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August 24, 1998 Java development software PowerJ 2.5 touts flexible JDK targeting

THE BOTTOM LINE PowerJ Enterprise 2.5 The addition of flexible Java Development Kit (JDK) versioning support and the current enterprise feature set continue to make Sybase's Java development tool a good value for existing customers. Those new to Java will like PowerJ's tutorial aids and sample code. However, the development interface is not as conducive to boosting productivity as those in some rival offerings. Pros: Support for targeting multiple JDK versions; integrated support for Java Foundation Classes, Swing components; tools for Web site management, Web application creation; components available for graphical HTML editing and physical data modeling. Cons: Development interfaces require experienced developers; integration with Enterprise Application Studio not yet complete; some bugs in Jaguar Component Transaction Server. Sybase Inc., Emeryville, Calif.; (800) 879-2273; http://www .sybase .com. Price: $1,495 per developer for Windows. Platforms: Windows 95, Windows NT. By Maggie Biggs The 2.5 upgrade of Sybase's PowerJ is a good bet for those already using the tool as well as experienced Java developers. The addition of flexible options for Java Development Kit (JDK) versioning and Java Foundation Classes (JFC) support bodes well for those creating enterprise Java applications. Some of the additions found in this version of PowerJ put Sybase on more even ground when compared to other Java development tools, such as Inprise's (formerly Borland) JBuilder. In particular, flexible JDK options and JFC support are already part of Inprise's JBuilder. Those new to Java development will find that PowerJ has some good aids and sample applications to get going with. However, the current PowerJ development interface lacks enough provisions to help new developers get productive quickly. Sybase does plan to add mechanisms for the less experienced developer, such as more wizards, to upcoming releases. Common components Like its sibling PowerBuilder, this release of PowerJ is evidence of the upcoming integration with Sybase's Enterprise Application Studio, which is expected in the fourth quarter. As a result, many of the components of the forthcoming Enterprise Application Studio, including Jaguar Component Transaction Server (CTS), were packaged with my copy of PowerJ. Although PowerJ and the other Enterprise Application Studio components are bundled together for this release they are not yet integrated within a single framework. The common interface will not be available until the next release of PowerJ. In addition to integration with Enterprise Application Studio, the next version of PowerJ is expected to offer some other interesting new features. These include XML support, an Enterprise JavaBean wizard, new deployment tools, and remote debugging enhancements. I found this version of PowerJ to be solidly put together. The addition of beefed-up JDK support is good to see. I was able to put together my test applications to target various JDK versions without incident. The added JFC support was well integrated into the PowerJ environment. It was easy to add Swing components to my test applications from the palette. I also worked with some of the other components in PowerJ. These included AppModeler, PowerSite, PowerDynamo, and JaguarCTS. These components support physical data modeling, Web site management, application generation, visual HTML editing, transaction management and more. With the exception of a few minor bugs in JaguarCTS, the components worked well and I see good value in integrating them in the forthcoming Enterprise Application Studio. Good bet for pros This interim release of PowerJ is a good bet for both experienced developers and those who wish to have the added flexibility of targeting various JDK versions. Those who seek a more integrated development solution and less-experienced Java developers should consider this PowerJ version with an eye toward the expected PowerJ update and concurrent Enterprise Application Studio release that are expected in the fourth quarter of this year. Senior Analyst Maggie Biggs can be reached at maggie_biggs@infoworld.com.

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