Google has pinned-down release plans for the next update to its Web Toolkit (GWT), stating version 1.6 is on target for a Q1 2009 debut.

"As with any development work, its hard to exactly predict when things will land, so we've stayed away from specific dates and releases past the next one," wrote Andrew Bowers on the GWT blog.

Release 1.6 will include a new compiled file deployment structure, a switch from Tomcat to Jetty hosted mode server, uniform event handlers, as well as string and compiler performance improvements.

Alex Moffat, chief engineer at the business process management firm - and GWT user - Lombardi Software told El Reg he's mostly interested in GWT 1.6's string performance and compiler improvements.

However, Moffat said he's disappointed to see GWT's in-browser hosted mode has been moved to a "post 1.6" feature on Google's roadmap. The feature, which lets developers debug their apps within a web browser rather than GWT, was originally slated for version 1.5 and then 1.6 until Google's latest development update.

JBoss to support GWT

Meanwhile, Red Hat announced it has signed Google's corporate contributor agreement and will adopt GWT as a "core part" of JBoss Middleware.

"The world doesn't need another Java framework for developing rich AJAX apps. So we've decided to go with what we think is a real leader - Google Web Toolkit," wrote Rich Sharples, director of product management at JBoss Application Platform.

The company said it will provide support for GWT as part of the JBoss Enterprise Application Platform subscription in the coming months. ®

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