Build the Network Application Platform
by Chris Haddad
The cumulative effect of standardization and commoditization means that the Network Application Platform should be a long-term goal for enterprises, and they need to start thinking now about building a Network Application Platform as a strategy to make the enterprise more competitive. See how to formulate a foundational road map for adopting SOA by building a Network Application Platform.

The Business Perception of MDA
by the Editors of Java Pro
The business/IT gap, MDA, SOAs, UML, and visualization of software and systems were identified as major areas that will prove important for software development in 2005 and beyond, according to Alan Brown, a distinguished engineer at IBM Rational software. See what Alan had to say about these topics and more in an exclusive interview with Java Pro editors.

Preserve Your Legacy
by Russell Gold
Refactoring fixes architectural problems in existing code, but requires fast unit tests to ensure that refactoring doesn't break existing functionality. Because some systems neither have unit tests nor lend themselves to it, you end up with a chicken-or-egg dilemma: refactoring can't be done without tests, but tests can't be written until refactoring is done. Learn a pattern-based approach that lets you support legacy code, retrofit unit tests, and enable refactoring.

Implement a Graphical JSF Component
by Marc Durocher
Having the right tools for creating interactive Web interfaces allows you to concentrate on core requirements and customization as well as deliver applications on time. See how easy it is to use the JSF technology to build and implement a Web application.

COLUMN: OBJECT ENTERPRISE
Use Open Source Safely
by Peter Varhol
Ownership and rights issues for using source code can be tricky, and understanding your rights can be difficult. Find out the best strategy for mitigating your risks when using technologies freely shared by others.

COLUMN: PLUGGED IN
Eclipse SWT 101
by Kevin Jones
The Eclipse Standard Widget Toolkit's head-to-head competition with JKD's Swing might be a bone of contention in the community, but learn the basics of how SWT can be an easy solution for creating appealing and adaptable interfaces.

COLUMN: PRO SHOP
Implement Raw Sockets
by Daniel F. Savarese
Laud them or criticize them, raw sockets allow user processes to send and receive ICMP and certain network packets. With more low-level functionality available in Java, check out an approach for creating a socket and reading and writing packets.

DEPARTMENTS
Editor's Note
by Kay Keppler

In Brief

The Ins and Outs of Orchestration
by David S. Linthicum
Orchestration provides an open standards-based approach for connecting Web services to create high-level business processes. Learn how to define its value, its purpose, and your own problem domain, and how to prototype a small problem to obtain functional experience. See why this technology makes a difference in the way the business runs.