Sun is enhancing its Java System Portal Server with a new release to make it easier to build collaborative content and communities.
Wikis, blogs and RSS feeds are all supported by the new Java System
Portal Server 7, which is part of Sun’s freely available Java Enterprise
System.
The Java Enterprise system became “free” at the end of November as part of Sun’s push to open up its software.
The new portal server utilizes AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript) portal
containers in order to enable the new collaborative features. An open
interface is also part of the portal server, which is intended to allow
developers to easily expand the build in portal services.
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is also a key part of the new release
by way of a feature Sun calls, “Federated Composite Views.”
In conjunction
with the Sun Java Studio Creator, users can now create drag-and-drop portlets
for the portal server.
Portal management has also been simplified by way of delegated
administration features that allow users with the appropriate credentials to
handle basic tasks, such as password resets and page-layout management.
“The latest version of the Portal Server offers new self-service
enhancements that provide more control to the end user and free up valuable
IT resources, making for a more compelling experience all around,”Tom
Goguen, VP of Marketing, Software at Sun said in a statement.
Java System Portal Server 7 also benefits from Java DB, which is based on the Apache Derby project.
Thanks to SOA, the portal business will continue to thrive in 2006. BEA Systems recently announced that it would be integrating its AquaLogic and
WebLogic Portal applications next year and add new SOA products to the mix.