WebGain Application Composer

WebGain Application Composer is a visual environment that allows both Java and non-Java savvy developers to assemble Java applications via the combination of existing, reusable components (knowledge of programming concepts is needed, however). Such components can include EJB, JSP, servlet, and applet-based components, as well as Web services through Application Composer's support for automated SOAP processing and the ability to import and "componentize" WSDL files.

Applications are built from the combination of individual components by specifying the behaviors that should be used to link the components together. Such behaviors are themselves reusable, and allow for multiple components to be logically joined together into functional "Capsules." These capsules, along with other components (also called "Actors") are combined into individual Projects that can then be deployed as Java applications, with Application Composer maintaining the links to both the internal and external components required for the overall application.

Key features of Application Composer include its aforementioned support of SOAP (SOAP handling and XML parsing for Web services are performed by Application Composer automatically) and WSDL; EJB 2.0 support, including the ability to create stateful, stateless, stateful w/synch, and message driven beans; and the ability to "Hot Load" new components and have access to them immediately from within the authoring environment.

Application Composer is now available, however, WebGain has announced that they have ceased the further development of their tools and seek to sell all of their assets (see related link below). WebGain states that they will continue to support their product line until the individual products have been sold.

Contact WebGain for further information.