J2EE is known for its power and flexibility in developing database driven enterprise middleware applications. Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) is a key component in J2EE.
However, the current J2EE 1.4 and EJB 2.1 are complex specifications. Novice Java developers need to learn the EJB component model, APIs, XML-based deployment descriptor files, and various design patterns before they can create usable systems. The complex programming model is one of the major factors that hinders the adoption of J2EE. Misuse of J2EE by inexperienced developers also results in poor software qualities.
To address this complexity problem, the EJB 3.0 expert group has developed a new programming model for the next generation enterprise Java middleware applications. The new model leverages the knowledge and experience learned from proven successful Open Source projects, such as Hibernate and XDoclet. It is based on Java annotations and POJO (plain old Java objects) services. The EJB 3 programming model is easy to understand and preserves the power of J2EE at the same time.
JBoss is a key driving force behind EJB 3.0. It not only supports the EJB 3.0 specification but also makes the EJB 3.0 programming model more generally available for other enterprise middleware services in the JBoss Enterprise Middleware Suite (JEMS) of products.