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Start-up aims for easier e-commerce sites

An enterprise software start-up is gearing up to launch a Java-based Web-development product that promises to speed the creation and management of e-commerce sites.

Paul Festa Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Paul Festa
covers browser development and Web standards.
Paul Festa
2 min read
An enterprise software start-up is gearing up to launch a Java-based Web-development product that promises to speed the creation and management of e-commerce sites.

InstantObjects will launch its flagship product February 1. The product's several components form a layer between a firm's Web server and databases. They are:

  • InstantModeler, a graphical user interface (GUI) that lets site administrators manage the extraction of data and its presentation on the site.

  • InstantDBA, which simplifies the management of site databases.

  • InstantCommerce, a GUI for managing billable items. The component can either link to a site's current billing system, or use the embedded CyberSource credit card clearing system.

  • InstantServer, a Java- based Web application server that links information culled from databases to the Web site's user interface.

  • InstantExtractor, which formats data from databases and ships it to the InstantDBA.

  • InstantSite, a collection of user interfaces Web developers can sample for use in their own design.

    The product also comes with a set of components for site features like registration, search, banner-ad support, and agenting.

    InstantObjects is betting that Web developers will opt to buy rather than build these various components.

    "The hard part is getting all these components to work in synch," said InstantObjects' chief executive Alan Mutter. "The only way to get something like what we're offering is to build it yourself."

    InstantObjects is compatible with the Unix, Windows NT, and Macintosh operating systems. Prices begin at $35,000 per processor.

    Founded in 1994 and headquartered in San Francisco, InstantObjects is funded by Toronto Star; JAFCO America; Canaan Partners; Intel; Softbank; Weiss, Peck and Greeer; and Charter Ventures. The company formerly was known as Electric Classifieds.