Rod Cope

Linux tends to take center stage when it comes to support and other services for enterprise open source users. However, there are literally thousands of other solid open source packages available that perform a wide variety of functions. Unfortunately, there's a real lack of information about the options and considerations for selecting open source that not only meets the functional and technical requirements of specific tasks, but has the support and backing that enterprises need to manage risk. As a result, with enterprise developers lost in a sea of open source options, it can be a daunting task to make the best choice. Highlighted below are 10 popular open source projects that enterprises can look to when considering open source alternatives in their IT infrastructure. I've highlighted a few key open source components in some of the most asked-for categories - ... (more)

Integrating OSS into Your Environment

Developers in an enterprise need to use the best tools for the job. Increasingly they have found that Open Source projects such as Apache, MySQL, Tomcat, Eclipse, and others are ready for prime time. However, the stack is rarely composed entirely of Open Source. These projects are typically used in conjunction with industry standard, non-Open Source tools such as Oracle, WebLogic, and ClearCase. Integrating these tools to create a cohesive development environment in a mixed Windows and Linux infrastructure is critical, but is often challenging and time consuming. Operating syste... (more)

Rating JRuby, Jython, and Groovy on the Java Platform

Open source software, while not synonymous with Java, may often be seamlessly integrated with Java code to produce a versatile synthesis that makes developers’ lives much easier. In recent years, developers have taken some open source dynamic languages, commonly referred to as “scripting languages,” and adapted them to the more mainstream Java platform. This allows the new hybrid language to maintain its scripting qualities, while being fully utilized by a Java program. Three of the most prominent open source/Java languages are JRuby, a Java implementation of Ruby; Jython, a Ja... (more)

AJAXWorld: Top 10 Lessons Learned Using AJAX

The Web 2.0 phenomenon of the last couple years - which has been picking up steam recently - is largely dependent on AJAX. This concept is beneficial to both the developer and user, as it makes programming Web applications more fun while enhancing the user experience. As a developer I see the tremendous value AJAX brings to the table. I really enjoy the power of a desktop application...while working on a Web app. And as a Web user, I experience better functionality, speed, and usability on a Web page. It's so much more interactive and responsive without the hassle of being bogge... (more)