NetWeaver makes "always on" Java, a reality

BANGALORE- SAP AG today introduced a new capability of the SAP NetWeaver technology platform that provides the stability needed for enterprises to run mission-critical Java applications. This new technology uses a virtual machine that runs standard Java code and runs it in a framework that minimizes the impact of error situations on Java applications, making the vision of "always on" Java a reality. By providing an unprecedented level of robustness for large-scale Java applications, SAP NetWeaver significantly reduces support overhead, makes administration of Java across the enterprise easier and improves the overall level of customer service.

A highly robust Java application environment benefits end users and also provides time and cost savings to Java system administrators and developers. When running applications such as an Internet sales system, an application error that occurs with one user often affects a large number of users-with screen freezes, loss of data and the need for re-keying of information. When developing Java solutions, the new Java capabilities of SAP NetWeaver prevent costly delays and inefficiencies in writing and testing Java applications. These innovative, new user isolation capabilities of SAP NetWeaver minimize the number of users affected when an error occurs, reducing development costs and improving customer satisfaction and retention.

"While Java is one of the primary technologies for large-scale application development, no major software implementation is free of errors and the robustness of Java applications remains a real issue," said Michael Barnes, vice president, META Group. "A J2EE standards-based solution that provides inherent stability and reliability for Java applications will have a positive impact on companies seeking to cost-effectively deploy and manage Java applications in their enterprise."

The key to the new Java functionality of SAP NetWeaver is the Java virtual machine container technology, which allows standard Java code to run on a framework around the Java virtual machine itself. Leveraging new technologies, SAP NetWeaver helps reduce overall memory consumption while improving application stability. This is accomplished by reducing the number of parallel users per virtual machine and hence the number of affected users in the case of an application error.

The virtual machine container technology also includes several additional new features to help administrators and developers manage Java applications and rapidly resolve error situations, including:

Administrators can switch a user process in the production system into and out of debugging mode "on the fly." This eliminates the need for cumbersome and inaccurate replication of a problem in a test environment by allowing administrators to quickly debug in the production system with a minimum amount of application downtime, in-depth tracing and powerful monitoring facilities that provide precise error analysis and rapid problem resolution.

"SAP is delivering the largest packaged platform and applications of any vendor in the market, for the largest customer base in the world," said Peter Zencke, member of the executive board, SAP. "SAP NetWeaver brings to Java a level of supportability, quality, robustness and mission-critical stability that customers have come to expect from SAP applications and technology. We are proud to now bring the same outstanding quality of service to the world of enterprise Java applications-whether they are developed by SAP, partners or customers."

The SAP NetWeaver platform is SAP's open integration and application platform that enables change by making it possible to flexibly and rapidly design, build, implement and execute new business strategies and processes. SAP NetWeaver helps companies align IT with business, obtain more business value from existing IT investments and deploy Enterprise Services Architectures. SAP NetWeaver helps reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and complexity across the entire IT landscape. It is a platform for developing, testing, deploying and managing Web applications and Web services based on the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) and ABAP™.