We’re going to talk about developing J2EE applications, a Java platform for enterprise computing. J2EE, or Java Version 2, Enterprise Edition is heralded as the next generation web application platform that enables developers to be fast and productive.
In fact, while Java application development is feature-rich, developers struggle with its labyrinthine complexity. In its favor, however, are standardized services such as transactions, database access, messaging, and security. Also, J2EE application servers use clustering techniques that allow a large number of users to access services.
Today, regardless of industry or vertical, there is tremendous pressure on application development teams to meet combative expectations for a high level of access to information and services. Self-service ordering, for example, and instant access to the latest sales and financial information are in high demand. There is a large list of pending jobs, so faster and more productive tools have been sought. Where 9-18 month development cycles were once the norm, now 3 months is the new 12 months and applications are in demand in a matter of weeks. Add to this unrelenting scenario the continuing pressure on budgets in virtually every sector. Today’s business managers expect organizations to create much, much more, for much, much less, which is where Java’s slogan, “Do more, with less work,” fits in.
Globally, organizations choose Java as the core technology for powering and deploying high-end web applications. In addition, they combine Java application development with ColdFusion to reduce time to market and increase web application productivity.
Because of its reliability, reusability, flexible applications, and portability, Java application development is at the core of the enterprise-class strategy. The execution, however, is something else. One of the key obstacles is the shortage of skills. Programming staff may have varying levels of proficiency in VB, ColdFusion, HTML, and Java. By establishing the tools in which a particular team may be most proficient, a project could sacrifice enterprise-class power. On the other hand, Java is not suitable for all developers. Gartner research indicates the time and costs it takes for a programmer to develop proficiency in Java and Java application development. According to the organization, learning Java requires 2 months of training and 10 months of hands-on J2EE application development, at a cost of $75,000, plus salary. The general rule in Java is that the lower the complexity of the application, the higher the cost of using Java.