Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Predecessor | Sun Java System Web Proxy Server |
| Founder | Sun Microsystems |
| Fate | Acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2010 |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Proxy server software |
| Owner | Oracle Corporation |
| Parent | Oracle Corporation |
| Website | www |
The Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server (OiWPS), previously known as the Sun Java System Web Proxy Server (SJSWPS), is a proxy server application originally created by Sun Microsystems and later acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2010.
Overview
Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server serves as a prominent HTTP/1.1 proxy platform engineered to facilitate web content proxying, caching, and filtering. It aims to improve network security, optimize performance, and distribute load effectively among content servers.
History
Initially released as the Sun ONE Web Proxy Server, the Sun Java System Web Proxy Server 4.0 marked a significant overhaul from the earlier 3.x series, which was formerly titled Netscape Proxy Server. The 3.x iterations lacked multithreading capabilities and functioned via a multi-process model where each incoming request was managed by a separate process.
Between 2003 and 2004, Sun Microsystems redesigned the software by integrating the core architecture from Sun web server 6.1. This upgrade introduced multithreading while still allowing an optional multi-process mode. Version 4.0 also brought enhancements such as a new HTTP client, graphical user interfaces for administration and installation, and support for localization, all while maintaining essential features like FTP, Gopher, CONNECT clients, and batch update functionality.
After Oracle’s acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010, the product was renamed Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server 4.0.
Features
| Multithreaded architecture with optional multi-process operation | ||||
Supported protocol clients:
| ||||
| Load balancing and routing mechanisms | ||||
| URL filtering functionality | ||||
| SSL encryption support for secure connections | ||||
| SOCKS version 5 compatibility | ||||
| Administrative and installation GUIs for streamlined management and monitoring | ||||
| Capabilities for distributed administration | ||||
| SNMP support for server monitoring purposes | ||||
| LDAP integration enabling centralized authentication | ||||
| Netscape Server Application Programming Interface (NSAPI) for extensibility | ||||
| Comprehensive logging with multi-level detail, log rotation, and analysis tools | ||||
| Batch update features (known as 'Prefetch' or 'data refresh') |
Note: Although Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) is included, it is not officially supported, remains undocumented, and is disabled by default.
Recently added features
| Built-in DNS lookup client |
| Handling of PURGE requests similar to Squid proxy behavior |
| SED filter enabling modification of HTTP request and response bodies |
| In-memory caching for frequently accessed cache files |
| 'URL Mapping' capability |
| Support for Telemetry and Service Tags |
| Implementation of stale-while-revalidate cache-control extension as per RFC 5861 |
Supported Platforms
The software supports the following operating systems:
| Oracle Solaris 10 (both SPARC and x86 architectures) |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server versions 4 and 5 |
| Oracle Linux releases 4 and 5 |
| SUSE Linux Enterprise Server version 10 |
| Microsoft Windows Server editions: 2003, 2003 R2, and 2008 |
Support for these platforms was discontinued in version 4.0.16:
| Sun Solaris versions 8 and 9 (SPARC and x86) |
| HP-UX 11i (11.11) |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server version 3 |
| Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Advanced Server editions |
Product developments under Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server
The introduction of version 4.0.14 signified the beginning of Oracle's rebranding efforts.
As of October 2016:
- Version 4.0.20 stands as the most stable release advised for new installations.
- The latest patch available is version 4.0.27.
Notable improvements in Oracle iPlanet Web Proxy Server 4.0 consist of:
| Support for NTLM session proxying |
| Broadened platform compatibility, incorporating SUSE Linux |
| Ability to include files within obj.conf configurations |
| Administrative GUI enhancements related to routing |
| Performance enhancements |
| Improved adherence to HTTP standards |
| Cookie rewriting functionality integrated into the updated "URL Mapping" |
| Support for date/time parameters in <Client> elements |
| GUI upgrades for server monitoring and access control list management |
| Upgraded NSS/NSPR library versions |
| Introduction of new configuration options for handling HTTP client channels |
Comprehensive information on features, supported platforms, and resolved issues can be found in the official release documentation.
ICAP Compatibility
Although version 4.0.17 does not officially support the Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP), it maintains the capability to interact with ICAP servers.
Formal integration of ICAP may be considered depending on market demand and strategic business evaluations.