Sun's JavaFX inches towards readiness

Sun's rich internet application platform still playing catch-up

Sun Microsystems has released a preview version of its rich internet application (RIA) application platform, JavaFX, although a full commercial release is still some way off.

JavaFX provides tools to make the development of rich internet applications easier, and is intended to rival Adobe's AIR and Microsoft's Silverlight offerings.

The JavaFX Preview release includes a JavaFX software development kit, the latest NetBeans integrated development environment with the JavaFX plugin, Project Nile – which has plugins for users to export content from Adobe's Illustrator and Photoshop applications, and the latest Java runtime environment.

It is intended to let designers and developers get used to using the technology.

Sun first showcased JavaFX at its JavaOne conference in San Francisco in May 2008.

Sun is hoping the size of the Java community will help in catching up to its competitors in the RIA development market. Editions to address mobile devices and TVs are due to be released in 2009.