.
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Java, Microsoft Drivers on Web Services Road
Developers familiar with Java and Microsoft driver technologies (JDBC and ODBC) will see a boon in XML-enabled tools in 2003, according to a leading provider of drivers and tools. See why SQL is for data at rest and XML is for data in motion, as DataDirect Technologies works with leading SQL vendors Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase and others.
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Quick Guide to Taming XML for Integration
Knowing some in-depth XML can really make a difference in the performance and ease of integration for certain beginner web services projects. Integration Developer News recently spoke with execs at an experienced web services development firm to provide a Quick Guide to some of the best XML tips for senior Java and ASP/.NET developers.
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W3C Takes Big Steps to Finalize SOAP, XML Standards
The W3C has taken significant steps forward to give web services developers a collection of core standards for protocols and language use. Most notably, standards for SOAP, XML Namespaces and XHTML are entering their final stages, and final adoption could be only weeks away.
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Giga's 2003 Developer's Guide to Web Services
Giga Information Group says that despite a slow start, web services in 2003 have the capability to turn application integration into a "Killer App." In this wide-ranging interview with Giga vice president Uttman Narsu, see why technology and standards are now in place (or will be in early 2003) to empower web services developers to do some neat integration projects.
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W3C Approves New Security, Validation for XML
The W3C continues its breakneck pace to implement data-centric security and formatting standards for XML. The latest security standards, endorsed by Microsoft, IBM, Sun and BEA, among others, give developers two new protocols to help parse XML documents into discrete data for transmission. W3C is also shipping a new Validator to keep your XML clean.
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IDC: "People Costs" Make Linux Costlier Than Windows
In a study released this month, the International Data Corp found that the nominally "free" Linux can be more expensive to own, run and maintain than Windows 2000 servers for many popular applications. The reason? Total hardware/software costs for both Linux and Windows 2000 were less than 10% of the total 5-year cost of ownership. The big-ticket items are people costs for maintaining, integrating and securing those servers.
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Quick Study: Tips for Better XML Transformations
If you're looking for the best and quickest way to wrap your brain around XML transformations, you can breathe easy. Integration Developer News has found several hands-on sites to help you get your XML applications down to business.
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Data Sharing Using XSLT and XPath
XSLT and XPath are gaining a reputation for helping developers tie into web and web services applications. But don't think you need to be an XML expert. Integration Developer News spoke with Zarella L. Rendon, coauthor of Prentice Hall's XSLT and XPath: A Guide to XML Transformations, to find out how XSLT and XPath can help developers speed web services and integration projects.
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"Extranet" Web Services on the Rise in Europe
Developers, at least on the other side of the Atlantic, are aggressive in their use of web services technologies. Borland, in a survey released at its BorCon 2002 in London, found more than half of respondents were looking at web services to help with B2B, B2