Hiring the phantom Java architect
Unlike other programming languages, Java—because of its broad
scope—has caused more functions, responsibilities, and
expectations to be tacked on to job requirements, in particular, to
the responsibilities of a Java architect. Java job requirements
written by IT managers and HR departments are starting to look more
like a wish list than an IT skill set. Companies are eternally
trying to fill the phantom Java architect position. But do IT
managers really know who or what they are looking for? Moreover, do
they know what a Java architect is supposed to bring to their
organization? Learning how to clearly define the role of an
architect would benefit both IT companies and the Java workforce by
establishing realistic expectations and job requirements.
(1,000 words; May 9, 2005)
Al Smith Jr.,
May 2005
Get the inside track on J2EE architect certification
The Sun Microsystems Certified Enterprise Architect for J2EE (Java
2 Platform, Enterprise Edition) Technology exam represents the
culmination of the Sun certification stack for Java technology.
However, the value of formal certifications has always been
questioned by the Java community and by the larger software
engineering community. What does the exam buy you? In this article,
Humphrey Sheil examines the pros and cons of pursuing J2EE
architect certification and dispels common misconceptions about
both the exam and its associated certification. Throughout the
article, Mark Cade, lead developer responsible for Sun's J2EE
architect exam, provides insider commentary. Sheil also gives tips
on how to prepare for the exam, specifically the practical
assignment portion. Last but not least, Sheil presents a sneak peek
into some likely features for the exam's later iterations and
offers you the opportunity for input on future exams.
Humphrey Sheil,
December 2002
Java jobs easy to find; skills hard to come by
Analysts predict that demand for Java programmers will continue to
grow at an impressive rate, led by Java's cross-platform and
productivity features. Java, however, may be a victim of its own
success as training bottlenecks raise costs and lower quality.
(1,000 words)
Christie Vincent and Itworld.com,
August 2001
Study hall
I recently became a Sun Certified Java Programmer. I'm now interested in taking my developer exams, and I'm looking for some
guidance. As someone who has completed the developer certification, what books and Websites do you suggest using to prepare
for the exam?
Tony Sintes,
July 2001
Certification help
Tony Sintes,
March 2000
The real future of Java
Many among us seek to predict where Java will take us as we
transition into the next millennium. Java Evangelist Miko Matsumura
makes the case that the future lies in the hands of children and
their education. He explains that in addition to Java's use in
computer science education, it is also useful as a substrate for
collaborative workgroups, distance learning, multimedia, and
computer-based training. (1,850 words)
Miko Matsumura,
January 1998
The pros and cons of the new Java
JavaOne was an excellent source for up-to-the-minute information on
what Java is and what it will be. Sun Microsystems and its JavaSoft
division have made some pretty good progress during the past year
(since the last JavaOne in May '96). JavaSoft has kept many
promises, delayed a few, and promised some more. The technology
sounds great. But there are some indications that JavaSoft is
looking for ways to make more money, and maintain firm control over
Java. Could this end up costing developers and end users someday?
(2,250 words)
Rich Kadel,
May 1997
Internet World: Microsoft, Sun dispute invitation to join pure Java
Boston (December 12, 1996) - Microsoft Corp. claims Sun Microsystems Inc. did not invite it to join the 100% Pure Java campaign,
but Sun officials claim that's not true.
Sari Kalin,
January 1997
Java undergoes purification ritual at Internet World
New York -- In conjunction with Apple Computer, IBM Corp., Netscape Communications Corp., and Oracle Corp., along with the
explicit backing of over 100 independent software development firms, Sun Microsystems yesterday unveiled its new "100% Pure
Java" program. The announcement, held on the first day of Mecklermedia's busy Fall Internet World show, came in a caffeine
burst of corporate partnering apparently brought on by recent moves from Microsoft Corp. to undermine the integrity of Sun's
heretofore open Java development specifications.
Kieron Murphy,
January 1997
Java -- Cappuccino for the corporate programmer?
Sure, Java is all the rage among technical entrepreneurs. But is it
a good technology choice for corporate applications? Our expert
says yes -- where network computing is critical, Java will make
tremendous inroads in corporate programming.
Frank Greco,
May 1996
What is Java? A 10 minute guide for the uninitiated
Since you're reading JavaWorld, you probably already
realize the significance of Sun's new programming language. But
since Java is still relatively new, we expect many of you are still
learning about Java. Even if you know all, you may need to inform
your boss/partner/friend/CIO/client about the merits and potential
benefits of Sun's revolutionary new programming language, so here's
the article to share with your non-programmer associates to help
them quickly and easily understand the basic concepts of Java and
its far-reaching impact. (1,500 words)
Peter Kestenbaum,
March 1996