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Sun's latest Java development wins big

Java Web Start could jump-start client-side Java

By Tim Fielden, InfoWorld, 11/03/00

Do you think desktop Java interfaces are capable of handling much more complex applications than their Web counterparts? Your answer is probably yes. However, although they offer numerous benefits, Java-based desktop applications also prove problematic in many areas. Chief among these is the huge effort required to install and configure applications and keep them up-to-date, oftentimes on thousands of machines across the globe.

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TEXTBOX_HEAD: The Bottom Line

Java Web Start, Early Access Version 0.4

Business Case
The real value-add with Java Web Start is that a full application is downloaded and ultimately made executable without the limitations of a specific browser. In addition, businesses will experience a dramatic reduction in cost for ongoing application support.

Technology Case
Developers will find they can offer their users much more functionality than they could via applets. The only requirement is that the applications be Java 2-based and be in the form of a jar file.

Pros

• Removes deployment expense
• Works with all Web browsers and servers
• Automatically updates new versions

Cons

• Potentially huge network utilization at initial deployment and fix stages

Cost
Available free via download

Platforms
Any platform that supports Java 2; official Sun support available for Solaris, Red Hat Linux, Windows 95/98, and Windows NT/2000

Sun Microsystems; Palo Alto, Calif.; (800) 786-7638

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Now, imagine for a moment that your company had the ability to offer its users and developers the richness of a full-blown Java application but with the simplicity of Web-based management and deployment. Sound interesting? Thanks to Sun Microsystems and the latest early access version, 0.4, of its Java Web Start (JWS) technology, this no longer needs to be just a thought; it can easily become a reality.

With JWS, users can experience all the things that they liked about a client-based application, including the rich presentation, the usability, the highly technical implementation, and so on. But they can do so with all the benefits of a Web application -- namely, no client installation visits are required. Instead, users simply download the application once and begin working. In addition, no manual updates are necessary as the application automatically updates itself.

Bottom-line benefits

Companies actively engaged in Java development will find Sun's latest technology advancements a huge boon. By removing the obstacles of browser-specific development, developers can offer their users more usable and powerful applications. Best yet, they can also do so without the overhead costs associated with deployment. Enterprises can save both time and money, drastically decreasing overall bottom-line costs.

JWS was developed based on the premise that end users still prefer and require the richness and full-featured capabilities that a desktop application provides, but also want the flexibility of a browser-based approach. As one of the requirements is Java 2, the technology is a nice augmentation for Java programmers. JWS also ensures that applications are always up to date, a major breakthrough for Java developers.

For more enterprise computing news, visit InfoWorld. Story copyright InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.

 

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