Sun launches new Java developer tools

Release designed to help content creators build rich internet apps for any device

Sun Microsystems has announced a new family of Java products at its JavaOne developer conference in San Francisco, designed to help content creators build rich internet applications for any mobile, set-top, desktop or other device without having to rely on developers.

During his opening keynote, Sun’s software executive vice-president Rich Green officially launched JavaFX Script, a new easy-to-use scripting language aimed at content creators wanting to design “visually compelling environments in a very short period of time”. He also unveiled JavaFX Mobile, described as a complete software system for mobile devices.

Demonstrating the JavaFX Script in the opening keynote, Java founder James Gosling explained how the new technology, which runs unmodified on every Java SE platform, can help firms to create more compelling graphics that can “dynamically move in subtle ergonomic ways”.

JavaFX needs less coding than traditional scripting languages demand and firms could also benefit from its close integration with other Java applications and infrastructure components, and the Java trusted security model, said Sun.

JavaFX Mobile will be made available to handset manufacturers, OEM licence carriers and other firms, with the first handset expected in early 2008, said Green. “It’s a complete desktop-scale operating environment that puts the network in your hand,” he added.

But Jeff Griffin, Sony Ericsson’s senior systems engineer, said his company would continue to concentrate its efforts on developing with Java ME technology, until it finds more out about the new JavaFX offerings.

“We need more data about what FX is supposed to be, but we’re not looking to upgrade now,” he added.

Also at the event, Sun chief executive Jonathan Schwartz denied that the marketplace was already overcrowded with rich internet application technologies similar to JavaFX, such as Microsoft’s Silverlight and Adobe’s Flash and Apollo. He explained that Sun is seeking to differentiate its technology based on the wide developer support for Java and the fact that its compatibility and near ubiquity means convergence with other devices will be easier to achieve.

“The big message is convergence. We’ll actively try and drive that because that’s what our customers want,” Schwartz said. “We are also focused on connecting business systems with people and Java has a profound and prolific role to play in that.”

Yahoo senior vice-president, Marco Boerries, approved the announcement. " Whatever helps us and the world to create richer more meaningful applications is certainly welcome from us," he added.

Fabrizio Capobianco, chief executive of mobile open-source specialist Funambol, said that Sun may have been prompted to launch JavaFX Mobile because of the growing popularity of Linux mobile operating systems.

“I don’t know if they are trying to compete with Linux but they are on the server side,” Capobianco argued. “Linux is getting a lot of traction [on mobiles] and they’re trying to jump on that.”

Michael Azoff of analyst Butler Group predicted JavaFX will be “an important platform for Sun” as it battles Adobe and Microsoft for developer hearts and minds in the RIA solution space.

“With JavaFX Script plugged into NetBeans and accessing the Java library, it makes it easy for developers to write in Swing, and gives the language an immediate starting advantage,” he added.

The JavaFX announcement is also central to Sun’s desire to offer “more than just technical services but real social value”, according to Schwartz. At the show, UN spokesman Djibril Diallo expressed his support for the firm’s efforts to use its free, open-source technology to enable rich internet experiences and improve education in developing countries.