November 1, 1999

Java Application Servers Pass Real-World Test

By Richard Hoffman, Network Computing, and Anthony Frey

ava application servers are taking up residence in business IT shops as server-side Java becomes the preferred language for many enterprise deployments. These servers provide critical system-level services, including failover, load balancing, performance monitoring, and administration, enabling Java deployments to be properly robust, scalable, and sufficiently fault-tolerant for key applications.

We tested five Java application servers in our Real-World Labs, and found that not all are created equal. Secant Technologies Inc.'s Extreme Enterprise Server for EJB and TSI Software Inc.'s Novera provided the highest all-around mix of compatibility, manageability, and features, and both are excellent examples of just how good a Java application server can be. BEA Systems Inc.'s WebLogic Server came in close behind. It is powerful, but comparatively difficult to configure and administer.

The open-source server, Enhydra Java/ XML Application Server from Lutris Technologies, shows promise, is free, and has strong presentation-level capabilities, but it's still immature compared with TSI's and Secant's offerings. Finally, InfoSpinner's ForeSite Application Server is a capable integrator of back-end data with Java, and could pair well with another vendor's application server, but it falls short when considered as a full-fledged application server for a distributed environment.

return to main story, "Java Servers Offer More"

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