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Unify Offers Enhanced RIA Dev Tool for SOAs

Unify Corp. released the next version of its rich Internet application (RIA) development and portal integration platform, as announced this week.

The product, NXJ 12, is based on Java 1.5. It includes enhancements designed to speed application deployment and better integrate with third-party application servers, according to the company's Web site.

The product is designed to create and deliver RIAs with AJAX functionality using standard browsers while riding atop a service-oriented architecture (SOA). The product "plugs into whatever SOA the customer is using," according to Todd Wille, Unify's CEO.

Wille said that the best thing about NXJ 12 is that it can be used to build browser-based business applications by lesser skilled Java engineers. Programming is done in Java, but Wille said it is really simple Java, with drop-down selectable lists. Then the app can be dropped to a server.

"We know how to maximize the performance of the application on that app server," Wille added.

NXJ 12 applications can be integrated into Java application servers using the product's built-in JBoss application server. Alternatively, the product works with BEA WebLogic, IBM WebSphere or Oracle application servers, according to company literature.

Other features of NXJ 12 include business process management and workflow-tracking capabilities. Unify also offers a new analytical reporting capability in NXJ 12 that is available as an option.

The product is currently available and priced per seat. NXJ Developer costs $3,995 and is designed to meet the needs of small-to-medium business IT developers and ISVs. The company also offers a free product evaluation at its Web site.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is online news editor, Enterprise Group, at 1105 Media Inc.