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Data Representations, Inc. Launches Simplicity for Mobile Servers
URL(s): www.datarepresentations.com
The general availability of Simplicity for Mobile Servers was announced at
PalmSource Expo 2002, by Data Representations, Inc. This new rapid application
development software was shown for the first time in the Cingular Wireless
booth. Data Representations & Cingular built integrated server and Palm
applications for attendees then sent responses and requests via PalmNet to a
server based in New Jersey. The demonstration was a proof statement for how
quickly and efficiently the network operates and how easy it is to program MIDlets
and servlets in a J2ME and J2EE Java Enterprise Environment using Simplicity for
Mobile Servers rapid application development tools. Pulling inventory information
from a JDBC compliant database and returning XML to be parsed, cached,
rendered and displayed on the i705 took only 8 seconds or less on the Cingular
Wireless Mobitex network. Simplicity wrote the application to use the network
resources with the highest degree of efficiency and provided an exceptional
user-friendly experience.
"Simplicity for Mobile Servers marks another milestone in the evolution of the
Simplicity for Java family of Rapid Application Development Tools," said Mr. Sayres.
"Today, many corporate CTOs and CIOs want to move forward in the wireless
arena but the lack of tools, applications and directions have stalled their plans.
We have created an entire RAD solution that lets developers drag and drop their
way from integrating back-end data all the way to deploying applications on
multiple styles of client-side hand-held devices. Because of our visual component
based development environment, and our exclusive "Execution-On-The-Fly"
technologies, programmers can simultaneously develop and view back-end data,
servlet creation, and front-end midlet development on one screen." Mr. Sayres
added, "Never before have programmers had it so good. And, best of all, it
eliminates most, if not all, manual coding."
Simplicity for Mobile Servers consists of special versions of Simplicity Enterprise
and Simplicity for Mobile Devices. This visual, component-based, rapid applications
development environment comes with a built-in development server. It is of great
value since it leaves the mission critical server free from development chores.
Developers can add functionality to their servlets including working with
JDBC/ODBC databases, XML documents, selecting form data, and interacting with
Enterprise JavaBean Technology™. Its open API lets a developer create their own
components for adding custom functionality to servlets. Simplicity works with a
template engine, allowing developers to separate markup page design from the
program logic. Once completed, the application can be deployed onto an
appropriate J2EE server. Component modules such as Form, DataBase, Table, EJB,
and XML Export are selected from a tool palette and then dragged and dropped
onto the composer in a logical order. Next the developer highlights or answers
questions about the components properties. For instance, by dragging the XML
Exporter into place it asks a developer to highlight what properties of a
component to export and instantly generates and exports XML formatted code.
It's that simple!
However, creating a dynamic servlet and exporting XML data is only the
beginning. The next tool is an enhanced version of Simplicity for Mobile Devices.
With this tool, a developer can create robust applications for any PDA, phone or
pager using the Java Technology-enabled MIDP API. This special version of
Simplicity for Mobile Devices integrates a midlet with the servlet. For
communication purposes it includes the Simplicity XML Transaction Caching Engine.
The XML Transaction Caching Engine eliminates the need to write a custom parser
that accepts and sends XML data communication between a server and handset.
It automates the transfer of data between the server and mobile device. First it
parses XML data and maps it to the integrated MIDP application. Then it caches
requests to the server in the handset if the server isn't available. It also caches
XML responses from the server in the handset if the server isn't available. The
Transaction Engine also features a flexible licensing tool for the management of
billing models for the benefit of carriers, developers and ASPs.
Simplicity for Mobile Devices continues in the tradition of RAD tools developed by
Data Representations. Programmers of all levels can create MIDP midlet suites
without retooling their entire knowledge set. Since Simplicity for Mobile Devices is
so intuitive and graphical, a programmer's need for researching specific device
APIs is almost eliminated. Simplicity creates a WYSIWYG way of programming. It
accomplishes this with its key features. A developer will continue to drag and drop
components onto the visual composer. Then, commands can automatically be
created with the "Code Sourcerer". This feature interviews the user in plain
English, gathering the information needed to automatically generate the Java
code. If for some reason, a developer chooses to enter code manually, they may
do so by simply typing it wherever they choose. The "Execution-On-The-Fly"
feature allows the developer to view instant results of each line of code that was
automatically generated by the Code Sourcerer, manually coded, or built with the
GUI builder. It eliminates the tedious programming cycle of coding, saving,
compiling and testing. At all times the midlet is viewable on the built-in device
emulator. This is unlike other tools that require a user to save, compile, and then
port the JAD file to a post-processing emulator for testing. And, best of all, with
Simplicity for Mobile Servers, a developer can see the complete environment on
one screen. They will have a WYSIWYG simultaneous view of the back-end data
source, servlet, and midlet. Just imagine testing the caching of a database
operation on a phone or PDA when service isn't available. A developer can
disconnect the server, and view where and how the data is cached on the
handset. Then re-connect to the server, re-enabling connectivity, and watch the
server receive the response entries.
Availability
Simplicity for Mobile Servers will be available for purchase on February 14 at
http://www.datarepresentations.com or by calling 1-888-307-9550 toll free in the
United States or Canada or (973) 467-4222 internationally. Written completely
using Java Technology, Simplicity Tools are available for any platform that
supports a Java Virtual Machine, version 1.3 or higher, including Windows
95/98/Me/NT/2000, Linux, Solaris, OS/2 Warp, Mac, AIX, and SCO UnixWare.
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