Web 2.0 shows its data muscle

Mashups are, of course, the "new black" in the world of web services, but building them does mean getting access to data on different databases and services - and that can sometimes be a bit of a problem.

So a web server that is aimed at making that task a great deal easier may be worth a look.

That is one of the main claims being made for Version 2 of Sri Lanka-based WSO2's Web Services Application Server (WSAS). The company claims it is the first to feature data services that easily tap relational databases for mashups, together with Eclipse integration to let developers work directly in the IDE, and the first clustering available on a web services server.

It already supports the full XML-based WS-* stack and REST. It is based on Apache Axis2 and features a lightweight Ajax administration console to simplify configuration and management.

The primary additions in Version 2 include tools to allow developers to expose data stored in relational databases without programming, using a web services API. Developers can deploy the data service configuration file directly or create a service using the UI wizard. The Eclipse integration eliminates the need for developers and administrators to have a deep understanding of the underlying Axis2 web services. Wizard-based flows make it possible to automate most manual work. Clustering adds high availability capabilities using configuration management tools such as load configuration, a deploy/undeploy service, and functions for updating policies. The server also features state replication for high availability, along with load balancing and failover.

The company also has an open developer portal, known as the Oxygen Tank where detailed product information, tutorials, and the like can be found. ®