JExpress Major Features
You get 80% of the features for 20% of the price: Create java installers and updaters. Native on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. All the standard features and more and for just $499.
Of course you can pay a lot more. But for that much we'll do your installer for you.
Autoupdates your customers: You get a continuing revenue stream after the sale. Your software is always up-to-date so you have fewer problems, and so do your customers.
You choose whether your application automatically updates every time it starts up, or on demand. The Updater connects to your site and downloads only the files that have changed. When there's nothing to update it's so fast that customers rarely notice.
If an update doesn't complete for any reason, your customers can continue to use your application without worry. JExpress doesn't update any live files until it has successfully downloaded all the changes. This means a partial update won't leave your application in an unusable state.
You create your updater by just clicking a radio button in a dialog box. And if you need something really special, you can customize your updater with Java.
You can learn more about autoupdates by reading how autoupdates work or following the step-by-step example.
Makes your application double-clickable: Your application starts like other native programs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris. Customers get what they expect. What could be easier or more flexible?
Installs the exact JVM you want: You can have JExpress always install a private copy of the JVM your choose on the customer's machine, without disturbing any other version of the JVM already installed. You can even tell the installer to put the JVM in a particular directory.
JExpress will bundle up the exact JVM you used to develop and test.
Currently, native Mac installers do not install the JVM because Apple's license restricts distribution. If you have a license that allows you to distribute the JVM, just let us know and we'll give you a few simple steps to do this.
Create native installers: A native installer is an executable file that runs on a specific machine, such as Windows or Linux. The native installer usually can be configured to include the JVM so a target machine does not have to include Java for your installer to operate properly. Or, you can elect for the native installer to simply locate a JVM that matches your product's needs and use that to install and operate your application.
JExpress allows you to create native executable installers for all Windows platforms that support Java (e.g., Windows 2000, XP, Vista), Mac OS X, Linux (Intel), and Solaris (Sparc). If you also purchase the Custom Native JExpress license, then you can also port 2 small programs to other platforms to create native installers for those targets. For HP-UX and IBM's AIX, the port generally involves simply adapting the make for your target environment.
International installers, updaters, and uninstallers: Your installers, autoupdaters, and uninstallers are ready for the international market. Currently, JExpress includes support for English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. If your customer's system is configured to automatically display any of these languages, then JExpress Installer automatically installs your Java app using their their native language. You can easily adapt your custom commands to maintain this international support.
If you have a native language that
you'd like supported, please send e-mail to
JVM automatically installed, if needed: JExpress can create a native, executable installer for the most popular operating system. When your customers use the native version of your installer it can automatically search if a JVM is already install on their system. If none are found, then it can quickly install one before launching your Java multiplatform installer.
With JExpress you have complete control over which JVM version is bundled with your app and which versions of the JVM are acceptable to run with your app.
Currently, native Mac installers do
not install the JVM because Apple's license does not permit 3rd parties to
distribute the JVM. If you do have a license that supports distribution,
please contact tech support at
for instructions about how you can handle
inclusion of the JVM with the installer.
Developers can adapt the JExpress Custom Native source code to create native, executable installers for other platforms if JExpress doesn't support a target environment you need.
Password protected updates on-demand: You can restrict the customers that receive your updates if your web server supports password protected directories. You simply configure your web server with the authorized user ids and passwords. Then you send a password file to each of your authorized customers with their private id and matching password. The JExpress Updater automatically verifies each user has permission before it allows them to receive the update.
Supports multiple install types: You can create multiple install types, also known as setup types, if you'd like with JExpress. This lets you organize your system so your customers can decide which components they'd like to install. For example, you might want to create Typical and Compact install types. The Typical might include all the files your customers might want and the Compact might only include the minimum your files need to operate.
You get to decide on the names for the install types and provide a brief description to help the customer know the differences between your options.
Supports multiple products/components: JExpress lets you quickly create a single installer for multiple products or components. The user can install one or multiple components/packages at a time. And, each component has its own uninstaller.
You get to decide on the names for the components and provide a brief description to help the customer know the differences between your options.
Password protect your distribution files: JExpress can password protect your distribution files so only customers with the valid password can install your product.
Billboards: Your installers can display rotating billboards, also called marquees, during the installation process. Simply add the StartBillboards custom class to the Custom tab in JExpress.
For more details about the configuration, see the manual's FAQ.
Customizable look and feel: When you create your installers with the Advanced interface, you can use a custom look and feel if the installer uses Java 1.4 or later. JExpress installers can use any SkinLF compliant look and feel. Only themes implementing both GTK and KDE are supported.
Customization: If you need something really special, you can customize your installers, updaters and uninstallers.
Use Java to build custom wizard panels which become fully integrated into your JExpress install program with JExpress. Anything you can do in Java, you can add to your installation. Call native code. Run other programs. You have complete control, and without using a specialized script language.
