Tools for model-driven development, Web applications, and grids are set for introduction at the JavaOne conference in San Francisco this week by vendors such as Compuware and Iceosoft Technologies.

Compuware is releasing OptimalJ 4.0, a model-driven developer tool that adds process-oriented development functionality via UML 2.0 Activity Diagram support. This capability provides an extended data flow diagram to describe events and interactions.

Also featured as part of Release 4.0 is a Developer Edition for the Eclipse platform. The Developer Edition allows a programmer to extend an OptimalJ-generated application using the Eclipse editor, said Mike Sawicki, Compuware OptimalJ product manager.

All future editions of OptimalJ will be based on Eclipse, beginning next year. "Depending on who you talk to, [Eclipse is] wildly popular," Sawicki said.

Compuware also is launching an online exchange, called Pattern Plaza, to enable architects to share OptimalJ transformation patterns and collaborate.

OptimalJ comes in three editions: Developer, Architect, and Professional. The Professional Edition, which starts in price at US$6,000, features modeling and code capabilities, while the Architect Edition, costing $18,000 and above, has editors to permit changing of models. The Developer release starts in price at $2,200.

Icesoft Technologies is announcing Icefaces, which provides a class of rich rendering technology for Java Web applications, according to the company. Using patent-pending technology, Icefaces extends the JavaServer Faces framework, serving as a J2EE application server technology for interacting with Web applications.

J2EE Web applications are delivered to browsers, with no need for proprietary plug-ins or client-side software, Icesoft said. Benefits included reduced page rendering times, improved responsiveness, partial page updates, real-time UI updates, and maintenance of scroll bars.

Nexaweb is releasing Nexaweb 4.0, an upgrade to the company"s rich Internet application software featuring a plug-in framework for embedding third-party Java components, such as charting. Also featured is a messaging bus for secure real-time communications and guaranteed order of delivery. A distributed XML engine supports incremental updates and automatic synchronization of data over a network.

"We"re trying to be a composite application platform for SOA," said Coach Wei, CTO and founder of Nexaweb.

Shipping this week, Version 4.0 consists of Nexaweb Server, Messaging, Client, and Studio.

GigaSpaces Technologies is unveiling Version 5.0 of its Enterprise Application Grid (EAG) technology. The release allows deployment of high-throughput, low-latency applications with a Virtual Application Server that enables distributed applications services such as caching, parallel processing, and a messaging bus, GigaSpaces said.

Version 5.0 features a dynamic service provisioning and monitoring framework, enabling applications to run over a pool of low-cost commodity hardware based on service-level agreements. The technology is suited for applications such as financial, telecom, and transportation.

JNetDirect will introduce JBIS (JNetDirect Business Interaction System) 3.0, which provides developers with embedded cross-platform integration. The new release incorporates integration features directly into a user"s application.

SolarMetric, a maker of object-relational mapping tools, will introduce Kodo for EJB 3 (Enterprise JavaBeans). The product supports EJB 3.0.