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How Microsoft is broadening Java's scope
The "embrace and extend" directive from Redmond has received heaps of criticism -- but a positive spin on the plan is offered here
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The question is, of course, obvious: What percentage of developers really want to write least-common-denominator code if it is easier to write more fully functional software that performs better on a smaller number of platforms? Again, the jury is still out.
It is important to remember that Java is a programming language. Portability is one of its most important features, but not its only one. Java is a fine language for writing platform-dependent code that is scalable, easy to develop, and inexpensive to maintain. For many developers, particularly those who have standardized on Windows, these features may be all that matter.
About the author
William Blundon is president and COO of SourceCraft Inc., a leading developer of intranet development tools using Java and other Internet technologies. Over the last seven years, his focus has been on distributed object environments and the Internet. He is a former director of the Object Management Group.Conclusion
The Microsoft approach to Java is many things, but it certainly isn't off base. One thing's for sure, it has sparked debate. The Java community is abuzz with questions like: What does it mean to maintain a portable standard and still enable innovation? Whatever else JavaSoft does in light of inevitable innovation, it must defend the core Java language and component object model against those who wish to extend or adapt them. Nearly everything else is fair game. Many areas remain open for innovation, but these features define Java. There can only be one of each.- Feedback
Resources
- The Object Management Group provides an excellent white paper on the Web with views on CORBA and DCOM
http://www.omg.org/activex.htm - A summary of the COM architecture is available on the Microsoft site
http://www.microsoft.com/ie/support/docs/tech30/arch.htm - Also available on Microsoft's site is this comprehensive view of its Java products and strategy
http://www.microsoft.com/java/sdk/ - The JavaSoft "100% Pure Java" initiative is highlighted online
http://www.javasoft.com/100percent/index.html - Here is JavaSoft's JavaBeans specification
http://splash.javasoft.com/beans/WhitePaper.html
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