I think it might be mostly a counter-move against Microsofts
Java strategy. Let's see somebody using VisualJ++ with the
ActiveX extensions try and get their applets certified!
In a related story, Microsoft is stepping up that "if we
make enough noise, people will believe that Java is just
a language and not a component model" campaign. It ain't
gonna work Bill! You're hosed.
REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. --
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and leading vendors of technology for
Java(TM) today announced the availability of the Microsoft(R) Gallery for
Java, a freely downloadable set of Java libraries provided by companies
including Aimtech Corp., Bulletproof Corp., Dimension X, Intel Corp.,
NetDynamics, Object Design Inc., Stingray Software and XDB Systems
Inc.
The Microsoft Gallery for Java is another component in Microsoft's
strategy to provide the best development and execution environment for
Java. The Microsoft Gallery for Java, available free (except for connect
charges, if any) from the Microsoft Web site for Java
(http://www.microsoft.com/java/), gives developers a broad range of
exciting functionality not offered in Java alone, including the following:
* Aimtech's Jamba for multimedia effects
* Bulletproof's JDesignerPro for access to databases
* Dimension X's Liquid Motion Pro for 2-D, live, interactive content
* Intel's Realistic Sound eXperience (RSX) and Realistic Display miXer
(RDX) for positional sound and animation effects
* NetDynamics' tools for creating data-intensive applications for the Web
* Object Design's ObjectStore PSE for persistent storage of Java objects
* Stingray's Objective Blend for creating user interfaces easily
* XDB Systems' JetConnect for transaction-oriented access to Java
"By offering developers stellar third-party libraries and the SDK for Java,
we are supplying them with exactly what they have long been asking for
-- a way to go beyond applets and build business solutions with Java," said
John Ludwig, vice president of the Internet platform and tools division at
Microsoft.
Using libraries from the Gallery with the newly released Microsoft
Software Development Kit (SDK) for Java, developers can create richer
and more powerful Internet and intranet applications. These new
applications can take advantage of the power, stability and speed offered
by the Microsoft virtual machine for Java -- the Microsoft
implementation of Java that enables users to execute Java applications
rated fastest by PC Magazine
(http://www.pcmag.com/features/pctech/1518/java.htm).
"Our goal is to enable Java developers to provide end users with the richest
possible multimedia experience on the Internet," said D. Craig Kinnie,
director of Intel Architecture Labs. "We are pleased to be working with
Microsoft on its Java initiative, bringing enhanced power and punch to
Internet software development."
"The Microsoft virtual machine for Java, combined with libraries from the
Gallery such as Object Design's PSE for Java persistent storage engine, is
exactly what we need to turn Java from a good technology to a powerful
development vehicle for writing real-world business applications," said
Jeff Bauer, principal software architect at American Retirement Corp. "It
leverages our existing investment in code and training, while enabling us
to create faster and more feature-rich applications than we could ever
create otherwise."
Third parties interested in supplying libraries to the Microsoft Gallery for
Java can obtain additional information from
http://www.microsoft.com/java/.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for
personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and
services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the
full power of personal computing every day.
NOTE: Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of
Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Java is a
trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc. Other product and company names
herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
/CONTACT: Tracy Torgerson Pozil of Waggener Edstrom,
206-637-9097, or tracyp@wagged.com, for Microsoft Corp./ (MSFT)
MB
-- Mark Baker, Mississauga Ontario CANADA. http://www.interlog.com/~markb markb@interlog.com, mark_baker@nortel-nsm.com