Product Previews

Novell Finalizes Open Source .Net Development Tools

After three years of development, Novell’s Ximian division has shipped Mono 1.0, an open source implementation of Microsoft’s .Net development environment for use on Unix and Linux systems. The debut release includes a C# compiler and related development tools, an implementation of the CLI run-time engine, a Visual Basic run time, and a run-time engine that can compile Java bytecode into the CLI format. Additionally, two sets of class libraries are provided: one that emulates the Windows .Net environment and one that is more specific to features available in Unix/Linux environments. Preview components not intended for production use include a Basic compiler, an implementation of the Windows.Forms API, and support for C# Generics. Mono is available now for download, free of charge. Mono 1.0, Novell

Messaging for BlackBerry

Enterprise IM just went mobile with the release of Antepo’s new IM client for BlackBerry devices. The software allows BlackBerry users to communicate wirelessly via Open Presence Networks (OPN) System, Antepo’s client/server enterprise messaging package. OPN System can be installed on Linux, Unix, and Windows servers and supports federation of networks, offering business users an alternative to consumer IM services. Enterprise pricing for the BlackBerry client starts at $12 per seat. Client for BlackBerry, Antepo

Excel Models Go Online

Converting a spreadsheet into a Web application can be a tedious task, but 2Web Technologies says it has the solution. XL2Web is a Java application that publishes Excel spreadsheet

models either as Web services or by using pure HTML and JavaScript. The XL2Web Servlet can emulate virtually all Excel functionality, including support for proprietary and third-party function libraries. Pricing is based on the number of engines deployed, or starting at $100 per month for a hosted version.

XL2Web, 2Web Technologies

Cross-Platform Process Automation

Currently in beta, Version 6.0 of Oak Grove Systems’ Reactor business process engine is scheduled to ship by the end of the month for use as either an embedded component or a standalone application. The new version supports automation of processes that span .Net and J2EE applications, as well as adding features for clustering, fail-over, load balancing, and support for the BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) standard. Pricing per server and/or developer seat has yet to be determined.

Reactor 6.0, Oak Grove Systems