IBM* Application Development e-News brings you the latest information about our tools and technologies for building Java**-enabled e-business and Year 2000 solutions, including the VisualAge* family of tools and the WebSphere* family of servers.  The e-News is intended to complement our online offerings, and we encourage you visit the Web for more information.  Instructions for subscribing and unsubscribing are at the end of this issue.  Enjoy!

 In this issue:

   News from WebSphere 2000
   -- Push technology "edge" -- without crashing
   -- Introducing open, end-to-end B2B and e-marketplaces strategy
   -- Announcing WebSphere Commerce Suite for Solution Providers
   -- New VisualAge Application Rules speeds business-to-business
      Web application development

   Award-winning products
   -- Intranet Design Magazine: VisualAge for Java is the one to beat!
   -- It's an election year: Cast your vote for VisualAge for Java
   -- InfoWorld wowed by WebSphere Commerce Suite

   Technical information
   -- Upgrade to VisualAge for Java Version 3.02 today!
   -- VADD visual programming tutorials: Using object factories
      and object variables
   -- VADD bean design tutorials: debugging techniques
   -- Hot off the online press: April issue of VADD Technical Journal
   -- Redbooks, redbooks, redbooks!
   -- The IBM Application Framework for e-business: A foundation you
      can build on
   -- IBM Certification for e-business: Empowerment for the new
      e-business millennium
   -- Global Solutions Directory: The ultimate resource for
      technology solutions
   -- Need help? Access Application Development support pages

   Customer case studies
   -- Health Management Systems writes prescription for e-business
   -- Entrevision and Mainline Global Systems among companies
      succeeding in e-business with WebSphere

   Events
   -- Commune with the soul of e-business
      The Vienna event, April 9-11
   -- Webcast on building a solid, flexible infrastructure for IT
      Tuesday, April 18, 15:00 GMT

   The back page
   -- Hit the road with the latest technology
_____________________________________________________________________

PUSH TECHNOLOGY "EDGE" -- WITHOUT CRASHING

http://www.ibm.com/software/webservers/p000327_js.html

Bringing new meaning to the term "cutting edge," IBM's John Swainson
opened WebSphere 2000 by encouraging Internet professionals to hit
the road and strive for "that delicate balance of leaning into the
curve where you get the maximum speed while you stay just this side
of losing it altogether."  Swainson was addressing thousands of
developers, IT professionals and e-business visionaries who are in
Miami this week to create the future.
_____________________________________________________________________

IBM INTRODUCES OPEN, END-TO-END B2B AND E-MARKETPLACES STRATEGY

http://www.ibm.com/software/webservers/p000327.html

Also at WebSphere 2000 this week, IBM introduced its strategy to
help businesses quickly connect to customers, suppliers, business
partners and e-marketplaces.  With its new WebSphere B2B Integrator
software, IBM will combine technologies from IBM's integration and
transaction software and base it on open XML technology.  WebSphere
B2B Integrator will be built on IBM's WebSphere Application Server,
its industry-leading MQSeries messaging software and open XML
technology for the exchange of e-contracts called tpaML.
_____________________________________________________________________

IBM ANNOUNCES WEBSPHERE COMMERCE SUITE FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

http://www.ibm.com/software/webservers/commerce/servers/spe/press.html

In other WebSphere 2000 news, IBM announced WebSphere Commerce Suite,
Service Provider Edition.  This software allows service providers
to quickly and easily set up and operate a full range of hosted
e-commerce sites, services and communities for small and medium
businesses.  Using the integrated software package, service providers
-- including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Applications Service
Providers (APSs), Commerce Service Providers (CSPs) and e-Service
Providers (ESPs) -- and financial institutions can now offer
customers an easily implemented "commerce-marketplace-in-a-box"
in a shared commerce-server environment.
_____________________________________________________________________

NEW VISUALAGE APPLICATION RULES SPEEDS BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
WEB APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

http://www.ibm.com/software/ad/varules/

On the VisualAge front, there's a new member of the family that
will help you get to market first!  VisualAge Application Rules
gives developers -- even those with little or no Java programming
experience -- the ability to quickly build and deploy business
rules-based applications for e-business. Coupled with IBM's tools
and middleware, VisualAge Application Rules provides a complete,
flexible solution for building Web-based transactional applications
-- especially important to the exploding B2B market.
_____________________________________________________________________

INTRANET DESIGN MAGAZINE: VISUALAGE FOR JAVA IS THE ONE TO BEAT!

