How do I install WebSockets functionality on 10.6.7 Server?

I'd like to play around with adding WebSockets functionality to my website. The particular problem I'm trying to solve is communication from a client side Java applet that does not get blocked by firewalls. I can find a number of tutorials on WebSockets (i.e., setting up a simple chat), but not much in the way of how to get a functioning Apache2 http server cooperating with a functioning WebSockets server on Snow Leopard Server.

Before hosing my server, I thought I'd see if there are any particular recommendations or (even better) step-by-step tutorials. My first preference would be a Java solution (as the client side will be Java), but I'm open to other languages.

Thanks in advance.