IBM Rational Rapid Developer 2003 release 2 will enable
development of portals for deployment on the IBM WebSphere Portal
Server, IBM Rational officials have claimed.
The tool will also improve the ability to integrate legacy
applications with the web through support of the Java Connector
Architecture (JCA).
"We're providing a single tool for development of web, wireless,
and portal-based apps so that you don't need a separate tool to go
off and do your portal development," said Patrick Luther, market
manager for Rapid Developer at IBM Rational.
The combination of WebSphere and the Rational tool will enable
users to design and deploy portlets, which provide personalisation
capabilities in portals, faster, and developers do not need to be
experts in portal or Java programming to use the tool.
JCA capabilities in Rapid Developer will enable developers to
link legacy applications such as CICS or iSeries (formerly IBM
AS/400) applications to the web through a graphical, drag-and-drop
interface.
Rational Rapid Developer 2003 release 2 carries a list price of
$6,595. The tool will compete with offerings such as Compuware
OptimalJ and BEA Systems WebLogic Workshop.
Paul Krill writes for InfoWorld