http://idm.internet.com/articles/200003/wd_03_11_00a.html

Intranet Design Magazine recently appraised the Enterprise Edition
as "one of, if not the premiere enterprise development environments
for Java."  In fact, IDM concluded that "other vendors will have a
hard time beating IBM."  Our leadership in the use of the Java
language is apparent in the powerful VisualAge product, which
features a code repository and team development, a state-of-the-art
IDE, support for Java2 and Linux, an integrated application server
and more.
_____________________________________________________________________

IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR: CAST YOUR VOTE FOR VISUALAGE FOR JAVA

http://www.sys-con.com/java/readerschoice2000/

Last year you voted VisualAge for Java Version 2.0 the "Best Java
IDE" and "Most Innovative Java Product" -- and we appreciate it.
Now, with your help, we can win again with Version 3.0. VisualAge
for Java has been nominated for Best IDE, Best Team Development Tool
and Most Innovative Java Product.

Select the best Java products of the year by casting your vote at
JavaDevelopersJournal.com between January 17, 2000 and May 31, 2000.
_____________________________________________________________________

INFOWORLD WOWED BY WEBSPHERE COMMERCE SUITE

http://www.infoworld.com/articles/ic/xml/00/02/21/000221icweb.xml

WebSphere Commerce Suite, Service Provider Edition isn't the only
member of the family making headlines.  InfoWorld recently reviewed
WebSphere Commerce Suite Pro 4.1 and was quite impressed.  A few of
our favorite remarks made by the Test Center's James Borck about
WebSphere:

   "surpass[es] direct competitors such as Microsoft
    Site Server for ease of use and comprehensiveness"

   "makes possible a highly interactive shopping experience"

   "truly impressive in reducing the time needed to launch
    a Web site"
_____________________________________________________________________

UPGRADE TO VISUALAGE FOR JAVA 3.02 TODAY!

http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/data/document3793

With all the exciting news this week, it seems only appropriate to
be able to tell you about the newest version of IBM's award-winning
VisualAge for Java IDE.  Now you can upgrade your Linux, Professional
and Enterprise Editions to Version 3.02 and take advantage of an
improved debugger, integrated support for Java 2 and Linux, new PDF
documentation, new online help and support for Windows 2000 as a
development environment.  All this and bug fixes, too.

VisualAge Developer Domain subscribers can download the Linux and
Professional Editions; Enterprise users can download the 3.02
Enterprise Update.  Subscribe to VADD and you'll pay the same for
Version 3.02 as if you purchased VisualAge for Java, Version 3.0
in shrink-wrap.  What a deal!
_____________________________________________________________________

VADD VISUAL PROGRAMMING TUTORIALS:
USING OBJECT FACTORIES AND OBJECT VARIABLES

http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document4009

"VisualAge provides beans that enable you to dynamically create
and reference bean instances visually.  An Object Factory creates
new instances of a bean type, based on a connection from an event
to a constructor for the Factory's type.  A Variable references any
instance of the Variable's type that you assign to it using a
connection.  With either a Factory or a Variable, you specify the
bean type that it can create or reference."

This extract from the VisualAge for Java Help probably doesn't make
much sense to you.  What are these instances for, and why is it
necessary to create them dynamically?  Don't worry, in this lesson
we are going to explain these terms, and show you why they're
important to visual programming. When you've finished this lesson,
come back to and re-read that first paragraph to see how much you've
learned.

"Using object factories and object variables" is the latest in a
series of visual programming tutorials offered by VisualAge Developer
Domain.  Missed a tutorial?  Don't worry -- they're all online at
http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document3328.

_____________________________________________________________________

VADD BEAN DESIGN TUTORIALS: DEBUGGING TECHNIQUES

http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document4019

In this tutorial we'll show you how to fix problems in existing
beans.  We'll introduce you to some debugging techniques (like
analyzing a bean's structure, finding existing problems, and fixing
them).  You'll also learn about VisualAge for Java's powerful set of
tools that help you quickly find the source of the problem and fix it.

Missed a tutorial?  Don't worry -- they're all online at
http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document3436.
_____________________________________________________________________

HOT OFF THE ONLINE PRESS: APRIL ISSUE OF VADD TECHNICAL JOURNAL

http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document1588?OpenDocument&p=1

Connect with your end users, your team members, with existing data
and applications, and with other editing tools.  That's the theme of
this month's Technical Journal:

   * Learn how the VADD team implements WebSphere servlets and
     JSPs to connect with you via our What's New Alerts.

   * Find out how the VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition
     repository can help keep your team in sync.

   * Discover how to use your favorite external editor with
     VisualAge for Java and how to use connectors to reuse
     your legacy code and data.
_____________________________________________________________________

REDBOOKS, REDBOOKS, REDBOOKS!

