Java, Web 2.0, and Solaris

I spoke with Dan Roberts at Sun Microsystems, and he told me all about the new Web 2.0, Solaris, and Java support programs for developers being introduced today.

Sun is releasing a new developer-oriented version of OpenSolaris, called Solaris Express, Developer Edition. Although Solaris Express has been around for a while, it’s mainly aimed at those who contribute to the OpenSolaris project. There are weekly builds, and although the code is the latest and greatest, not all of it is put through a rigorous QA cycle. That takes time.

The Developer Edition of Solaris Express, however, is a quarterly release of the latest snapshot of the OpenSolaris project, specifically aimed at Solaris application developers (both Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris). Sun puts each release through a preliminary QA cycle to ensure stability, and it includes the latest in developer tools, such as:

- NetBeans for Java and Web 2.0
- Sun Studio for C/C++
- AMP Releases: Apache Tomcat, MySQL, PostgresSQL, PHP, and Perl
- The latest JDK
- The latest version of Glassfish, the open-source Sun Java Application Server
- The latest in GUI desktops
- DTrace with the latest probe-points for the OS and all of tools released with it (including the AMP stack).

The Startup Essentials program has been upgraded as well, with expanded hardware deals that now include low-end SPARC systems and storage system offerings. This is in addition to the AMD-based systems that were available previously. You can choose from many standard configurations and receive up to a 60% discount off the price and, in many cases, receive the hardware within 24 to 48 hours. Custom configurations are available as well, but delivery dates will vary.

Finally, new developer services have been introduced for the new hardware and software stacks. Developers can receive specialized advice for programming issues on a per-request basis with guaranteed response times through Sun Developer Expert Assistance Service. The service is available to all developers with a cost of $49 (USD) per request or unlimited requests for an annual subscription cost of $249 (USD). Sun Developer Expert Assistance Service provides global, round-the-clock e-mail-based support on Sun software. More information is available at http://developers.sun.com/services, the comprehensive location for developers to discover all the Sun support and training options.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 08:02 AM  Permalink