Apple Issues New WebObjects, OS X Update
Apple this week unveiled a new version of its WebObjects enterprise Java development tool, focusing on the recent push to Web services. WebObjects 5.2 includes built-in support for Web services standards including XML and SOAP, without requiring developers to write the low-level code for each.
Apple is aiming at interoperability with version 5.2 and says WebObjects applications developed with these standards will work with clients written in other languages such as Perl, or even Microsoft's .NET. Developers will also be able to deploy their applications on any J2EE server, even if the WebObjects backend is not installed.
Other improvements in WebObjects 5.2 include support for streaming HTTP uploads, and an enhanced Java client with numerous fixes. WebObjects 5.2 can be purchased for $699 USD, but costs only $99 USD for students and teachers.
Mac OS X version 10.2.2 also made its debut this week, following a long period of beta testing. The second update since the release of Mac OS X 10.2 brings a slew of bug fixes and small feature improvements.
Perhaps the most notable addition in 10.2.2 is a feature that enables "journaling" on a Mac OS X file system. Journaling keeps track of changes being made to files on a hard drive and allows a system to more smoothly recover after a power outage or machine failure. Such support has long been included with other UNIX variants such as Linux, and better positions Apple to compete in the server marketplace.
Mac OS X users can update to 10.2.2 via automatic Software Update or by downloading the standalone installer.