SAP NetWeaver clears Java compatibility hurdle

Developers able to run Java code inside NetWeaver application server.

SAP's NetWeaver has achieved compatibility with Java Enterprise Edition 5, enabling users to execute Java applications on the NetWeaver Application Server.

The compatibility feature offers essentially the same functionality as a Java EE 5 certified application server. Instead of a genuine Java Virtual Machine (JVM), however, SAP uses a so-called JVM container to execute Java code.

SAP has been offering Java compatibility since 2003.

Sun Microsystems unveiled Java EE 5 earlier this year. The platform is designed for server-based enterprise applications and was formerly known as J2EE.

NetWeaver has not passed Java certification and SAP will be unable to refer to its product as a Java Application Server.

The compatibility feature offers SAP a way to counter Oracle's criticism that its platform is lacking in openness.

Over 30 organisations have a licence for the Java EE technology, allowing them to develop their own application servers. Oracle and BEA are currently offering preview versions of their Java EE 2 application servers.