What java web application framework to use?
- by frohiky
One of the main products of my company is an Oracle Forms (and Reports) based application, that "needs" to be re-written in another technology. Why? Users want a more rich interface experience, and we want, preferably, to reduce costs with an open source application server.
For this (HUGE) project, we intend to use a java web application framework, keep these points in mind:
We have:
hundreds of tables on our database (the ORM must be as flexible as possible);
some logic which is (and will still be) based on PL/SQL procedures/functions/packages;
a lot of CRUDs (the application itself is of an considerable size);
a demand to work with/generate documents and workflows;
an intranet based user environment;
We want:
to offer a RIA interface experience;
use (if possible) an open source app server;
a rapid (as possible) development framework;
a somewhat mature framework with a "wise" roadmap (and a considerable community support);
a MVC approach combined with JS or GWT widgets (e.g. Vaadin or SmartGWT);
Well, in the past weeks I've read a lot of posts, Q&As on stackoverflow, and much more: Wicket, JSF, Tapestry, Grails, GWT, Struts2, Play, Spring, Seam, Echo, .... the list goes on! I've even researched about Alfresco..!
The obvious question: Which one to use?
At this time, any insight, recommendation, shared experience, advice will be more then welcome!