BEA Systems, Inc. announced BEA WebLogic Platform 8.1. BEA WebLogic Platform 8.1 is based on a unified architecture that includes new versions of BEA’s application server and Java virtual machine, BEA’s enterprise portal and application development framework, and BEA’s integration solution. Another component of BEA WebLogic Platform 8.1, BEA WebLogic Portal 8.1 is designed to simplify the production and management of custom-fit portals. BEA’s new portal product supports JSR 168, for portlet-level development, and JSR 170, for content management system integration. BEA WebLogic Portal 8.1 also will deliver a new portal design and development environment, based on BEA WebLogic Workshop. In addition, BEA WebLogic Portal 8.1 adds new content management capabilities, search, Web integration, and native support for wireless communications. BEA’s application server will implement both Web services security and an infrastructure for delivering SOAP messages. A beta version of BEA WebLogic Platform 8.1 is available. General availability of BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 and BEA WebLogic JRockit 8.1 is scheduled for the spring. General availability of the BEA WebLogic Platform 8.1, which includes BEA WebLogic Workshop 8.1, BEA WebLogic Integration 8.1, BEA WebLogic Server 8.1 and BEA WebLogic Portal 8.1, is scheduled for the summer. BEA WebLogic software is available for download. www.bea.com