October 23, 1996
NeXT Software, a leading producer of application servers for the Internet and Enterprise, today announced its plans for shipping WebObjects (TM) server-side java integration.
This capability, code named French Roast, will allow developers to write WebObjects applications entirely in Java, Sun's dynamic programming language for building network based applications. In December, WebObjects Enterprise 3.0 customers will be able to download the server-side Java extensions directly from NeXT's website at http://www.next.com and benefit from the marriage of WebObjects' proven technology and the popular Java programming language.
Adding WebObjects support for server-side Java provides enterprise developers with greater flexibility, while opening the power of WebObjects to the Java developer community. WebObjects will enable enterprise-scale Java applications by allowing users to customize WebObjects application servers in Java with rapid development tools that integrate disparate data sources and applications. NeXT is committed to supporting flexible, multi-tier Java architectures and ensuring that development today can be leveraged in the future.
"NeXT is aggressively delivering on its strategic goal to interoperate with industry standards and market leaders. The Java extension is a natural implementation of that goal," said Avie Tevanian, NeXT's vice president of engineering. "We have listened to our customers and the marketplace and are quickly responding to their demands by providing server-side Java applications today."
Making Server-Side Java A Reality
NeXT is integrating standard Java virtual machines with the NeXT dynamic runtime so that Java objects and NeXT objects can communicate transparently. The NeXT Java extension allows customers to start developing robust enterprise applications with Java, while taking advantage of the proven scalability, database access and performance in WebObjects Enterprise. Customers can develop complete and functional multi-tier database applications in Java. By integrating with the standard virtual machines, customers can choose the Java compiler of their choice.
This approach will allow customers to select the programming language that is best for the task at hand. For example, customers may choose to prototype their application in WebScript for the rapid development possible with a scripting language, but may later implement business objects in Java and performance critical sections in C, C++, and Objective-C.
For current NeXT customers porting their current applications to Java, a facility will be provided that makes their existing business objects available in Java. This offers customers the option to leave code in its existing language, yet enhance the application in Java.
Pricing and Availability
The Java extension will be available to WebObjects Enterprise 3.0 customers in December of this year. This added functionality will be provided free of charge to existing customers from the NeXT website.
NeXT Software, Inc.
NeXT delivers open software development environments for building custom applications for both the World Wide Web and the Enterprise. NeXT's development software adds value to today's business by shortening the development cycle, working with an organization's existing technology, supporting current and emerging standards, and enabling organizations to grow and change with ease.
Providing its customers with a combination of award-winning software and professional services, NeXT delivers real-world solutions.
NeXT Software, Inc. is headquartered in Redwood City, California, and has offices in North America, London, Paris, Munich, and Tokyo.