Computer Associates International Inc. on Monday released an updated version of its Cool:Plex development tool designed to enable users to quickly create Java-based applications for Microsoft Corp.s Windows and IBMs iSeries 400 platforms.
Cool:Plex Version 5.0, which supports Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP and is aimed at the midmarket range, incorporates what CA calls “Software Patterns” to speed up application development from scratch. The Software Patterns are reusable designs that developers can incorporate to create Java, wireless and XML (Extensible Markup Language) applications, according to Wasim Ahmad, vice president of marketing for application development solutions at CA, in Islandia, N.Y.
Other developer productivity enhancements include drag-and-drop import capability that helps tie Cool:Plex with CAs Jasmine Integration Server and impact analysis and design object management tools.
Other integration tools in Cool:Plex 5.0, which is available now, include COM Connectors that enable COM interfaces for generated Windows applications and a new program interface that developers can use to create custom wizards to modify application models and implement patterns.
Ahmad said portal development also will be enhanced by Cool:Plex 5.0s use of XML applications, moving from being simply static sites to areas that include more interaction with users and can be more easily personalized.