BEA's WebLogic Workshop 8.1 SP4 is to integrate ICEreader, the leading Java/HTML rendering tool. BEA reviewed other leading Java rendering tools, but settled on ICEsoft Technologies' application based on high availability and performance suitable for a mission-critical environment, a short learning curve for developers, rapid application deployment and integration, and open standards to increase business flexibility.

The ICEreader is a robust HTML/XML Web renderer that can be used to carry out HTML-centric search and navigation capabilities in Java applications. ICEreader can be used as a Web renderer to enable end users to view local content or online controlled content on corporate intranets. The tool is flexible, offering basic Java browser capabilities, and use as a standalone HTML/XML Web renderer.

Shane Pearson, director of product development at BEA, discussed some of the reasons that made ICEreader the preferred Java rendering tool. "We selected ICEsoft because of its leadership in Java-based Web browser technology. The implementation of ICEsoft's technology can allow us to offer a more tightly integrated solution to our customers, providing them a superior level of service," he said. "After studying the many available options, it became clear that ICEsoft offered the technical capabilities and support required to help move our business forward."

Using ICEreader, BEA developers were able to embed basic HTML viewers as standalone Web renderers, and also integrated as desktop applications components. The ICEreader SDK with static Java browser capabilities saved developers valuable development time, and once employed, was compatible across multiple operating systems and platforms.

Pearson noted ICEreader's immediate benefits, "The ICEreader rendering software reduced our time to market by helping to allow our development team to quickly implement new HTML editing capabilities for building portals and Web applications within BEA WebLogic Workshop." Pearson further stated, "ICEsoft technology is 100 percent Java and customizable. Source code availability allowed us to seamlessly integrate this technology within the BEA Workshop product while preserving the portability of WebLogic Workshop on multiple operating environments."