JExpress includes a customization API that has over 200 methods. Plus, you can do anything you can do from Java, which gives you almost infinite flexibility. There are also more than a dozen samples to show you how to you customize your installers and updaters.
You can learn more about how customize your installers and updaters or follow a step-by-step example.
Multiplatform installer: JExpress create multiplatform installers for your applications. These Java installers can install non-Java apps just as easily as Java apps.
If the target machine is running Windows, Linux, or Solaris, then the installer can automatically install the JVM, if one isn't found.
Design Java servlet installers: You can create installers that handle the special needs of Java servlets with JExpress. Your files can be grouped into types, such as classes and HTML files, and then installed in appropriate target directories.
You decide on the names for the groups and provide special prompts so your customers know which directory they should use to store your servlets.
100% Pure Java Certified: JExpress has been certified by Sun as 100% Pure Java. This means you can be confident that your installers, autoupdaters, and uninstallers will work on different platforms.
One click installation from the web: Customers can install your application with the click of a button. JExpress can create a native installer for the most popular platforms. If your customer is running a modern browser that supports downloading and executing binary files, then your customers simply click on the URL with the installer and the browser downloads and launches it.
Selects exact classes used: Click a button and JExpress scans your system, picks out all the necessary classes, and bundles them up for distribution. It's almost like magic. Preparing a new version for distribution takes minutes, instead of hours, with JExpress and your system stays compact for a fast download and installation.
But, the best part. Customers no longer report the dreaded "NoClassDefFoundError" error message.
For non-class files, or classes loaded with the Class methods, you specify files your system uses by selecting the directories and their subdirectories, including or excluding files by extension or by name. This flexible file specification means you distribute the exact files your system needs.
Lets you include multiple directory trees: JExpress lets you include multiple directory trees. This means that by selecting one directory name from your system, all its files and subdirectories are included in your project.
You can also filter which files you want included or excluded based on file extensions. So you can insure your customers won't receive any .bak or .tmp files, by simply excluding them from your file list.
You can include almost any file (e.g., binary, text, etc.) that you'd like in your distribution list. The only known exception is a Mac CFM file because the CFM files cannot be moved to non-Mac platforms and maintain their integrity.
Creates directory tree: Stop wasting time creating the complex directory tree required by most Java applications and applets ___ now JExpress manages it for you. Only the exact classes you're using from each Java package is included in your distribution system and it's automatically stored in the correct directory or subdirectory.
Creates JAR files: After JExpress creates the directory tree for you, it can JAR all your distribution files into a compact file with a complete manifest. Your JAR file is automatically included in the installer's JAR file for final distribution.
Generates cross platform installer using Swing: Now, your multiplatform installer, also called Java installer, can use the latest technology from Sun, Swing. This portable GUI really helps deliver on the promise of "Write once. Run anywhere." Now Installers built with JExpress automatically give your customers the look and feel they already know.
Your life just became a lot simpler because your application gets all the advantages of Swing, too.
Uploads to your web site: If you have a standard ftp server, then JExpress can automatically upload your distribution files to your web site, creating the directories and subdirectories as it goes. Its persistence in delivering your files to your site safely ___ even when the Net is sluggish ___ automates a tiresome, but critical task.
But, more importantly JExpress minimizes the time your product isn't available to your customers. Whenever you release a new version, JExpress transfers all the files to a temporary directory tree on your site. As soon as all the files are ready, it swaps directory names. In other words, JExpress quickly renames your old distribution directory to a backup directory and then renames the new temporary directory to the regular distribution directory. Your app is only inaccessible for a few seconds.
An extra benefit to this directory name swapping is that you get a backup of your previous version. You can revert to the last release in an instant if you discover something unexpected crept into your system.
Your ftp server must support the standard command which provides a full Unix style directory listing for the backup feature to work.
Creates a backup of previous version: JExpress stores your last release in a backup directory whenever it uploads a new version. You can quickly swap directory names between your distribution version and the backup version to drop back to the former release.
Free Support: We offer 6 months free e-mail support to customers that purchase JExpress. Learn more about the Support Programs for JExpress.
Builds cross platform Java installations: In true Java form, you build one installation for the various platforms. You use tabbed panels to build your installation programs. Your customers use a wizard to install your products. Everyone gets the same professional look and feel.
Downloads and installs: Popular browsers, like Internet Explorer, make it easy to have native executable installers automatically download and launch. The JVM can be bundled so if the user's machine doesn't have the correct environment, the system is prepared and the installer for your app started.
Use a Wizard to create installers: Creating an installer takes minutes with the simple JExpress wizard. You simply fill out some basic information about your Java app, click the Build button, and JExpress builds your cross platform installers.
If you need more features or just prefer not to use a Wizard, Jexpress also include an Advanced interface.
