Sun GlassFish Enterprise Server v3

# Features and Resources

Sun GlassFish™ Enterprise Server v3 (GlassFish server) provides a server for the development and deployment of Java™ Platform Enterprise Edition (Java EE) applications and Java Web Services. Key features include scalable transaction management, container-managed persistence runtime, high performance web services, security, and integration capabilities.

This page contains the following topics:

- Key Features
- Resources

## Key Features

### Modularity and Extensibility

The modular architecture of the GlassFish server enables you to download and install only the modules that you require for the applications that you are deploying. As a result, start-up times, memory consumption, and disk space requirements are all minimized. This modular architecture also enables the extension of the GlassFish server's basic functionality through addition of components through the Update Tool. The Update Tool is developed through the Update Center project.

### Scripting Language Support

GlassFish server supports the following scripting languages:

- Ruby by providing native support for JRuby
- Groovy on Grails

This support enables the GlassFish server to be applied beyond developments that are centred on Java technology.

### Java EE Support

GlassFish server complies fully with the latest Java EE specification to deliver one of the best application runtimes for next-generation enterprise applications and web services. The v3 release of GlassFish server implements the following Java EE standards:

- Enterprise Java Beans 3.1
- Java Architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) 2.2
- Java Persistence API 2.0
- Java Server Faces 2.0
- Java Server Pages 2.1 (JSP 2.1)
- Java Server Pages Standard Tag Library (JSTL) 2.2
- Java Servlet 3.0
- Java API for RESTful Web Services (JAX-RS)
- Bean Validation
- Streaming API for XML (StAX)
- Java API for XML based Web Services 2.1 (JAX-WS 2.1)
- Common Annotations for the Java Platform 1.0 (CAJ 1.0)

For a complete list of the Java EE technologies included, see the Release Notes.

### Web Services Interoperability Technologies (WSIT) Support

Sun is working closely with Microsoft to ensure interoperability of Web services enterprise technologies such as message optimization, reliable messaging, and security. WSIT is a product of this joint effort. WSIT is an implementation of a number of open web services specifications to support enterprise features. In addition to message optimization, reliable messaging, and security, WSIT includes a bootstrapping and configuration technology. Starting with the core XML support currently built into the Java platform, WSIT uses or extends existing features and adds new support for interoperable web services, including:

- Bootstrapping and Configuration
- Message Optimization Technology
- Reliable Messaging Technology
- Security Technology

### Open Source and GlassFish Community

In June 2005, Sun launched the GlassFish community with the goal of developing a free, open source, commercial-grade application server that implements the newest features of the Java EE platform and related enterprise technologies. GlassFish server is based on the source code that is developed by the GlassFish community.

Discussion within the GlassFish community is conducted through the following channels:

- Forums for the GlassFish community
- Mailing lists for GlassFish community

## Resources

### GlassFish Community

GlassFish server is based on the source code that is developed through the GlassFish open source project and community. The GlassFish community is building a free, open source application server which implements the newest features in the Java EE platform.

### Java Enterprise Community

Part of java.net, the Java Enterprise Community is centered around Java EE applications, components, and tools.

### Sun Technology Forums

The Sun Developer Forums are interactive message boards for sharing knowledge and questions about technologies and programming techniques. Use the Application & Integration Servers forum for discussions related to the GlassFish server.

### Sun Software Support Service

Sun Software Support Service Standard contracts for the commercially available counterparts of earlier releases of the GlassFish server are available for purchase.

### Sun Developer Network

For further help and to keep on top of the latest developments, join the Sun Developer Network.

### BigAdmin System Administrator Resources and Community

Join this System Administration Portal to learn more about the Sun Java System Application Server Platform Suite which includes the GlassFish server.

### Release Notes and Product Documentation

The Release Notes, Installation Guide, and other product documentation are available in the Sun GlassFish Enterprise Server v3 collection on the docs.sun.comSM site.