Covalent to support Apache Geronimo

Covalent said on Tuesday that it now supports Apache Geronimo, recently released open-source Java application server software.

Covalent distributes a set of open-source server software that runs on a corporation's Web servers. It sells support services to customers on a subscription basis.

Covalent tools manage the Apache Web server in addition to the Tomcat application server and Apache Axis, a Web services server.

The company decided to extend support to Apache Geronimo because of signs of demand from its corporate customers, which number about 400, Covalent CEO Mark Brewer said.

"Companies have been looking for ways to move off their closed-source application servers for some time. We've seen a huge number of people go off (BEA Systems') Weblogic or (IBM's) WebSphere and go to Tomcat," he said.

Apache Geronimo released its first version earlier this month. It is one of a handful of open-source Java application server software products on the market, including ones from JBoss and the ObjectWeb consortium. Sun also has its own, called GlassFish, under development.

IBM last year acquired a start-up called Gluecode, which has established a support business around Apache Geronimo. But Brewer noted that there are not many other companies offering full support services to corporations.

Covalent has established a partnership with Virtuas Open Source Solutions, an open-source consulting firm that has developers involved in the Geronimo project. Virtuas will support "third-level" support inquiries that involve bugs or more complex technical issues, Brewer said.