NETSCAPE APPFOUNDRY FAQ

Here you'll find answers to commonly asked questions about Netscape AppFoundry, and the Java and JavaScript starter applications and intranet tools.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

1. Exactly what are these applications?
2. How can I use the intranet tools featured in this program?
3. Do I need any specific software to use the quick start applications?
4. Which platforms are supported?
5. Which databases are supported?
6. Are these applications secure enough to use for confidential information?
7. How reliable are these applications?
8. Where can I find more information on a particular application?
9. How do I get support?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Can I use these applications on my Internet site?
2. How widely can I distribute these apps after downloading?
3. Who are these applications designed for?
4. Where can I find a partner to help me develop my intranet?
5. How do I become a Netscape developer?
6. How can I submit a Java/JavaScript application for Netscape AppFoundry?
7. What is "Appalanche"?
8. What if my question wasn't answered?

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

Exactly what are these applications?
Working closely with Netscape, leading Internet product and service partners developed these reusable business applications for Netscape SuiteSpot. Our goal is to give you the tools to create robust JavaScript and Java apps and enable you to quickly prototype an intranet based on the Netscape ONE platform. The majority were developed using Netscape LiveWire Pro and make extensive use of JavaScript, with some incorporating Java applet functionality.

Most of the apps are database-driven, which offers several benefits to intranet and Internet sites: more flexibility in serving and formatting dynamic HTML data, easier data management, and access to data in existing databases. You'll also find that many of the applications can be repurposed. For example, when employee data is collected for a benefits enrollment application, the contact information also can be used for an employee phone directory.

While you'll find substantial functionality, we expect that most users will probably want to add and customize features to fit their specific intranet objectives and system requirements. The source code you download provides a foundation for you to create complete applications.

You'll find more detailed information on each specific application and partner as you browse through this site.

How can I use the intranet tools featured in this program?
On this site we're featuring some of the next-generation tools available from Netscape partners for building and managing intranets. You can download evaluation copies of their development tools from our partners' Web sites. Each tool description page has links to the download pages.

Do I need any specific software to use the quick start applications?
Please see our download area for full information on the required software and system requirements. In general, you'll need:

• A Web server that supports JavaScript. Netscape offers Netscape Enterprise Server and Netscape FastTrack Server. To build applications, you need the LiveWire Compiler, which is bundled with Enterprise. With FastTrack, you need to purchase LiveWire separately to get the compiler.
• INFORMIX-OnLine Workgroup Server database.

Which platforms are supported?
The applications can run on any server that supports Java and JavaScript, such as Netscape Enterprise and FastTrack servers. The initial set of applications is available on Sun Solaris, HP-UX, and DEC OSF/1, as well as Windows NT systems such as Compaq. Additional platform support is coming soon for Silicon Graphics, SNI, Bull, and SCO.

On the client side, because Java and JavaScript are open languages, the applications can be accessed across platforms from clients that support Java. The applications are designed to perform optimally with Netscape Navigator 3.0 or higher.

Which databases are supported?
The code for these applications is written with an Informix database schema. However, you can modify the code to work with Oracle, Sybase, and dozens of additional databases, from desktops to mainframes. By changing the database connect statement and making minor changes to embedded SQL, developers can take advantage of the applications with any of the databases supported by Netscape LiveWire. JavaScript calls to the database are both database and platform independent. Thus you will be able to access data from your existing databases, or develop new databases and data warehouses.

Are these applications secure enough to use for confidential information?
Your data security depends largely on the login protection you design into your modified apps, and where the data resides. Storing data in a database such as Informix is more secure than in flat HTML files because of the database's security features and because of privileges required to access that data. Some of the applications take advantage of Netscape's LivePayment Login system to maintain security in addition to the benefit of using the Informix database.

How reliable are these applications?
Netscape has tested these sample applications for features and functionality. Because they are designed as "templates" for developers to use as the basis for developing complete applications, we and our partners have not performed the exhaustive quality assurance checks typical for shipping applications. (However, our partners based many of these on full-featured apps they provide, which have been fully QA'd.) Thus, we do not recommend using the applications "as is" for mission-critical purposes.

Where can I find more information on a particular application?
In addition to the application overviews you'll find on this site, each application download provides installation instructions and specific application details. You'll find further information in the application help files.

How do I get support?
In general, neither Netscape nor our partners are providing support for these free applications. However, we offer discussion forums for each application and tool, as well as several related to Netscape. These forums should be a valuable source of information and advice from the vendors monitoring the forums as well as IS professionals using the software to build intranets.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Can I use these applications on my Internet site?
Yes! While you'll find that these applications provide functionality largely specific to internal web sites used for communication and collaboration, wherever you find that an application might add desirable functionality to your Internet site, you're free to use it. In fact, many of these apps could serve as templates for complete applications you develop for conducting business with customers and business partners over an "extranet."

How widely can I distribute these apps after downloading?
As indicated in the License Agreement when you download, you can freely use and redistribute the source code for these apps as desired. However, do not remove any proprietary copyrights or acknowledgements included by the developers. Please review the End User License Agreement for specific details.

Who are these applications designed for?

• IS management can use the applications as prototypes or "proof of concept" applications that will give them some experience running SuiteSpot applications and help them to better understand how they work, what their performance characteristics are, and what specific functionality their organization may need.
• Departmental personnel or small companies can use the applications as prototypes, though they may also be able to actually deploy some of the applications. This could deliver important productivity improvements with no up-front cost. Departments and end users can also use the applications to show management what is possible or needed. This will speed up the decision-making process for deploying SuiteSpot-based applications.
• ISVs can use these applications as examples of the types of applications that can be built as well as to learn how Netscape SuiteSpot-based applications are developed and designed. This accelerates the learning process for ISVs, and in some cases the applets can serve as a starting point for viable commercial applications.
• Systems integrators and in-house developers can use the source code as a basis for creating similar applications that can be customized or enhanced to meet a particular company's needs. This accelerates application development and stimulates ideas for other intranet applications.

Where can I find a partner to help me develop my intranet?
All of the developers providing applications through this program are available to help develop expanded versions of their products and for general development engagements. Please see the individual application descriptions for information about how to contact them directly, or visit the Web sites listed here:

Acclaim Technology Austin- Hayne Booz-Allen Hamilton Data Systems West DTAI I.Consulting Informix Software Ingenia Communications Corp.

Internet Media Services Neoglyphics Red Oak Technologies Sage Solutions Sapient Stonebridge Technologies, Inc. Transaction Information Systems USWeb WorldPort Internet

The Netscape ONE Directory is an additional resource for finding information on services and products provided by Netscape development partners. Netscape VAR and systems integration partners provide enterprises with a range of intranet services.

How do I become a Netscape developer?
Please visit DevEdge Online for complete details on our DevEdge Gold and DevEdge Community programs for enterprise and third-party developers.

How can I submit a Java/JavaScript application for Netscape AppFoundry?
Click here for full details.

What is "Appalanche"?
In some of the applications you may see the words Appalanche or Project Appalanche. This was Netscape's code name for the AppFoundry while it was under development.

What if my question wasn't answered?
Please send us an email with any general questions or comments about Netscape AppFoundry. And thanks for your interest.