At the heart of the Rhino platform is the Real-time Application Server which is designed and optimised for event driven (i.e. asynchronous) applications. The Rhino Real-time Application Server (also commonly referred to as a JSLEE Container) is a standards compliant platform that supports, manages and executes portable, carrier grade telecommunication services.

The Rhino Application Server is compliant with the JAIN SLEE 1.1 standard and implements all features of the JAIN SLEE 1.1 specification (including those features listed as optional). Rhino has been designed from first principles to support the requirements of the most demanding carrier grade solutions, regardless of the underlying network protocols.

JAIN is a Sun Java standards initiative and part of the Java Community Process. The JAIN initiative has defined a set of Java technology APIs that enable the rapid development of Java-based next generation communications products and services for the Java platform. The Java APIs defined through the JAIN initiative bring service portability, network independence, and open development to telephony, data and wireless communications networks.

JAIN specifies a comprehensive range of APIs that target converged IP and PSTN networks. JAIN includes APIs for high-level application development (e.g. Service Provider APIs), Call Control, as well as protocol level APIs for signalling (SIP, MGCP, SS7, etc.).

The JAIN SLEE programming model has been designed to simplify the work of the application developer, eliminate common programmer errors and ensure that robust services can be developed rapidly. Rhino and JAIN SLEE is Java technology so the large family of standard Java APIs can also be used in signalling applications.
Find out more about the objectives of JAIN.

Whilst originating to meet the specific challenges of the telecommunications environment, JSLEE is directly applicable to a generic class of problems that require asynchronous behaviour, guaranteed response with low latency, and continuous availability. In short, any problem that has traditionally or can be been modelled with a Finite State Machine (FSM) is likely to be addressed well by the JSLEE standard and JSLEE Application Servers. Such problem areas are "in-network" telecommunications equipment, trading systems, tracking of people and goods/ materials using technologies like RFID, sensor-based control systems etc.

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