Earlier this month, Sun Microsystems launched its JavaFX Script scripting language and the JavaFX Mobile platform at its 12th annual JavaOne developer conference in San Francisco. The vendor has high hopes for both technologies, but the reaction from industry watchers has been mixed.
JavaFX Script is designed to enable developers to write content-rich apps for a wide variety of systems, including mobile devices, set-top boxes, desktops and Blu-ray consoles. It also boasts drag-and-drop functionality that is designed to make it easier for less IT-savvy users to create rich media content.
“We kept thinking, wouldn’t it be cool to take Java and add a new level of technology and value, a new focus on productivity for individuals around the world,” said Sun’s executive vice-president of software, Rich Green. “It’s all based on the standard Java SE and extends the reach of Java to more creative individuals.”
Green demonstrated the technology during his opening keynote with the help of Java founder James Gosling. “This is all about building very rich graphical experiences,” said Gosling.
Green said the new language benefits from close integration with Java applications and infrastructure running on both the client and server side, which gives users and developers a better experience.
Yahoo senior vice-president Marco Boerries welcomed the release. “We’re extremely excited – it brings more power and a richer experience; something that companies like us are looking for,” he said.
Others pointed out that JavaFX faces competition from similar technologies for building rich internet applications (RIA), such as Adobe Flash and Apollo, and Microsoft’s recently-launched Silverlight.
But Sun chief executive Jonathan Schwartz said the latest addition to the Java family had an edge on its rivals, particularly in the enterprise
market. “We’re focused on connecting business systems with people, and Java has a profound and prolific role to play in business systems, which is a distinct advantage,” he explained.
Also launched at the conference was JavaFX Mobile, a new software system that will be made available via OEM licences to carriers, handset manufacturers, and other firms from next year.
Fabrizio Capobianco, chief executive of mobile open-source push email specialist Funambol, praised the technology behind FX Mobile, which came with Sun’s acquisition of SavaJe Technologies. “Having an open-source operating system for mobiles is phenomenal,” he added.
Michael Azoff of Butler Group commented that the idea behind JavaFX was to create a pure Java equivalent of JavaScript.
“The competition for developer hearts and minds will become even fiercer as JavaFX finally delivers Sun’s long-awaited pure Java rich internet app solution,” Azoff added.
