Steve Steffen

Mark Artiges is an independent consultant currently working as a Lead Software Engineer for Tepik Systems. During his 18-plus years in the computer industry, Mark has been involved in a wide range of data processing initiatives and development methodologies. He has worked as a system architect and lead developer on large application development efforts aimed at transitioning core legacy systems to WebLogic Platform at companies such as AT&T, US Search, and Public Storage.

Gurpreet Singh Bhasin is an architect, designer, and developer with certifications from BEA, Sun, and Microsoft. He has more than five years of experience in design, development, testing, and maintenance of n-tier e-commerce and enterprise information systems using J2EE and Microsoft technologies. Most recently, Gurpreet was Module Leader on an Internet-based system for DIRECTV allowing over 10 million customers enhanced account access. He holds a bachelor's degree in electronics and communication engineering from Kurukshetra University, India.

To my parents and sisters: Thank you for all your love and support. -Gurpreet Bhasin

Bernard Ciconte is a software engineer for Blair Computing Systems, Inc. (BCSI). As an employee of BCSI since 1989, he has worked as a contractor for DuPont, Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, and Agfa Corporation. His technical expertise is in distributed computing and image processing for radiographical medical devices. Previously Bernard contributed to Sams' book BEA WebLogic Platform 7.0.

Bernard would like to thank his wife Cheryl, daughter Courtney Huff, and dog Minx, for the sacrifices and support they made while he dedicated so much of his time and effort towards this book. He would also like to thank Todd Green and Sams Publishing for inviting him to be a co-author with such a talented group of individuals. Finally, he would like to thank Mark Blair and all his co-workers for the interesting and challenging career they share at Blair Computing Systems, Inc. -Bernard Ciconte

Malcolm Garland has more than ten years of experience in the field of software development and has received certifications from BEA and Sun. He was recently CM Lead and systems analyst on an integration project in J2EE and WebLogic, developed for DIRECTV, for which he advised on architectural design, testing, configuration, and component development. Currently, he is a Senior Systems Analyst with Zenith National Insurance.

Saranathan Govindarajan is a key member of DIRECTV's Enterprise Architecture Team responsible for the design and development of infrastructure services using BEA WebLogic Server and Tuxedo. Saranathan has more than 8 years of experience in designing and implementing mission-critical systems using BEA's flagship products: WebLogic Server, Tuxedo, and Jolt/WTC. Saranathan holds a MSc(Tech) and M.S(Software Systems) from Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences(BITS) in Pilani, India.

To my parents and Deepa, for their love, support, and inspiration. -Saranathan Govindarajan

James Huang is currently an IT Developer with BEA Systems. A veteran software developer, James has handled numerous J2EE, Web application, and database development projects. In a previous life, he was a lecturer in the Department of Electric and Computer Engineering at East China Normal University. James is the primary designer and developer of JudoScript, a project to bring the functionality of scripting and shell programming to Java.

Subramanian Kovilmadam is a BEA and Sun Certified Developer, and currently serves as an Enterprise Application Integration Systems Architect with DIRECTV, responsible for the design and development of integration infrastructure strategies using XML-based services, J2EE, BEA WebLogic, and BEA Tuxedo.

I wish to thank my family, especially my dear wife, Amudha, for b