Tool Name: PortalBridges Developer(s): Rahim Lakhoo, ACET, AMG University of Reading
| Description of Tool | The integration of legacy applications into portals. |
| Origin of Tool | PortletBridge.org, php-java-bridge.sourceforge.net |
| Agreement with original Authors (please state process and nature of agreement) | TBC |
| License applicable | Apache License Version 2.0 |
| Platform used (please tick) | JetSpeed2: uPortal: GridSphere: x Liferay: eXo: CHEF (OGCE): Sakai: x StringBeans: Other: Pluto 1.01 |
| Integration Technology used (please tick) | JSR-168: x WSRP: OKI OSID Service API: Other: |
| In repository? (note discussions with NeSC and status | Status: frozen Download: http://acet.rdg.ac.uk/projects/vre/download.php |
| With OMII? (note discussions with OMII and status | Status: |
| Integration signed off by | Mark Baker |
| Date |
Description of work undertaken during porting:
The aim of this work is provide a means for legacy script-based web applications to be used as a portlet. In this instance we use PHP based applications and a combination of the PortletBridge-portlet and the PHP-JavaBridge.
The PHP - JavaBridge provides a runtime environment for PHP based applications in a servlet container, such as Apache Tomcat. The portletbridge-portlet provides a generic means to render a web page into a portlet. Using this combination it is possible to integrate script-based, non-Java, web applications into a portal.
Problems encountered:
Sakai VRE reports available from http://acet.rdg.ac.uk/projects/vre/docs.php. System documentation and details are available from http://acet.rdg.ac.uk/projects/vre/portalbridges.php.
Ongoing support issues:
Tool use case:
Institutes and organisations are typically forced to re-implement existing software in Java, to work with portal/ portlet technologies. The software development needs to be forked for this to occur. In other instances, organisations have a large user base for existing software and do not wish to re-train their users/ staff. The technique of using the portletbridge-portlet allows existing applications to be ported into a portlet, with little or no modification.
Help information for tool users:
Technical reports, presentations, installation guides and manuals are
available from
http://acet.rdg.ac.uk/projects/vre/docs.php
Here is the login and details for the portal with the bridging portlets.
address: http://portals.rdg.ac.uk:8447/gridsphere Login: demo Password: sc06demo
Google portlet: Back button works with Safari and Konqueror, GridSphere issue with firefox. Back button works with firefox and Pluto portal.
GuestBook portlet: Sign peoples names in, as norm.
BibAdmin portlet: Search works, logos have been changed, otherwise looks/works fine.
FhImage Gallery: Pictures, just click them.
This is the portalbridge working in Pluto, http://portals.rdg.ac.uk:8450/pluto/portal/portletbridge-portlet