Sun Java System Calendar Server
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Predecessor | Sun Internet Calendar Server, Netscape Calendar Server, iPlanet Calendar Server, Sun ONE Calendar Server |
| Products | Calendaring server software |
| Parent | Sun Microsystems |
The Sun Java System Calendar Server served as Sun Microsystems' calendaring solution. Its most recent release, version 6.3, is incorporated within the Sun Java System Communications Suite.
Calendar and task management is accessible through multiple client platforms. For web access, users utilize Sun Java System Communications Express, a client built on HTML. Those using Microsoft Outlook depend on the Sun Java System Connector for Microsoft Outlook, although it does not support Outlook 2010. Access via Mozilla Thunderbird is facilitated by the Mozilla Lightning add-on, which operates through WCAP (the Web Calendar Access Protocol). Starting with version 6 in 2008, an AJAX-driven web client was introduced, delivering a more interactive experience resembling a "thick client."
A prominent capability of this server is its notification service, which dispatches alerts for invitations and reminders via email or SMS by utilizing mobile operators' email-to-SMS gateways.
Additionally, the notification mechanism provides developers with the ability to publish calendar events and reminders through Java Message Service using the Sun Java System Message Queue. The WCAP interface enables application development that can retrieve calendar entries, tasks, and availability ("free busy") information in various formats such as XML, iCalendar, and JSON—the latter added in the latest 6.3 update to enhance AJAX-based application support.
History and use
The Calendar Server from Sun originated as a continuation of the Sun Internet Calendar Server (SICS) and Netscape Calendar Server (NCS), undergoing multiple renamings including iPlanet Calendar Server and Sun ONE Calendar Server. Despite these branding changes, the fundamental codebase has been preserved while incorporating new features and resolving defects.
Since 2003, it has been integrated into Sun's Java Enterprise System, a comprehensive infrastructure software suite. It is also available within the more compact Sun Java System Communications Suite, which bundles messaging and collaboration products such as Sun Java System Messaging Server, Sun Java System Instant Messaging Server, and Sun Java System Communications Express. Complementary components like Sun Java System Directory Server, Sun Java System Access Manager, and Sun Java System Web Server are included under limited-use licensing arrangements.
The initial web client named Calendar Express allowed users to schedule appointments and send meeting invitations; however, it was phased out with version 6.3 in favor of Sun Java System Communications Express.
Support for various platforms continues in version 6.3, including Sun's own Solaris and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Nevertheless, compatibility with HP-UX and Microsoft Windows was discontinued beginning with this release.