The Apache Software Foundation released the version 1.0 of its J2EE certified server project called Geronimo on January 5, 2006. If you don’t this very central open source project, have a look at the Wikipedia’s description:
The Geronimo project is an open source application server developed by the Apache Software Foundation and distributed under the Apache license.
Geronimo is currently compatible with the Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) 1.4 specification. When compared to other application servers such as JBoss, WebLogic and WebSphere, Geronimo’s most distinctive features are its:
- BSD-style license, which allows it to be modified for and embedded within commercial, closed source software (unlike the popular GPL and LGPL licenses)
- Modular GBean-based architecture, which allows users to remove unneeded services and build very lightweight configurations of the server
- Non-Profit ASF leadership, which provides legal protection, ensures stability across the loss of individual contributors and insulates the project from commercial conflicts of interest
- Diverse support community, in which companies compete freely and openly to provide services, with none enjoying any particular trademark advantage
Software consulting giant IBM has provided considerable support to the project through marketing, code contributions, and the funding of several project committers. In October 2005, IBM announced a free edition of its WebSphere application server suite based on Geronimo.
Other commercial supporters include AMD, Chariot Solutions, Simula Labs and Virtuas.