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/

You know you want them.  IBM Redbooks, Redpieces and Redpapers
are a valuable source of technical information about IBM products.
Here are 5 new publications we thought you'd find interesting:

  1) WebSphere Studio and VisualAge for Java Servlet and JSP
     Programming

     http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/data/document1925

     This Redbook provides you with sufficient information to
     effectively use the WebSphere and VisualAge for Java
     environments to create, manage and deploy Web-based
     applications using methodologies centered around servlet,
     JavaServer Pages, and JavaBean architectures.

  2) Web Enabling System/390 Applications Using WebSphere for
     OS/390, Java, and MQSeries

     http://www7.software.ibm.com/vad.nsf/Data/Document1923

     This Redpaper describes a technique for making existing
     computer applications available to users from a standard
     Web browser, over the Internet or a private intranet and
     describes an infrastructure for Web serving based on
     WebSphere for OS/390, Java for OS/390, and MQSeries for OS/390.

  3) A Performance Study of Web Access to CICS

     http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/pubs/pdfs/redbooks/sg245748.pdf

     The CICS Web-enabling technologies covered in this Redbook are:
     the CICS Web support function of CICS Transaction Server V1.3,
     including usage of the 3270 bridge; the OS/390 Web server,
     which is currently available as OS/390 WebSphere Application
     Server; and the CICS Transaction Gateway for OS/390 V3.1.
     It also contains performance information on securing CICS Web
     support using SSL.

  4) VisualAge Generator WebSphere Transactions using Generated
     JSPs and Java Beans

     http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redpieces/pdfs/sg245636.pdf

     This Redpiece demonstrates the new Web Transaction capabilities
     provided in VisualAge Generator V4 for the implementation of a
     web-based enterprise access system.  The techniques used in this
     demonstration system will help you design, build, and implement
     the Web Transaction programs required to support the real-world
     business processing necessary for such systems.

  5) Getting to Know VisualAge C++ Version 4.0

     http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/pubs/pdfs/redbooks/sg245489.pdf

     This Redbook will accelerate your learning of VisualAge C++
     Version 4.0 for use with IBM OS/2, Windows NT, or IBM AIX
     Operating systems, by taking you on a journey to work through
     a typical small software project.
_____________________________________________________________________

THE IBM APPLICATION FRAMEWORK FOR E-BUSINESS:
A FOUNDATION YOU CAN BUILD ON

http://www.ibm.com/developer/features/framework/framework.html

e-business is a simple yet powerful concept.  Simple: An e-business
is an organization that connects critical business systems directly
to key constituencies via the Web.  Powerful: An e-business actually
transforms key business processes.  To transform your business into
an e-business, you'll need a solid foundation to build on.  IBM's
Application Framework for e-business provides a comprehensive,
scalable platform that supports all the services you'll need to
develop and deploy e-business solutions.
_____________________________________________________________________

IBM CERTIFICATION FOR E-BUSINESS
EMPOWERMENT FOR THE NEW E-BUSINESS MILLENNIUM

http://www.ibm.com/software/ebusiness/certification/


Show them you mean e-business.  To transform traditional business to
uccessful e-business in today's Internet economy, companies need
people who can create and implement integrated solutions.  Now there
is a way to demonstrate that you have the right skills and resources
to do it.  With e-business certification, individuals and Business
Partners benefit from IBM business and technical know-how gained
from over 18,000 e-business engagements.  Companies wishing to engage
in e-business can access a network of skilled professionals with
dependable, demonstrated e-business experience, while hiring managers
seeking new employees can tap a highly-qualified pool of e-business
talent.
_____________________________________________________________________

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS DIRECTORY:
THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE FOR TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

http://www.ibm.com/software/solutions/

Finally, there's a single online source for thousands of technology
solutions.  The Global Solutions Directory is an online directory
of applications, tools and services from some of the industry's
leading developers using IBM technologies.  Search this Web site at
no-charge -- anytime, day or night -- to find the ideal solutions for
your business.  Each listing provides product descriptions, company
information, email addresses and even direct links to company Web
sites.  And you can search on many parameters:  industry, technology,
language, solution type, country of availability and more.  Why wait
to find the solution you need?  Just visit our site now, select a
language and start searching the Global Solutions Directory.  It's a
quick click from there to the perfect solution for your business.
_____________________________________________________________________

NEED HELP? ACCESS APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT PAGES

http://www.ibm.com/software/ad/support/

We've redesigned our support pages to make it even easier for you
to get online help from IBM.  Go to the Application Development
support page for quick links to technical notes, newsgroups, support
downloads and other information to assist you in your application
development efforts.
_____________________________________________________________________

HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WRITES PRESCRIPTION FOR E-BUSINESS

http://www.ibm.com/software/ad/casestudies/cshms.html

Health Management Systems wanted to build a robust, scalable and
seamless bridge to the Web allowing their customers to access
enterprise applications via legacy systems.  HMS valued the
sophistication and integration of VisualAge for Java, VisualAge
Generator and WebSphere Application Server.  As part of the IBM
Application Framework for e-business, these IBM products helped
HMS bring their ProAlliance solution online in just 7 months.

