A new programming interface for building e-business applications with Java technology and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is being developed by Sun Microsystems.
Entitled the Java API for XML Messaging, this programming interface will give developers the ability to build Java technology-based e-commerce applications that generate and exchange XML messages. Java API for XML Messaging will support a variety of XML messaging standards including the evolving XML messaging standards being developed by ebXML.
ebXML is intended to provide a standard for low-cost e-business data exchange giving IT professionals the ability to assist their organisations in handling high volume e-business exchange.
Through ebXML, Sun Microsystems is lowering the barrier to entry for small businesses to conduct e-commerce and enabling more dynamic partnership opportunities. The Java API for XML messaging will combine the benefits of two emerging standards that are prevalent across the Net economy.
"With the large number of small businesses in South Africa and the number of disparate systems, XML will make it a lot easier to get these businesses talking electronically to each other," explains Peter Castle, senior systems engineer, Sun Microsystems, Middle East Africa (MEA).
"To have a standards low cost e-business data exchange will get these companies on the web a lot faster than reinventing the wheel or replacing and upgrading their current infrastructure. The key issue here, I believe, is the standards, the standards that are driving the Internet and that have taken e-business to where it is today," continues Castle.
Java technology programmers will find that they have a much easier time building robust, reliable and secure e-business applications. This is due to the fact that the Java API for XML Messaging allows them to transport both XML and non-XML business messages across a number of key communications infrastructures, namely those based on HTTP, SMTP and FTP protocols.
Java API for XML Messaging will deliver a standard and consistent programming model for the packaging, routing and transportation of XML business messages. Sun is involved in defining ebXML and expects to make early reference implementations available to developers through credible Open Source organisations.
Due to the high local interest in and demand for JINI by developers, Sun Microsystems SA is taking part in the ComputerWeek Developer Day on 20 October 2000. Sun's participation follows on from the Sun Developer Day at Computer Faire in May this year, where over 250 developers attended. For further information on the Developers Conference contact Adele Milana on 011-789-1808.
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