New Tools, Distribution for Java SE 6

Sun just announced that the Apache Derby database, renamed JavaDB, and the Swing Visual Designer (originally Project Matisse) will be part of Java Standard Edition 6 (Mustang).

Sun also announced two new partner relationships to help further the distribution of Java: Lenovo and Founder Technology Group.

The Java Runtime Edition (JRE) will be installed and shipped on all Lenovo and Founder hardware. Java SE 6, Beta 2, is available for download at http://java.sun.com/javase/6.

There are three important messages in this press release from Sun:

• Sun is putting a lot of effort into delivering tools to make software development with the Java platform easier, and less costly, with every release of Java.

• Sun is hitting their milestones for the development and release of key Java technology, proving that developers and organizations can depend on them going forward.

• Sun is forging relationships with key industry players to ensure that Java is installed on an increasing number of desktops (and devices if you follow the Java ME world) as time goes on. For instance, Sun recently launched a new program for PC Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to distribute Java SE technology. See http://java.com/pcoem for more information.
  

Official Sun press release (6/21/2006):

Sun Adds Java DB and Swing Visual Designer to Java Development Kit and Enters Next Phase for Java Platform Standard Edition 6

Founder Technology Group and Lenovo to Distribute Java Runtime Environment

SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- June 21, 2006 – Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), the creator and leading advocate of Java(TM) technology, today announced it will be incorporating Java DB, the Sun supported distribution of the open source Apache Derby Project, as well as the Group Layout component from the NetBeans(TM) GUI Builder code-named Project Matisse (https://swing-layout.dev.java.net/) into the latest version of the Java Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6) Java Development Kit (JDK(TM)). In addition, Sun announced new agreements with Founder Technology Group and Lenovo to ship the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on their hardware.

The second Beta release of Java SE 6 technology is now available at: http://java.sun.com/javase/6. Developers are encouraged to begin their transition to Java SE 6 platform and leverage the enhancements and expanded functionality of the latest release. Scheduled for final release in the Fall of 2006, the Java SE 6 platform is the result of an industry-wide development effort that involves open review, weekly builds and extensive collaboration between Sun engineers and over 330 external developers. In addition, Sun announced its expansion of service programs for Java SE 6 developers ranging from programming-specific advice to enterprise support with its Sun Developer Expert Assistance (DEA) Program and Sun Developer Service Plans (DSP).

Java DB in Java SE 6
Beginning today, Java DB will be available through the early access weekly builds of Java SE 6 at: https://mustang.dev.java.net/. Although it has a footprint of only two megabytes (MB), Java DB is a sophisticated, fully transactional, relational Java technology-based database with support for open standards, triggers,and stored procedures. Java DB can be used either in client-server mode or embedded directly into a Java application where it can run in the same Java Virtual Machine (JVM(TM)), eliminating the need to acquire, download, install, or administer the database separately from the application. Sun offers support services for customers who choose to use Java DB in production.

Rapid Visual Development of Swing Applications
Java SE 6 will also include the new layout manager component that enables developers to create standards-based GUI layouts easily and efficiently. GroupLayout is a key component of the NetBeans GUI Builder (code named Project Matisse) that makes the design of a Java technology GUI as simple as using a WYSIWYG drawing program. With a form builder that provides visual guidelines for optimal spacing between components and their alignments, there is no need to know the underlying Swing constructs or guidelines for different looks and feels. (http://www.netbeans.info/downloads/download.php?type=5.0)

Expanding Java Technology Availability on the Desktop
Founder Technology Group and Lenovo have both signed licensing agreements to ship the latest JRE on a broad range of business and consumer desktop and notebook PCs starting as early as the third quarter of this year. As a result, their customers will have immediate access to the latest Java technology-based content and applications. With this announcement, Founder Technology Group and Lenovo join the list of leading PC manufacturers around the world that distribute the Java platform on their hardware, which also includes: Acer, Apple Computer Inc., Dell Computer Corporation, Gateway, HP, Samsung, Toshiba and Tsinghua Tongfang.

Sun recently launched a new program for PC Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to distribute Java SE technology. Using a simple online application and single 'click-through' approval of the distribution agreement PC OEMs can sign up for the program at: http://java.com/pcoem. Once approved into the program, the companies can distribute Java SE technology on the systems they deliver and have a direct channel to receive online support for the integration of the Java platform into their installation, configuration and distribution processes.

Compatibility Matters
A top priority for the Java SE 6 software is to protect developers' current and future investments by helping to ensure compatibility. Earlier this year, Sun sponsored the “Regressions Challenge”contest and invited developers to test their applications on the Java SE 6 platform. The contest resulted in more than 130 submissions and 72 bugs were filed – more than half of which already have fixes (http://download.java.net/jdk/Mustang-Regressions.html). In addition, almost 160 companies are working with Sun to help enable compatibility by actively testing their Java technology-based applications on the Java SE 6 platform.

Developers are encouraged to try out the latest features in Java SE 6 software Beta using the NetBeans IDE 5.0 software tools via download at http://www.netbeans.org. Sun's Developer Services programs (http://developers.sun.com/services) offer Java developers a complete line of developer how-to help, product support and updates, and training that reduces time and risk for the entire application lifecycle--from development through deployment. Java developers are also encouraged to join the Sun(SM) Developer Network Program, at no cost, by registering online at: http://developers.sun.com/register.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 08:51 AM  Permalink