The WSO2 WSAS 2.0 features data services to tap relational databases for mashups, Eclipse integration to let developers work directly in the IDE, and clustering available on a Web services server. WSAS 2.0 also allows Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs) to be exposed as Web services, offers backward compatibility for Apache Axis1, and extends security through support for the Web services (WS-*) security stack and XML Key Management Specification (XKMS).

Version 2.0 builds on the proven performance of WSO2 WSAS, the first application server to support the full XML-based WS-* stack and REST in a simple, clean, lightweight model that makes it easier to develop, deploy, manage, and monitor Web services. The completely open source, openly developed WSAS 2.0 is based on Apache Axis2, one of the world’s fastest Java Web services engines, and features a lightweight Ajax administration console to simplify configuration and management. With more than 3000 transactions per second on a dual-core system, the highly tuned WSAS 2.0 runs four to five times faster than Axis1.

Key features of the WSO2 WSAS 2.0 include:

• Data services allow developers to expose data stored in relational databases in minutes via a Web services API—without programming. An XML response is generated using database data, making it fast and easy to include this data in Web mashups. Developers can deploy the data service configuration file directly or create a service using the UI wizard. WSAS 2.0 lets users take full advantage of the WS-* security stack to ensure data security. There is even a “Try It” button, so developers can quickly test whether their data services are working as intended.
• Eclipse integration cuts the time to develop, deploy and debug Web services. It lets developers and administrators work in the familiar Eclipse environment, eliminating the need to have a deep understanding of the underlying Axis2 Web services. Wizard-based flows make it possible to automate most manual work.
• Clustering and high availability are enabled by the most comprehensive open source management offering available. Configuration management for handling clusters of nodes includes load configuration, a deploy/undeploy service and functions for updating policies. WSAS 2.0 also features state replication for high availability, along with load balancing and failover.
• Extended security with WSAS 2.0 includes full support for WS-Security, WS-Trust, WS-Policy and WS Conversation. Additionally XKMS support provides another means for developers to secure Web-based communications using public key infrastructure (PKI). An API is available for constructing XKMS messages based on the client side’s required service. Services are provided by XKMS service, which also handles the state space for protocol exchange.
• EJB support makes it possible expose EJBs as Web services. Developers can invoke operations on EJBs deployed on a remote J2EE application server (AS), use a graphical wizard to capture J2EE AS configuration details, and connect to J2EE AS using Java Naming Provider. Developers also can upload EJB Remote and Home interfaces from the wizard and deploy a Web service exposing EJB methods.
• Axis1 backward compatibility allows enterprises to easily deploy any Apache Axis1-based Web service into WSAS 2.0 in order to engage advanced WS-* services, such as WS-RM and WS-Policy in front of their legacy services. In doing so, developers gain state-of-the-art WS-* functionality without having to rewrite their existing services.

SOAWorld Magazine’s “SOA World Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards”
SOA World Magazine announced that nominations are now open for the SOA World Magazine Readers' Choice Awards, which recognize excellence in the software, solutions, or services provided by the industry's top vendors. SYS-CON's Readers' Choice Awards, also known as the "Oscars of the Software Industry," has been one of the most prestigious industry award programs for more than a decade. This year's SOA awards will be given in 19 categories and the award-winning products and services will be selected by SOA World Magazine readers. Winners will be announced at the SOA World Conference & Expo 2008 East, June 23-24 in New York City.

Service-oriented architectures have evolved over the past few years out of the original vision of loosely coupled Web services replacing constrained, stovepiped applications throughout enterprise IT. Every major enterprise technology vendor today has developed its own SOA strategy, supported by innumerable mid-size companies and start-ups offering specific SOA aspects or entire solutions.

Nominated Products and Services by Category: 

• Best App Server
• Best Automation Tool
• Best BPM Engine
• Best Framework
• Best IDE
• Best Integration Tool
• Best Legacy Adapter
• Best Open Source SOA Tool
• Best Portal Platform
• Best Security Solution
• Best SOA or XML Site
• Best SOA or XML Training
• Best SOA Platform
• Best SOA Testing Tool
• Best SOA Tool
• Best SOA/Web Services Book
• Best Web Services Utility
• Best XML Database
• Best XML Parser

SOA World Conference & Expo 2007 Sponsors
In 2007, SOA World Conference & Expo was sponsored by the world’s leading SOA companies including Active Endpoints, BEA Systems, Laszlo Systems, Nexaweb, TIBCO Software, WSO2, IBM, Parasoft, webMethods, Sybase, B-hive, iTKO, Managed Methods, Mellanox Technologies, Nastel, NextAxiom, RingCube, Two Roads Professional Resources, Web Age Solutions, Solstice Software, Fiorano Software, iTKO, Layer 7 Technologies, PushToTest, Ruby on Gears, Farata Systems, Tenfold, Thinstall, Trivera Technologies, BZMedia, Extension Media, GoingToMeet, ITtoolbox, Methods & Tools, SDTimes, Software Test & Performance, TechTracker Media, ZapThink, OASIS, and SOA Consortium.