Java tools

I am new to this list, and apologize if this is an old question that has
been beaten to death already.

My company, INSI (Integrated Newspaper Systems, Inc.) is a vendor to the
newspaper industry, selling AS/400 based business applications. 
Traditionally, we have been an RPG only shop, but now want to move into
the new world and are looking at Java as an alternative and/or
additional programming tool.

What are your favorite tools for java development?  There are so many,
such as Visual Age for Jave, Visual Cafe, etc.  What are the benefits
and downsides of these tools.  Should we even use them, or just go with
the language itself.

Any information you can provide, whether to the list or to me
separately, will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks -- 

Jim Ackerman
INSI
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