Spring Framework 2.5 Introduces New Configuration Approaches And Enhanced Annotation Support

SAN MATEO, Calif.—November 19, 2007—SpringSource, formerly known as Interface21, a leading provider of trusted open source software for building and deploying mission-critical enterprise applications, today announced the release of version 2.5 of the Spring Framework. With a focus on delivering enhanced annotation options, this latest release completes Spring 2.0’s mission of providing the most flexible, most comprehensive configuration model for both Java 1.4 and Java 5.

Spring 2.5 extends the framework’s core themes of flexibility and power by providing an extensive set of configuration approaches, with an emphasis on comprehensive support for configuration annotations. Building on Spring’s current support for XML schema namespaces and various configuration annotations, this latest version introduces support for JSR 250’s @PostConstruct, @PreDestroy and @Resource, Java EE 5’s @WebServiceRef and @EJB, and Spring’s own @Autowired.

Spring 2.5 allows developers to employ configuration annotations at varying levels, from configuration hints in component classes to self-sufficient components which express their entire configuration through annotations. At the same time, the framework maintains its support for the classic Spring configuration approach. By combining a high degree of choice and flexibility with the underlying power and unmatched scalability for which the Spring Framework is well-recognized, Spring 2.5 raises the bar in enterprise Java development, providing the ultimate configuration solution.

“I just love Spring 2.5’s use of annotations for configuration at varying levels, from configuration hints in component classes to components that express their entire configuration though annotations,” said Chris Chedgey, CEO of Headway Software. “This balance of control and flexibility is a major step forward. I’m particularly pleased that Structure101 helped SpringSource to add all these new features while retaining a flawless architecture; this should give the developer community further confidence that the Spring code-base will remain rock solid with each release.”

Additional key features and enhancements of Spring 2.5 include: 

• Comprehensive support for Java 6 and Java EE 5 APIs – Includes support for JDBC 4.0, JAX-WS 2.0, JTA 1.1, JSF 1.2. Spring 2.5 takes full advantage of Java 6 and Java EE 5 when deployed onto those platforms.
• Enhanced support for web controllers – Allows for writing annotated web MVC controllers without implementing specific interfaces or deriving from specific base classes. Also facilitates configuration of Spring MVC and places Spring MVC on a convergence path with Spring Web Flow 2.0.
• Improved testing capabilities – Introduces the new annotation-based TestContext framework for integration tests, supporting Junit 4, TestNG, and Spring 2.5’s core configuration annotations for test classes and providing flexible test context configuration through annotations.
• Autodetection of components in the class path – Enables autodetection of components in the class path, including the use of stereotype annotations such as @Repository, @Service, @Controller or the generic @Component. Also allows developers to avoid explicit XML bean definitions completely, with annotated components in the specified packages registered implicitly.
• Extended AspectJ integration – Introducing the new bean name pointcut designator as well as built-in support for AspectJ load-time weaving.
• Enhanced messaging support – Integrates with JCA message endpoint management, and provides the new “jms” configuration namespace for simplified message listener configuration.

“With each release of the Spring Framework, SpringSource aims to push the envelope in providing solutions for the growing range of enterprise development and deployment challenges, while continuing to deliver the full power of Spring,” said Rod Johnson, CEO of SpringSource and founder of the Spring Framework. “By providing a truly comprehensive configuration model, we believe Spring 2.5 accomplishes that aim and further establishes Spring as the de facto standard for enterprise Java development.”

Availability
Spring 2.5 is currently available. For more information and to download the software, visit http://www.springframework.org/download. SpringSource offers commercial development and production support for the Spring portfolio of products as well as updated training and professional services for the Spring Framework 2.5.

For more information about these products, visit http://www.springsource.com.

Like previous versions of the Spring Framework, Spring 2.5 runs on all web containers and application servers, as well as in standalone environments. It continues to run on Java 1.4 and above as well as J2EE 1.3 and above, allowing customers to protect their investments in existing technologies while being able to take advantage of the latest features that are available only in Java 6 and Java EE 5. Like previous Spring Framework releases, Spring 2.5 is fully backward compatible, offering a natural upgrade path.

Upcoming Event:
SpringSource will be hosting The Spring Experience, its third annual North American developer conference, at the Westin Diplomat Hotel and Spa in Hollywood, Florida from December 12-15, 2007. Drawing more than 800 attendees from 25 countries in 2006, The Spring Experience is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together developers, industry leaders, core Spring committers and partners of SpringSource to share insights on current development challenges and showcase the latest advancements in Spring technologies. The three-day event will feature a variety of technical sessions, case studies and keynote sessions from the “Father of Spring,” Rod Johnson, Forrester Analyst John Rymer and SpringSource’s Adrian Colyer and Rob Harrop. For more event details, please visit www.thespringexperience.com.

About SpringSource
SpringSource, formerly known as Interface21, is a leading provider of trusted open source software for mission-critical enterprise applications. For information and explanation of the SpringSource name change, please visit Rod Johnson’s blog at http://blog.springsource.com/main/author/rodj/. SpringSource created and sustains the development of the Spring Framework, the leading Java™ and Java EE™ application framework. Through the Spring family of products, SpringSource has helped hundreds of organizations, including some of the world’s largest financial institutions and public sector clients, build and deploy mission-critical applications that boost developer productivity and increase enterprise ROI. For more information, please visit http://www.springsource.com.