In-Depth Features


The culture of components

Development managers seem to agree that components are a way of life -- but mindsets must change if they are to be used effectively.

The machines are virtual, but the issues are real

The Java Virtual Machine is at the heart of industry cross-platform hopes. These days, there's a lot going on under the hood.

Let the data do the talking -- or, keep an eye on objects: The state of application integration

Developers approach middleware decisions from diverse views, while vendor approaches blend. Sorting through solutions requires a look at new technologies.

Quality quest

Testing imperatives are tighter in cyberspace, where the competition is just a few mouse clicks away

Application servers come into focus

They are at the hub of multi-tier computing, but their definition is still a little muddy.

AntiPatterns

All-star object-oriented developers teamed up to write a book that zeroes-in on things that kill projects. It's a deep subject -- but one worth digging into.

Tooling up for Components

Given a choice, firms would rather buy software than develop it. But are today's component-based development tools making internal development more competitive?

UML gains ground

What are people using the Unified Modeling Language for? How much of the language is being used? It seems UML is progressing, but subsets are still the order of the day.

Testing SAP apps is key in implementation process

Developers can offload some work by taking the packaged route, but up-front testing becomes a greater mandate..