Optionally, use the Advanced interface: Whenever you need more than the Wizard to build your installers. you can use the more sophisticated Advanced interface, also included with JExpress.
The Advanced interface includes many more features, and you can go straight to the setting you want. With the Advanced interface you can easily create autoupdaters, eliminate unused classes, and automatically distribute your insallers and updaters to your web site.
Choose the Advanced interface or the Wizard. JExpress includes both.
Shows context sensitive help: While you're building your installers and autoupdaters detailed help is only a key click away. A comprehensive and tightly integrated manual is available. When you're using JExpress you can get detailed information about each panel's options by selecting Help from the menu or clicking the Help button on the panel.
Get tips about each field as you use JExpress: As you pass your mouse over every field you'll see tips about that field. Of course, if you'd prefer to turn the tips off in JExpress, you can do that from the Options menu.
JExpress creates the download pages and files for your web site. It already has your logo, installation instructions for each platform, and more. Your users just click on the installer they need. You can also easily integrate your own web site customization with the generated download pages and files.
JExpress is the Java program that lets you create your multiplatform installers, updaters, and uninstallers. It can also find just the exact classes you use, and distributes your app to the web for you.
Installer, Updater, and Uninstaller are generic names used to describe the Java installers, updaters, and uninstallers that you create with JExpress. The Updater gives you more money after the sale. It provides controlled automatic updates of your program on your customers' systems.
Adds Windows menus and desktop icons: JExpress' cross platform menu items let you instruct JExpress to automatically create a Windows menu and desktop icon if your customer installs your Java app on any Windows platforms that support Java.
Build launch scripts: You can add a cross platform menu item so if your customer installs your Java application on a Unix machine, then JExpress automatically creates a launch script to start your app.
Creates Mac OS X commands: You can add a cross platform menu item so if your customer installs your application on a Mac OS X machine, then JExpress automatically creates a .command script to start your app.
Double-clickable app bundles on Mac OS X: When your customer installs your application on a Mac OS X Mac style app bundle is created and can be launched by double-clicking your app's icon.
Your app's icon is automatically added to the user's desktop for each launching, too.
Install Java app icon on Mac OS X desktop: Your Java apps are automatically installed on the Mac OS X desktop so users can easily launch your app.
This feature is only available if you created your installer with the Advanced interface which is part of the JExpress program.
Requires user agrees to your license: If you include a license agreement, JExpress makes sure that customers agree to it before they install your product.
Displays readme file: Customers start learning about using your product during the installation, if you included one. With the click of a button, they can open up a full size window to easily review the document.
Shows your company info: Give your installation system a personal touch. Your company name, web site, product name, and version display on the first screen to welcome your customers to your Java app. You can even display your own logo throughout the installation if you have a license to JExpress.
Silent installations: Your customers can install your product silently, if they'd like. This allows you to nest multiple installations into one install program. And, network administrators can make sure their users install the software the way the administrator knows is best for their environment. Also, if your customer is running on a non-GUI OS, then a silent install eliminates any screen access.
Build projects from the command line: JExpress allows you to build your project from the command line. You can leave your system creating your multiplatform installer and updater while you work on other tasks ___ or go home for the night. JExpress can even upload your app to your web or ftp site.
Command line arguments: JExpress allows you to pass command line arguments to your applications. You can easily use variables to represent the installation directory or the Java home directory which are automatically adapted to the user's environment during installation.
Windows registry: You can manage an unlimited number of registry entries with JExpress. You can query, add, replace, append, prepend, and delete information.
There's no need to write any special programs. JExpress includes everything you need. To learn more about managing the Windows registry click here.
Windows services: You can install and remove Windows services by using the the Advanced interface Custom API for Windows Services.
Windows desktop icon: JExpress adds a Windows desktop icon for each menu item.
Windows environment variables: JExpress lets you change environment variables without writing any special programs. You simply call a custom command that comes standard with JExpress. To learn more about changing environment variables click here.
Of course, you don't need to use this method to adapt your customer's environment to run your application. JExpress automatically sets the user's classpath in the Install options.
Sets JVM flags: If your Java app needs special JVM flags, also known as switches, passed on the command line and you want the installer to automatically create menus to launch your app, then you'll need to create your menu items with the Advanced interface, not the Wizard.
Supports custom JVM bundles: If you want to ship a particular version of JVM, then you can easily configure JExpress to support any Sun JVM starting with 1.4.x and going through the latest release. Click here to learn more about bundling a JVM for your installer.
Automatically configures user's classpath: JExpress automatically sets the user's classpath during installation.
Compresses your system files: JExpress compresses your class and non-class files into a compact JAR file with manifest. This insure a small foot print for your installation files and the manifest increases reliability during extraction.
Includes an uninstaller: JExpress automatically includes an uninstaller for your product. If your customer installs your product under Windows, then the uninstaller is integrated into the Add/Remove icon on the Control Panel.
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