NobleNet quickens the pace
Middleware vendor NobleNet ships NobleNet Web, a browser-based system it says will translate Windows-based client-server software applications to the Web in minutes.
The new system, which can be used on intranets as well as the public Net, is designed to let system administrators regain control over software distribution. It features secure, automatic distribution of software and version control so that users always run the latest versions with no change to application code.
"Companies are finding that recoding client-server applications for the Web is a long and costly process," Bruce Rampe, NobleNet chief executive, said in a statement. "NobleNet Web delivers browser-based access to existing client-server applications in a matter of minutes with no new development, saving both time and money."
Designed for corporate MIS departments, the product has two components, the Web Sealer and the Web Opener. The sealer converts the client-server application to Web protocols and places it in a sealed package on the corporate Web server. The package includes the application client, descriptive information, and a version number.
The NobleNet Web Opener is used to open the secure package and install the application, after checking whether the user has the latest version of the software. If the user needs an updated version, clicking on a browser icon automatically downloads the sealed package, opens the security seal, installs and runs the application. Security techniques ensure the package has not been tampered with; a self-installing browser plug-in architecture assures seamless integration.
NobleNet Web, the first in a family of products, is available for 90 days for $1,000, which entitles buyers to deploy an unlimited number of applications to an unlimited number of users. Free demonstration copies can be downloaded from NobleNet's Web site.