Java

See Java at Sun

If Java is the Answer, what is the Question?

Anton Eliëns

Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam

Object+, 14 october 1998


www.cs.vu.nl/~eliens/online/talks/objectplus98

As you may have guessed

It is all a matter of Perspective

Perspectives

Looking at Java ...

?

Internet Applications

The Press says ...

The Answer is JavaBeans

JavaBeans is the platform-neutral, component architecture for the Java application environment.

It's the ideal choice for developing or assembling network-aware solutions for heterogeneous hardware and operating system environments--within the enterprise or across the Internet.

In fact, it's the only component architecture you should consider if you're developing for the Java platform.

Note that ...

I think ...

Well, eh

...

Software Engineering

The Press says ...

Note that ...


If today's languages are inadequate for today's software engineering challenges, then Java must be inadequate too.


From Ted Lewis, IEEE Computer, march 1997

I think ...

that CORBA is way ahead in standardization efforts,

And language independent!

Language Design

The Press says ...

Note that ...

I think ...

of Java as C++ for dummies.

Sorry

System Development

The Press says ...

It Works Everywhere

The idea is simple: Java software works just about everywhere -- from the smallest devices to supercomputers. Java technology components don't care what kind of computer, phone, TV, or operating system they run on. They just work, on any kind of compatible device that supports the Java platform.

Note that ...

I think ...

that Java might be too heavy for lightweight clients and too light for heavy servers.

... tussen de wal en het schip ...

Computer Science

The Press says ...

NOTHING

Note that ...

Java is a better mousetrap

I think ...

that we desperately need declarative, reliable and verifiable languages.

iow ... logic programming

Business

The Press says ...

WeatherLabs At WeatherLabs, Inc., a mere dozen meteorologists and software developers manage more weather data in less time than a staff of 100, using Java technology.

Prudential Healthcare In an effort to elevate and improve its administration of health benefits to its customers, Prudential HealthCare looked to the Java Technolo gy platform to develop the first-of-its-kind Web-based benefits administration system.

Note that ...

I think ...

that you know more about business than I do.

Do you?

The Global Village

The Press says ...

Imagine: Stockbrokers have to deal with an immense amount of information coming from multiple sources. Decision making must be quick. Stock fluctuations, political tensions and market trends must be monitored to detect critical situations and act appropriately.

Think of: the potential of the new virtual world technology (VRML+Java) to present the (overload of) information in a more adequate way, allowing for immediate inspection, more detailed analysis, and interaction with partners and potential sources of information.

Note that ...

Java alone would not suffice

I think ...

see The Virtual Dealing Room

Conclusions

Java is an Answer to

The Questions that Java raises concern