Novell will detail a major step in its ongoing overhaul next week, detailing how it plans to leverage recently acquired Java tools and app servers to drive new business.
Earlier this summer, Novell acquired Java tools vendor Silverstream, a deal which at the time raised some eyebrows over how the vendor would fit the tools into its networking- and security-centric product line.
On Monday, Novell will announce the general availability of Novell Extend 4, a Java-based development tool that aims to abstract away a lot of the complexity of J2EE development for the more business-oriented developer.
The new release enhances the product"s portal and presentation capabilities, including new visual, drag-and-drop tools for creating portal pages. The new tool is also fully compatible with the latest version of J2EE, version 1.3, and works with a variety of deployment platforms including IBM Websphere and BEA WebLogic, as well as Novell"s own application server.