The
tools will be part of IBM's Software Development Platform and includes
the existing WebSphere portlet builders, WebSphere Studio and Rational
software tools. In addition it will include the following new additions:
-- WebSphere Studio Device Developer (WSDD) 5.7. This features new tools
aimed at helping developers build and extend enterprise applications onto
a range of devices from desktops and laptops to mobile client devices.
This includes tools and extensions that enable customers to run Java-based
applications on laptops and PCs, as well as develop Workplace applications
for cell phones, smart phones, and other wireless devices. New features
include lifecycle management and extension services that allow the application
to run in both connected and disconnected environments.
Another
of the tools, Workplace builder, is designed for line-of-business users
and customers with limited expertise in application development. Workplace
builder assembles re-usable components (or "building blocks")
into applications for the Workplace platform. Applications may be saved
as reusable templates, thus reducing the time and expense of creating
repeatable processes. The Workplace API Toolkit is aimed at ISVs, business
partners, and customers who want to deeply integrate with the Workplace
platform, IBM will provide a toolkit that includes sample code, documentation,
APIs and service provider interfaces. Developers using WebSphere Studio
can extend the platform by building new components that can be assembled
into templates and deployed to any device. In addition, they can utilise
collaborative functions such as sending mail or instant messages as Web
services from within their own business applications.
IBM
plans to make most of the tools available for download in Q3 of this year,
with follow-on releases later in the year. This will include a Workplace
Client toolkit known as Workplace designer, which is aimed at those needing
for more complex business applications and for developers with more sophisticated
programming skills. It will provide a visual, enterprise-level "scripting"
tool that can be used for building stand-alone business applications or
to complement applications built with Workplace builder. While more advanced
than Workplace builder, this tool requires less Java experience than WebSphere
Studio. The Workplace designer is scheduled for beta release later this
year.
www.ibm.com
