IBM Beefs Up WebSphere Server, Toolsets

IBM will beef up its application development and deploymentproduct lineup today by unveiling new versions of its WebSphere Application Server, and its VisualAge for Java and WebSphere Studio development toolsets.

WebSphere Application Server Standard Edition 3.0 will improve the deployment and management of E-business applications, and offer enhanced database connectivity features. The new Advanced Edition 3.0, which includes all Standard Edition capabilities, will also provide improved Java technology deployment capabilities, advanced Extensible Markup Language support, and access to multiple Lightweight Directory Access Protocol directories.

New in the Enterprise and Professional Editions of VisualAge for Java 3.0 will be a stored procedure builder for the DB2 database and support for the SQLJ programming specification. WebSphere Studio 3.0 will be the first visual tool for laying out dynamic Web pages using the JavaServer Pages specification, according to IBM.

WebSphere 3.0 Standard and Advanced editions will be priced at $795 and $7,500 per processor, respectively. VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition will be priced at $2,999 per copy, while the Professional Edition will be available for $149. WebSphere Studio 3.0 will be priced at $495 per copy. All of the products are scheduled to ship by early October.