Software briefs

JavaSoft posts tools

JavaSoft, a division of Sun Microsystems, posted its Java Commerce Client (JCC) white paper to its developers Web site late last month. JCC is part of the Java Electronic Commerce Framework, which Java Software will detail at its annual developer bonanza JavaOne in March. The company has also posted the Java Shared Data Toolkit, and Java SSL. Noteworthy is the Java Shared Data Toolkit (JSDT) 1.0, a research and development project aimed at implementing multipoint data delivery service to help developers create collaborative applications.

Informix delves into Middleware market

Informix Software early this month will reveal a strategy to position its object-relational database engine as middleware for transaction processing. The plan will stress that its object-relational product, the Universal Data Option to the Informix Dynamic Server database, also can support transactional, multitier applications, one Informix official saidNetscape bounces back with application serverNetscape plans to rebound from its recent poor financial results with the release of new electronic commerce and application server products during 1998.

Already it is offering version 4.0 editions of its Navigator and Communicator applications and source code for Communicator 5.0 free, Netscape's latest attack on the market is the release of Netscape Application Server 2.0.

New generic Y2K software

A Sydney-based company, Phase Shift Technology, last month announced a language independent Y2K solution for MVS or OS/390 users. The software, named Phase Shift 2000, works by keeping dates within the twentieth century for existing applications while allowing correct date information to exist on external sources such as screens, according to company officials.