The J2EE Connector architecture is proposed to be part of version 1.3 of the J2EE platform. These containers provide deployment and runtime support for application components. They also provide a federated view of the services provided by the underlying application server for the application components. This enables enterprises to leverage both the advantages of their existing systems and those with J2EE technology. Enterprise applications access functions and data associated with applications running on EISs.
Application servers extend their containers and support connectivity to heterogeneous EISs.
The J2EE Connector architecture defines a standard architecture for connecting the J2EE platform to heterogeneous EISs. Examples of EISs include ERP, mainframe transaction processing, database systems, and legacy applications not written in the Java programming language. By defining a a set of scalable, secure, and transactional mechanisms, the J2EE Connector architecture enables the integration of EISs with application servers and enterprise applications. The resource adapter plugs into an application server, providing connectivity between the EIS, the application server, and the enterprise application. If an application server vendor has extended its system to support the J2EE Connector architecture, it is assured of seamless connectivity to multiple EISs.