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Over the years, ASP has become one of the most preferred server-side programming technologies for dynamic web pages and applications.  Tremendous power and flexibility makes it an ideal tool for a broad range of projects.  However, if you ask the average Linux developer their opinion about it, they will likely tell you one of the following:

- ASP cannot be run on a Linux-based server

- ASP is only available for Windows platforms

- All ASP modules for Apache call for code to be rewritten in Perl

What is Sun Java System Web Server?

Sun Java System Web Server is a web server application similar in nature to Apache and Microsoft IIS.  It is currently one of the leading web servers on the corporate market, providing a streamlined infrastructure that supports virtually all web technologies and applications.  Many argue that the Java System Web Server performs notably faster than Apache and delivers better security than IIS.  Not only does it support the Linux platform, but other operating systems such as AIX, Solaris, Unix and Windows.  For ASP developers, this is a major advantage as they are no longer restricted to the Windows environment and can now broaden their talents and reach to different platforms.  Best of all, Sun released core components of the application as open-source under the BSD license, which means that the Java System Web Server can be freely obtained from the Sun Download Center.

Achieving ASP Compatibility

Sun Java System Web Server does not offer native support for ASP by default.  In order to make the two compatible you will need to use a special set of extensions.  These extensions are called Sun Active Server Pages, and version 4.0.4 must be installed on the system to obtain ASP functionality.  This tool can also be acquired from the Sun Download Center.  Unlike the web server, utilizing these extensions requires that you sign up for an account with Sun Microsystems.  The good thing is that creating an account is fast, free and easy.  Once you create your account and download the appropriate files, all it takes is a matter of minutes for the installation and automatic updates you need to run ASP.  From there, restart the web server and everything should be good to go.

Summary

ASP can now be used effectively in a wide range of web environments thanks to the cross-platform capabilities of Sun Java System Web Server.  This powerful web server offers developers the best of both worlds, blending the reliability and security of Linux with the power and flexibility of ASP.