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Larry Koved manager, secure applications and middleware "I like music that tells a good story" |
On the book: Enterprise Java Security (2004)
What made you decide to write a book on this topic?
Several years ago the co-authors of Enterprise Java Security were at an industry conference presenting topics related to security in Java 2 Enterprise Edition™. This was not the first time we had presented the material, nor would it be the last. Inquiries were arriving from both within and outside IBM. It was clear that there was a need for a comprehensive presentation of the security topics that would address the needs of architects, designers and programmers. In particular, how to secure enterprise (server-based) Java applications. It was clear that there was quite a bit of new material that needed to be covered for server side applications that was not covered in previous books on Java. The time was ripe for a book that would be the successor to Marco's previous book on Java security.
How did you go about the research necessary to write such a technical book?
All of the authors had been working with Java since its earliest days. At the time we started the book, we were actively working with Sun Microsystems' JavaSoft division (the developers of the reference implementation of the Java language and runtime) on the design and implementation of a number of Java security technologies. This included many of the standard technologies that were to become part of Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE). We were also working on Java 2 Enterprise Edition security. As such, we were very familiar with most of the topics that were ultimately included in Enterprise Java Security. Much of the technical information was based on the specifications and implementations we jointly wrote with Sun Microsystems, as well as experience in translating the specifications into products (i.e., WebSphere). As part of writing the book, we also wrote sample code and deployment descriptors for the book.
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What or who inspires and encourages you to write?
The lead author, Marco, has written many books. The idea of writing a successor to his previously successful book on Java security really excited him. He was a great motivator, as well as a great person to work with on a book. After having worked on the design and implementation of Java security technologies, it was time to explain it to those who wanted to understand and use the technologies.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Writing a book takes far more time than you expect. Find a topic that you really like, or would like to better understand. A topic that you will stick with for a long time. If you are working with a co-author, be sure that it is someone with whom you work well on research and writing tasks.
Who are some of your favorite authors today?
There are many. Notable ones include:Thomas Friedman ("The World Is Flat", among others) and J.K. Rowling -- the Harry Potter books. Ray Bradbury is timeless.
What role did books play in your childhood?
I was always reading books. I've always been impressed by writers who were good story tellers. The story did not have to be very original (although that helped). The same is true for music -- I like music that tells a good story (i.e., ballads).