Design and Evaluation of an Extensible Web and Telephony Server based on the J-Kernel

Abstract

This paper describes the design and performance of the J-Server, an integrated web and telephony server that allows untrusted Java servlets to be dynamically uploaded to extend the server's functionality. The J-Kernel provides for protection and communication between J-Server servlets, and ensures that servlets can be cleanly terminated. A resource monitor called JRes is used to account for servlet resource usage. Two sample applications show that the overhead of J-Kernel task boundary crossings is small compared to the applications' overall running time. Experience developing applications for the J-Server demonstrates the benefits of extensible systems based on safe language protection, and the flexibility of the servlet model.