mrc Documentation
michaels, ross & cole, ltd.
http://www.mrc-productivity.com/

Sservlet Application Setup Options

mrc encourages its customers to adopt Web-based applications. We especially want customers to be successful in adopting Java servlet technology via the suite of Web/Servlet templates shipped with the mrc-Productivity Series. All users of the mrc-Productivity Series with unlimited client-based licenses are eligible to employ Java servlets.

Application Server Choices
Servlets can be run under one of two configurations:

· Over an application server running standalone
· Over an application server running in combination with an HTTP server

The two most popular application servers on the iSeries are IBM's WebSphere and Apache's Tomcat. Servlet applications generated with the mrc-Productivity Series are designed to run proficiently over either. Both application servers enable you to run Java servlets. Tomcat is free, small, open-source, and backed by the entire Web community. Please see the Tomcat Website if you desire more information. WebSphere is fee-based, larger, and owned by IBM. The benefits to WebSphere are described at the IBM WebSphere Website. There is no lost of functionality of mrc-generated servlets when using the free Tomcat instead of WebSphere.

Choose Apache's Tomcat
For the convenience of those who prefer Apache's Tomcat Application Server, mrc provides a free and recent version of Tomcat that is pre-configured to run mrc-generated servlet applications. It can be downloaded and installed in a matter of minutes. Continue here to get started.

Choose IBM's WebSphere
For those who prefer to use IBM's WebSphere Application Server, please contact IBM or your IBM business partner to purchase that application server.

Run Standalone or with an HTTP Server?
You may chose to run the application server standalone or over an HTTP server. When should you choose to use it in combination with an HTTP server? Here are two good reasons:

· You might already employ an HTTP server and have an existing configuration that serves HTML and other documents and/or CGI applications.
· You might wish to validate Web users with an iSeries user profile or validation list.

If you choose to run your application server in combination with an HTTP server, you will need to employ the IBM HTTP Server powered by Apache. If you currently use the "Classic" IBM HTTP Server, migrating to the newer Apache-supplied HTTP server is simple. IBM provides an option in the HTTP Server Administrator's menu for migration. Please follow those steps at the IBM HTTP Server Home Page.

This mrc-supplied version of Apache Tomcat will run on your iSeries or your Microsoft Windows operating system. Please see the instructions for more information on using the install with Microsoft Windows.

To get started running Web-based applications via Java servlets, just download the Apache Tomcat install provided by mrc and follow the concise instructions.