The first Apache Tomcat 7 release, Tomcat 7.0.0 beta, is now available from the Tomcat 7 download page at the Apache Software Foundation.

SpringSource's Tomcat expert, Mark Thomas, describes the details of the release at TomcatExpert.com.In addition to the implementation of the Servlet 3.0, JSP 2.2 and EL 2.2 specifications, Tomcat 7 boasts a number of new features:

• memory leak prevention and detection
• protection against session fixation attacks
• a simple filter to add cross-site request forgery protection to an application
• simplified embedding
• alias support
• better security for the Manager and Host Manager applications

Developers interested in using Tomcat should also check out tc Server Developer Edition which incorporates the Spring Insight performance analysis console. The tc Server team are tracking the Tomcat beta process and will provide an update once the Tomcat 7 releases stabilize.