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Solid JRun serves up Java on a budget

Allaire's JRun 3.0 Java-based application server features up-to-date server-side Java features, easy installation, and low cost; but how does it measure up against the competition?

By Todd Coopee, InfoWorld, 06/23/00

Although the Java jury is still out on the usefulness of client-side implementations, server-side Java is firmly entrenched as a standard language for delivering network services that drive thin-client, Web-based applications to corporate America. Consequently, Java application servers have emerged as a cost-effective platform for hosting custom Java applications and linking them to back-end systems, allowing organizations to leverage legacy systems and provide end users with browser-based access to corporate data stores.

TEXTBOX: TEXTBOX_HEAD: The Bottom Line

JRun 3.0, Release Candidate 1

Business Case
This Java-based application server lets you offer enterprise-class applications via the Web to browser-equipped customers, partners, and employees. At ,995 per CPU for the Enterprise Edition, JRun 3.0 is a bargain compared to alternatives.

Technology Case
JRun 3.0's ability to interoperate with a variety of Web servers across multiple platforms boosts its appeal. The Web-based administrative interface eases deployment; new clustering capabilities make it an attractive option for high-traffic sites.

Pros

• Runs on a wide variety of platforms and Web servers
• Easy installation
• Clustering support in Enterprise Edition

Cons

• Lacks integration with development tools other than JRun Studio 3.0

Cost

• Developer Edition -- free
• Professional Edition -- 95 per CPU
• Enterprise Edition -- ,995 per CPU

Platforms
Windows NT/2000, Solaris, HP/UX, Red Hat Linux, IBM AIX, SGI IRIX, Compaq Tru64 Unix

Ship Date
June 2000 for Developer and Professional Editions; summer 2000 for Enterprise Edition

Allaire Corp., Cambridge, Mass.; (888) 939-2545

:END_TEXTBOX

Allaire recently unveiled JRun 3.0, an ambitious upgrade to its Java application server. Current JRun shops will find several new developments in this release, thanks in part to Allaire's acquisition of Valto Systems and subsequent integration of its Ejipt Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) server technology.

Although it has been carefully designed to work within Sun's latest Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) specification, JRun 3.0 manages to offer bells and whistles that differentiate it from competitors. For example, JRun 3.0 includes a broad JavaServer Pages (JSP) custom-tag library with built-in tags that can be used to make common requests, such as connecting to a backend database, significantly easier. JRun 3.0 compares favorably to higher-priced offerings, including those from BEA Systems, iPlanet, and Inprise.

Previously, JRun hosted server-side Java applications by incorporating Java servlets into a Website and supporting dynamic Web pages using JSP. In this version, Allaire incorporates major upgrades, including the addition of server support for EJB 1.1, Java Messaging Services 1.0, and the Java Transaction API. It also supports JSP 1.1, Servlet 2.2, and full clustering capabilities.

These additions bring JRun up to speed with J2EE specifications, allowing your IT staffers to choose the most appropriate technology required to build and deploy Java-based enterprise applications. For instance, they could use JRun's support for EJB to deploy an ERP (enterprise resource planning) application while establishing a JSP-based extranet for providing sales agents with current information.

For more enterprise computing news, visit InfoWorld. Story copyright InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.

 

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