NEWS RELEASE
Start of Open Source Server Platform, "OpenStandia"
— Significantly Improving Reliability and Efficiency in Constructing System Infrastructure Using Open Source Software —

August 26, 2005
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI: Tokyo; Akihisa Fujinuma, President, CEO & COO) has developed OpenStandia, an open source server platform providing recommended architecture and parameter design, and systematized construction/testing procedural documents to enable the construction of highly reliable system infrastructure using a combination of open source software such as Apache, JBoss and MySQL. Service to support the introduction of OpenStandia and maintenance support are to begin in September.

Through NRI's Open Source Solution Center (OSSC) established in 2003, NRI has examined the functions, performance, reliability and security of a variety of open source software, and developed and provided "Altostratus," an open source framework. Open source software has already reached a level equal to that of commercially available software, and is starting to be widely recognized as an important component for enterprise-level systems integration. NRI will promote the utilization of open source software by offering OpenStandia to meet the growing needs of customers for such software.

Advantages offered by OpenStandia
Basic design no longer needs to be separately implemented for each project. Because numerous documents are provided in advance, work efficiency can be significantly improved. Customization of systems design is available to meet customers' requirements.
Construction of high quality system infrastructure is enabled because NRI has already examined the functions, performance, reliability and security of software consisting of OpenStandia; these software components have already been adopted in many enterprise systems.
The utilization of open source software can hold down initial costs as well as operating costs.
NRI provides support service on a one-stop basis for each open source software component contained in OpenStandia.


As one of the core solutions of GranArch, NRI Group's IT infrastructure solutions, OpenStandia offers comprehensive service including support of the design and construction of system infrastructure that employs a combination of open source software and maintenance services.

Our technical development plans of OpenStandia include features such as the support of rich client applications, the provision of basic information analysis functions and the support of EJB (Enterprise JavaBeans) 3.0.


Comments from JBoss, Inc.
"As the first Premier Level JBoss Certified System Integrator in Japan, NRI demonstrated early market leadership in adopting JBoss to build cost-effective, mission-critical systems," said Tom Cooper, vice president of worldwide channels, JBoss, Inc. "The OpenStadia stack is further proof of NRI's commitment to deliver high-quality and productivity enhancing software. Using JBoss in the OpenStandia stack combined with support services will help fuel open source software penetration in Asia Pacific."

Comments from MySQL AB
"MySQL AB welcomes the availability of installation and technical support for NRI's new OpenStandia. By adopting MySQL as a database in their OpenStandia reference architecture, NRI can effectively promote an enterprise system with low TCO, high-reliability and high-performance."



[For detailed information, contact us via email.]
Open Source Solution Center
Advanced Information Technology Division,
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
E-mail: ossc@nri.co.jp

[For press inquiries, please contact the following:]]
Miyako Kusakabe / Takeshi Nomura
Corporate Communications Department
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Phone: +81-3-6270-8100
E-mail: kouhou@nri.co.jp
[Reference]

1. Configuration and features of OpenStandia, open source server platform

Configuration and features of OpenStandia, open source server platform

(1) OpenStandia provides a server platform that employs a combination of open source software such as Apache, Struts, Tomcat, JBoss and MySQL as well as commercial database management systems (DBMS). This configuration has already been verified by NRI.
(2) Rather than simply providing middleware, the basic design for the specifications required of system infrastructure has already been implemented as described below. The design results have been implemented in the parameters of open source software and in Altostratus.
Transaction control (assuring data consistency)
Flow control (preventing system overload)
Time-out control of abnormal transactions
Trouble-free design (switching to a backup server in the event of a fault, etc.)
Security design (preventing unauthorized access, recording audit trails, etc.)
Journal recording (recording information to identify causes of faults, etc.)
Extended cache functions (caching business logic results, performance improvement)
(3) Numerous documents are provided such as server construction procedures, test procedures and operation procedures.




2. About GranArch

GranArch is the integrated service of NRI Group's IT infrastructure solutions. GranArch is positioned as comprehensive IT infrastructure solutions that have so far been developed by the NRI Group. GranArch consists of 86 solutions that are broadly classified into three categories of "Transform Solution," "Security Risk Management Solution" and "IT Infrastructure Management Solution." Currently, the offering of services combining the solutions that focus on two IT themes of "legacy mainframe migration" and "personal information leakage prevention" in which customers have shown high interest has started. GranArch supports the development of IT infrastructure that strengthens a company's competitive edge.




3. Major functions of Altostratus

Function Outline
EJB calling function Uses EJB from Struts as business logics. Altostratus simplifies complicated EJB calling procedures by modifying extended parameters of Struts. Also facilitates use of EJB advantages such as transaction control.
Extended tiles Enables dividing screens into multiple parts (tiles), such as menu, header, footer and main screens. Because not only screens but also related business logics can be divided, applications can be used in the form of components, thereby enabling application re-use and facilitating maintenance.
Screen cache function Each screen part (tile) divided by the screen division function is cached in memory by setting. The overall system performance is improved by caching the parts (tiles) with low update frequency.
Code table caching function Enables caching database data in memory to improve performance, e.g., product code tables. Also supports screen display of cached data.
Flow control function Continuously monitors the status of server resources (CPU and memory), and limits the acceptance of requests (limiting the flow) before resources are depleted, preventing server faults caused by a system overload.
Access log extension function Records input/output data to and from a web server in an access log, making such data available for later use in troubleshooting and audit trails. Also enables acquisition of data that was not available with only the existing HTTP access log. Also records operation statistics (e.g., server holding time) and input/output data to and from business logics.

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