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Java gets new APIs

Standards for media, security, commerce, and connectivity promise to drive Java into the enterprise

By George Lawton, JavaWorld.com, 07/01/96

In an effort to expand the utility of Java, JavaSoft announced at JavaOne plans to add a set of applications programming interfaces (APIs). A number of these will be added to the core Java machine, while others, such as 3-D geometry and telephony, will be optional standardized extensions. These APIs will make it easier for developers to create applications that take advantage of a common framework for commerce, multimedia security, and enterprise connectivity.

"The Java industry has asked us for a roadmap that shows Java's smooth, open evolution from a new object-oriented programming language to a complete programming and operating environment," said Alan Baratz, president of JavaSoft. "We've defined the core APIs that will be basic to the highly compact Java platform that will be embedded in the industry's leading operating systems.

"In addition, we have defined Java Standard Extension APIs -- standard because they are fully specified and documented to promote consistent, universal usage; extensions because they're additions to the core Java platform. Each of the Java Standard Extension APIs will maintain full compatibility with the Java platform as it moves forward."

Six sets of APIs

There are six sets of APIs. The Java Commerce, Java Security, and Java Enterprise APIs are considered core APIs. The Java Server and Java Management APIs will be standard extensions. The Java Media API is a mixture of core extensions for 2-D graphics and audio and standard extensions for 3-D, video, and telephony. All of the APIs will be available for comment and review by the end of the year, except for telephony, animation, and 3-D geometry, which are due next year. All are expected to be finalized by the end of 1997.

Although JavaSoft developed some of these APIs on its own, most are the result of a partnership. "We identified a small group of industry leaders and then worked closely with them to define a draft API, refine it, and get feedback from them," said Stuart MacMillan, manager of strategic alliances and acquisitions at JavaSoft.

The Java Media APIs are designed to make it easier to deliver multimedia over the Internet. Intel Corp. and Silicon Graphics assisted in the development of a media framework API to coordinate the display of audio, video, and MIDI. Intel also is working with SGI on the 3-D graphics API and with Macromedia on the animation API.

'Nerd War' demos APIs' power

At the show, Intel demonstrated the power of these extensions with a number of games played on the Java operating system. In a game called Nerd War, which was similar to Mortal Combat, two nerds tried to punch each other and made wimpy noises when hit. However, even though the demo ran on a Pentium, the graphics, animation, and speed were not at the level of a Nintendo game box.

Alan Holzman, technology manager for strategic partnerships at Intel, said the media framework will allow users to do full audio and video streaming. With Intel's RSX technology, users also will be able to listen to 3-D audio. Programmers will be able to create applications with moving backgrounds and characters and a moving foreground. Intel is scheduled to deliver the API in the fourth quarter of this year, and it will be the first implementation for Microsoft Windows.

 

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