Sun announces free Java verification testing tool

Issued by Citigate SA PR for Sun Microsystems
Johannesburg, 20 May 2004

Java technology inventor Sun Microsystems has released a free tool for testing Java programs. The Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) 1.4 Application Verification Kit (AVK), available for download at www.java.sun.com/j2ee/avk, tests for portability and the correct use of J2EE APIs across J2EE technology-compatible application servers. It delivers assurance to businesses that their solutions remain portable across the multi-vendor J2EE technology-based application server environment.

"One way in which developers seek to optimise resources is effective utilisation of their existing infrastructure investments. The J2EE 1.4 AVK enables developers to test that their applications are able to operate effectively across their platforms. This provides for easier application migration from one application server to another, increases code reusability, eliminates the need to install and test across multiple application servers and makes multiple vendor environments not just feasible, but efficient. It's a very practical product that delivers very effective results," says Sean O'Hare, Java systems engineer at Sun Microsystems SA.

He explains that the J2EE specification describes the standard elements of a J2EE-compatible application server, providing the basis for portability. However, application servers frequently include proprietary extensions that provide added value for businesses with special requirements, but are not available across the range of J2EE-compatible products.

"As such, the use of a single application server can lead to a dependence on proprietary APIs and/or non-standard J2EE APIs, resulting in reduced application portability. The J2EE 1.4 AVK provides a complete testing solution for this problem."

Functionality contained in the J2EE 1.4 AVK includes Web services testing. This includes static checking for Web services endpoints and dynamic checking for both Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs); and Servlet-based Web services and source code scanning for incompatible proprietary APIs that would cause interoperability challenges.

The product also incorporates ANT (an open source program from the Apache Software Foundation) tasks in the development cycle for efficiently assembling all the pieces of a program, and component libraries.

Sun Microsystems, Inc

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Java Enterprise System

Serious software made simple, the Java Enterprise System seamlessly integrates award-winning and market-leading enterprise network applications and services at the heart of Web services. This complete standards-based software system is delivered as a single, pre-integrated entity on a predictable release cycle. Radically simplified customer pricing - $100 per employee per year (US list price) - delivers the peace of mind CIOs need to focus on what they do best: leverage IT to achieve business goals. The Java Enterprise System enterprise network services provide the core set of functionalities that businesses need to compete effectively in the marketplace: portal, communication and collaboration, network identity, application and Web, availability and security services. For more information on the Java Enterprise System, please visit http://www.sun.com/software/javaenterprisesystem.

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