EJB (Enterprise JavaBeans) is a framework that provides a standard method for developing enterprise-level Java applications and is a lot easier and faster for developers to use. Software companies are rushing to develop commercial servers that will house and run these EJB services. Starting in 1999, it's expected that most Java developers will be writing EJB-compliant applications again, because they're faster and easier to write, and more reliable and efficient to run. This is an overview of what EJB is, how it works, and how to build EJB applications. The book is organised into five parts. The first two explain what EJB is and how it works; the last three describe how to develop EJB applications. The last three parts are written for a specific type of EJB developer: developers of commercial EJB-compliant Beans; developers of applications that integrate Beans with EJB services to handle a complete business activity; and developers of EJB servers The guide contains tips and techniques based on the first-hand experience of the author and his contributors. The accompanying CD-ROM contains sample source code, the EJB specification and supporting code from JavaSoft, demos of EJB servers, and links to other sources of information. There is a companion Website to provide updates on EJB technologies. The author is a developer with experience building an EJB server and he offers solutions based on actual experience with EJB.