More Application Development case studies are available at
http://www.ibm.com/software/ad/casestudies/.
_____________________________________________________________________

ENTREVISION AND MAINLINE GLOBAL SYSTEMS AMONG
CUSTOMERS SUCCEEDING IN E-BUSINESS WITH WEBSPHERE

   * EntreVision

     http://www2.software.ibm.com/casestudies/swcsweb.nsf/
     customername/C8E069B267032571002568A50005FDC9

     EntreVision speeds cataloging process for online appliance
     store ... Setting up a large online catalog was made fast
     and simple by using a Java-based application supported by
     IBM WebSphere Application Server.

   * Mainline Global Systems

     http://www2.software.ibm.com/casestudies/swcsweb.nsf/
     customername/3D789B9890524103002568960005F9B5

     Mainline Global Systems chooses complete e-business solution
     from IBM ... Shirt Tailor uses the WebSphere Java-based
     application environment and Dynamic HTML to create an
     interactive website where customers can "drag-and-drop"
     collars and cuffs to design and order customized shirts.

For the newest WebSphere customer case studies, go to
http://www2.software.ibm.com/casestudies/swcsweb.nsf/
lateststories?openview&count=10
_____________________________________________________________________

COMMUNE WITH THE SOUL OF E-BUSINESS AT THE VIENNA EVENT, APRIL 9-11

http://www.ibm.com/software/soul/vienna/

The Vienna Event is vital for learning how software can take your
company into the Next Generation of e-business -- even if your
e-business is just getting off the ground.  There will be two days
of executive level presentations, in which you can meet the people
who develop IBM's strategy.  In addition there will be:

   * Break-out sessions, in which you can learn the vision of
     external and internal analysts, consultants and technology
     leaders.

   * Product demonstrations, and the opportunity to talk one-to-one
     with IBM technical experts and e-business practitioners.

   * Executives of companies similar to yours explaining the
     challenges they faced, and how software helped to overcome
     these challenges.

   * Full evening entertainment in Viennese style.

The conference will take place at the Messe Wien Congress Centre,
Vienna, Austria and tickets range from 545 euros to 595 euros for
the conference, including two nights in a 4-4+ star hotel.
_____________________________________________________________________

WEBCAST ON BUILDING A SOLID, FLEXIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR IT
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 15:00 GMT

http://webevents.broadcast.com/ibm/pwd041800/home.tl?loc=24

IBM has the tools, servers and middleware you need to design a
flexible, reliable e-business infrastructure.  And for those who
join us for our next webcast, we've also got free CDs packed with
tools to help you jump-start your e-business development, and one
lucky listener will win an IBM e-business jacket!

In this webcast, Peter Tarrant, vice president of e-business
applications, and Simon Phipps, XML evangelist, will discuss:

   * Why creating a flexible, reliable e-business infrastructure
     is essential for both you and your customers

   * How IBM's software components can be integrated into a seamless,
     flexible foundation for IT for your customer's success in this
     e-business marketplace

   * How IBM is supporting, embracing and implementing open standards
     such as Linux, XML and Java into our e-business software and
     servers
_____________________________________________________________________

HIT THE ROAD WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/00/03/13/000313hnauto.xml

You think you're wired, with your laptop, palmtop, PDA, pager,
mobile phone... but are you ready to put your car online?  This
InfoWorld article surveys the latest innovations in automotive
technology, including new solutions from IBM.

_____________________________________________________________________

@ http://www.software.ibm.com/ad/ you'll find links to all our
products, plus the latest news, online literature, downloadable
code, educational opportunities, exciting events, interactive
newsgroups, and more.

@ http://www.software.ibm.com/vadd you'll find a unique web
site supporting Java developers, specializing in exclusive technical
information and code for VisualAge for Java, IBM JavaBeans and other
Java resources.
_____________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE E-NEWS
IBM Application Development e-News is a publication of IBM Application Development Web, your gateway to our award-winning, industrial-strength VisualAge and WebSphere solutions for Java, e-business, and the Year 2000.

@Macarlo, Inc.
@Macarlo's Shareware & Web
OS/2
Java Lobby Member
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