Compuware boosts Web services security in modeling tool

Compuware on Monday is unveiling OptimalJ 3.1, a model-driven Java development tool featuring support for the Web Services-Security specification as well as integration with application servers, modeling tools, and messaging middleware.

The product, which supports UML, uses a model-driven, pattern-based (MDPB) approach, the company said. MDPB uses patterns to automatically translate business models into working applications, according to Compuware.

A highlight of Version 3.1 is support for Web Services-Security (WS-Security), a specification expected to be finalized by OASIS by mid-March.

The specification will help enterprises extend Web services to interact with other organizations, according to Compuware, which believes it is the first company to offer WS-Security support in a model-driven tool.

"Organizations are implementing Web services, but mostly behind the firewall. Really, it’s a limitation to organizations," said Michael Sawicki, OptimalJ product manager.

Analyst Rikki Kirzner, research director for application development and deployment at International Data Corp., said that with security such a major issue these days, particularly in regards to Web services, tools vendors need to start incorporating it into their products.

"It's critical for tool vendors to be designing this in now," she said.

Version 3.1 also adds application server deployment support. New application server platforms supported include BEA WebLogic Server and IBM WebSphere. Previously, OptimalJ would perform unit tests in the JBoss application server and then generate deployment descriptors for IBM and BEA application servers. With the new support, OptimalJ can test in the BEA or IBM production environment.

The product also adds integration with the Borland Together Control Center and SparxSystems Enterprise Architect Modeling tools. Previous tools supported have included IBM Rational Rose. Integration with other modeling tools enables information exchange with OptimalJ and leveraging of existing models.

 IBM's WebSphere MQ software also can link to OptimalJ. This enables OptimalJ to participate in MQ transactional environments, according to CompuWare.

Compuware said its MDPB approach enables companies to overcome the challenge of developing J2EE applications with limited resources. OptimalJ provides automation to close the J2EE skills gap, the company said.

Compuware in a subsequent release of OptimalJ, Version 3.2, plans to extend the product to generate unit tests for quality assurance testing.

Available now at per-named-developer pricing, Version 3.1 is priced at $800 for the Developer Edition, which enables developers to focus on business logic and code customization, and $5,000 for the Professional Edition, which allows software analysts and designers to map business requirements and models. A third version, the Architecture Edition, costs $10,000 per named developer and is intended for software architects to enforce standards and best practices and implement frameworks.