Allaire Corp, the web application platform vendor, has designed content management software that uses the engine of its application server, enabling developers to build and deploy e-commerce web sites. Currently in beta testing at 500 sites, Spectra, which runs on Windows NT, HPUX and Sun Solaris, will ship in December. A Linux version will be available for testing in the fourth quarter.
Spectra uses the Cambridge, Massachusetts firm’s application server Cold Fusion to run the database, which stores documents in xtensible markup language (XML). Spectra uses its web distribution data exchange (WDDX) technology, built into the webdesign architecture, to send XML packets of information between a company’s web site and one with which it is affiliated. The advantage of this is that a firm making offers linked to other sites can funnel the surfer’s interest and product details between the sites without losing the surfer – and potential customer – to the other site.
The software is aimed at firms doing business over the internet. Web site operators can define the interaction between the company and the customer, but writing rules into the site’s architecture. This might be useful in e-commerce applications for customer data collection, or supply chain management, where a car manufacturer can regulate and dictate how suppliers and distributors interact with it on the web.
Spectra uses Cold Fusion Markup Language (CFML) which has a developer community of more than 100,000, according to Vanessa Wade, director of Allaire’s European operation. Competitors Broadvision and Vignette use C++ and TCL respectively. Spectra claims that CFML has more developers than either, thereby giving the advantage of cheaper and faster applications.
Allaire will distribute the products through its network of 1,800 resellers and systems integration deals with Computer Sciences Corp, CMG, Arthur Andersen and Cambridge Technology Partners.
