Sun introduces GlassFish V2- the next major version of the open source Java EE 5 application server

Building on the success of GlassFish V1, this release adds enterprise features such as clustering, advanced administration and record-breaking performance. In addition, the Sun Java System Application Server 9.1 offers new industry leading cost-efficient annual subscriptions for customers that need production quality support.

With GlassFish V2, customers no longer have to choose between open source and enterprise features. GlassFish V2 delivers on the major features that are required for scalable and mission critical deployments. Highlighted features include:

• Best-in-class performance - as evidenced in a July 2007 SPECjAppServer benchmark result, GlassFish V2 is the fastest open source Java EE 5 application server available today.
• Clustering - enables enterprises to group servers for scalability and replicate data in-memory for fail over protection and high availability.
• Centralized administration - manage application server clusters and application deployments from a centralized administration console.
• Project Metro - allows for interoperability between Web services hosted on Java technology and Windows environments.
• Open ESB - enables easy integration of Web services and existing enterprise resources.
• Java Business Integration (JBI) - provides a standardized approach to delivering SOA using Web services.
• NetBeans(TM) IDE Integration - enabling developers to deploy SOA applications by designing business process execution language (BPEL) workflows.

Sun has dramatically reduced the license and support costs of its commercially-supported Sun Java System Application Server, well below proprietary, enterprise alternatives. GlassFish V2 is available for download for Solaris(TM), Linux, Windows and Mac OS X -- bringing a production quality application server to all major software platforms.

"Together, GlassFish and NetBeans offer a feature-rich, low-cost platform for developing and delivering applications that meet the demanding needs of the enterprise,"

said Michael Geisler Software Practice Manager, Sun Microsystems MENA.

"Many enterprises today are choosing open-source alternatives over expensive, proprietary infrastructure software and the GlassFish/NetBeans release represents a compelling option, especially when paired with an open-source operating system such as OpenSolaris or Linux."

Sun also offers a tiered set of developer support services for its software offerings, ranging from single incident to comprehensive developer plans. In addition, with a broad portfolio of training and certification offerings, developers can enhance their skillsets to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies.