Sun Java™ System Application Server Platform Edition 8
The Sun Java System Application Server Platform Edition 8 is a J2EE 1.4 platform compatible server for the development and deployment of J2EE applications and Java Web Services. Production use of this server is free of charge.
Getting Started

» Register Your Product Now
» Explore the J2EE 1.4 SDK
»
Access Support Resources

What's New

» JavaServer Faces 1.0 Support
» Latest Java Specification Support
» Improved Administration GUI and Log Viewer
» Concurrent Message Delivery
» Support for More Operating Systems and Databases
» Improved Performance
» Developer Tools for J2EE Applications

Getting Started
 
Register Your Product Now
Take a moment and register. As a registered user, you will get:
  • News related to product updates
  • Access to value-added contents
  • Notification of promotional programs
  • Entry in J2EE platform-related gift give-aways
 

Explore the J2EE 1.4 SDK
The J2EE 1.4 SDK provides the foundation to develop and deploy Web services enabled, interoperable, multitier enterprise applications. The J2EE SDK is the best way to learn about what's new in the J2EE platform. The Application Server is included with the J2EE SDK. The J2EE SDK also bundles samples and the Java BluePrints to make it easier for developers to deliver J2EE applications. Use the following components to learn everything you need to know about what's new in the the J2EE 1.4 platform:

Quick Start Guide: Use the Quick Start Guide for the Application Server to learn the basics to get up and running quickly on the Application Server, including information on starting the server, accessing the Administration Console, and deploying a sample application. This guide is available at the following location in your installation:

<install_dir>/docs/QuickStart.html

The J2EE 1.4 Tutorial: The J2EE 1.4 Tutorial is a beginner's guide to developing enterprise applications on the Application Server. The J2EE 1.4 Tutorial includes working examples and step-by-step instructions for creating J2EE applications with these technologies: Web services, Java Servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), JSP Standard Tag Library (JSTL), Enterprise JavaBeans, Java Message Service, and J2EE Connector Architecture.

Sample Applications: Developers who prefer command-line tools should become familiar with the product's sample applications by reviewing the Samples page. The samples demonstrate using the command line facilities and Ant to quickly compile, assemble and deploy small-scale, technology-focused applications. Access the Samples page at the following location in your installation:

<install_dir>/samples/index.html

Java Blueprints: Upon mastering basic J2EE concepts, the Java Blueprints series provides practical design advice for designers of enterprise and wireless Java applications. The Java Pet Store, Java Adventure Builder reference application, and Smart Ticket sample applications demonstrate the design patterns described in the Java Blueprints series.

 

Access Support Resources

Feedback Submittal Form: Use the J2EE Feedback Submittal Form to submit feedback on this product.

J2EE-INTEREST List: The J2EE-INTEREST list is a mailing list for questions about the J2EE platform.

Bug Database on Java Developer Connection: To view bugs or to submit a bug, use the Java Developer Connection Bug Parade.

Java Technology Forums: The Java Technology Forums are an interactive message board for sharing knowledge and questions about Java technologies and programming techniques. Use the J2EE SDK forum for discussions related to the Application Server.

Sun Software Support Service:
Sun Software Support Service Standard contracts are available for purchase.

Sun Developer Network: For further help and to keep on top of the latest developments, join the Sun Developer Network.
 
What's New
 

JavaServer Faces 1.0 Support
The Application Server now supports JavaServer Faces 1.0, which is a technology that simplifies building user interfaces for JavaServer applications. All levels of developers can quickly build web applications by: assembling reusable UI components in a page; connecting these components to an application data source; and wiring client-generated events to server-side event handlers.

 

Latest Java Specification Support
This release of the product supports the J2EE 1.4 specifications and leverages performance enhancements and features of the latest release of the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE™) 1.4. For more information on these changes, see the Release Notes. This release of the product  also supports Java Authorization Service Provider Contract for Containers (JACC), Java Management Extensions (JMX), and JavaServer Pages Standard Libraries (JSTL) 1.1.

Web Services Support: Support for Web services for the J2EE 1.4 platform is included in this release. Web services based on SOAP and HTTP are supported, so that J2EE technology can be integrated with Web services in a variety of ways. You can expose J2EE components (servlets and enterprise beans) as Web services. Clients that are written in the Java programming language or existing Web service clients that don't take advantage of Java technology can access these services. Also, J2EE components can act as Web service clients. This release provides full support of the WS-I Basic Profile specification, which is a standard intended to improve interoperability of Web services.

Other New J2EE Technologies: The J2EE 1.4 platform includes J2EE Deployment API 1.1 which includes JavaBeans™ components for editing deployment information, and J2EE Management API 1.0, an information model for management that includes attributes, events, statistics, and state management.

Enhancements to Existing J2EE Technologies: The J2EE 1.4 platform includes enhanced versions of many key J2EE technologies:

  • J2EE Connector Architecture 1.5
  • Enterprise JavaBeans™ (EJB) 2.1
  • JavaServer Pages™ (JSP) 2.0
  • Java Servlet 2.4
  • JavaMail™ 1.3
  • Java Message Service 1.1
  • Java API for XML parsing (JAXP) 1.2
  • Java API for XML-based RPC (JAX-RPC) 1.1
  • SOAP with Attachments API for Java (SAAJ) 1.2
  • Java API for XML Registries (JAXR) 1.0
  • Java Management Extensions (JMX) 1.2
  • Java Authorization Service Provider Contract for Containers (JACC) 1.0

The J2EE 1.4 platform also includes installed library support and the conversion of deployment descriptors to XML Schema.

JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library Support: This product supports the JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library (JSTL), which encapsulates core functionality common to many JSP applications.

 

Improved Administration GUI and Log Viewer
The Application Server includes improved administration capabilities, both through the command line, and through a new, browser-based Administration Console GUI. In addition, a Log Viewer has been added to the administration GUI.

 

Concurrent Message Delivery
This product supports concurrent message delivery with MQ 3.5 SP1.

 

Support for More Operating Systems and Databases
The Application Server now supports more operating systems and databases.

 

Improved Performance
Numerous improvements to the Application Server have also been made, including deployment and runtime performance improvements, XSLTC, and bug fixes.

 

Developer Tools for J2EE Applications
The Application Server includes tools to support J2EE application packaging, assembly, deployment, and verification.

Online Product Resources
» Release Notes
» Documentation

 

Online Java Resources
» Java 2 Enterprise Edition
» Java Technology Forums
» Java Developer Services
» java.net