Survey reveals trends in Java use on Domino

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TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
Survey reveals trends in Java use on Domino
By Steve Niles

As the relationship between Domino and WebSphere grows ever closer, it's appropriate to ask the question, just how prevalent is the use of Java on Domino already? In February and March, 2003, Global System Services Corporation (GSS) conducted a fascinating survey of Java development on Domino in order to find out just how common the practice is. GSS (at http://www.gssnet.com), a provider of software and solutions for email and messaging, directory services, groupware, and wireless, conducted the survey through the Lotus Business Partner Forum hosted by IBM, the LNOTES-L mail list, and through direct correspondence with business partners.

While the sample size to respondent ratio was too small for the results of the survey to be considered a statistically valid sample, it's extremely interesting to see what GSS discovered, nonetheless. According to the company, the data demonstrates the likely status of Java development among Domino-focused IBM Lotus Business Partners.

The survey results showed that about two-thirds of Domino-focused IBM Lotus Business Partners actually aren't using any Java technologies at all. Of those respondents, about half have no plans to start using Java in the next six months. The balance of those not using Java say they expect to use at least one Java-based technology in the future.

So what about the Domino-focused IBM Lotus Business Partners who are using Java? What type of Java Tools and APIs do they prefer?

Well, the two IDEs most frequently mentioned were IBM WebSphere Studio and Borland JBuilder. Meanwhile, the two most common IBM Lotus Java APIs used were the existing Domino Java API and the IBM AS/400 Toolbox for Java. Mention was also made of JDBC (Java Data Base Connectivity), which respondents said was primarily for integration with IBM DB2.

JavaScript was the most common technology indicated, being used both on the Web and in the Notes client. On the Web, JavaScript is most commonly used for DHTML, form validation and edit checking, and data messaging. In the Notes client, meanwhile, input validation was the primary use.

After JavaScript, the other most popular Java technologies for Domino were, in order, JSP (Java Server Pages), server-side Java Agents, JDBC, and Java Applets on the Web.

Those who responded saying they used a Java technology other than JavaScript are also using Java outside of Domino development, primarily for Java servlet and J2EE development on the IBM WebSphere platform. All respondents developing Web applications outside Domino are using WebSphere. Nearly everyone who responded that they're using Java technologies said they're interested in using or plan to use the Domino Toolkit for WebSphere.

While the statistics gleaned from this survey may not be considered valid in the strictest terms, they remain an interesting glimpse into what IBM Lotus Business Partners are doing with Java and Domino.

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For more information on GSS, visit at http://www.gssnet.com.

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Steve Niles is Senior Editor for ZATZ Publishing. He is also an independent filmmaker and freelance writer. For more information, visit http://www.sn-films.com.