Java System Application Server Platform Edition 8 is the first app server software compatible with the JE22 1.4 specification, said Sun, and also supports the new JavaServer Faces APIs.
The new edition -- the first update to Sun's Java application server in nearly two years -- delivers new APIs for Web services, and according to Sun, uses 55 percent less memory than version 7.
Developers can download version 8 free of charge, as well as bundle it with applications they write without paying a licensing fee. Documentation and access to online support are also free, but Sun charges for other technical support.
Java System Application Server Platform Edition 8 is available now for Solaris 8/9, Windows 2000/XP, and Red Hat Linux. Standard and Enterprise editions of the software will be available later in 2004.