Sun Microsystems, Inc. announced completion of the JavaBeansapplication programming interface (API) specification, the component architecture for the Javaplatform.

Built through a collaborative industry effort to provide developers a strong platform-independent component architecture, the JavaBeans specification was completed ahead of schedule and is now available. JavaBeans is a compact component architecture that enables developers to write re-usable components once and then run them anywhere. JavaBeans developers have a seamless and powerful means to run their applications in COM, OpenDoc, and Netscape's LiveConnect(TM). There is no need to make a choice to pursue only one component platform -- JavaBeans provides access to them all.

"Component development works because developers free themselves from slow, expensive development of monolithic applications," said Alan Baratz, president of JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "JavaBeans takes that principle a major step forward. The choice is clear -- JavaBeans extends the concept of re-usable component development beyond one platform and component architecture to embrace every platform and component architecture in the industry. I can't think of a better means for a developer to secure a future in the new software market."

Partner Support

Industry leaders in component development worked with JavaSoft to create the JavaBeans specification, a draft of which was released to the Internet for public comments on September 4, 1996. The completed JavaBeans specification incorporates contributions from a broad range of companies, including Baan Company, Borland International, CI Labs, Corel Corporation, Informix, International Business Machines Corporation, JUSTSYSTEM, Lotus Development Corporation, Netscape Communications Corporation, Novell, Oracle Corporation, ParkPlace-Digitalk, Silicon Graphics, Inc., SunSoft, Sybase, Inc., Symantec and Visual Edge.

Leading Java tools developers are already incorporating support for JavaBeans in their products, creating a full complement of visual tools for JavaBeans that interoperate with other component architectures (see addendum for details).

"We're very gratified to see the tools community swiftly embracing JavaBeans by building visual tools to create applications using JavaBeans," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products, JavaSoft. "Java has become the de facto platform for developing networked applications, and JavaBeans is the best choice for developers who want to re-use their development investment across client/server systems and every other networked environment that emerges."

Interoperability Ensured

Apple Computer and IBM Corporation are working with JavaSoft to ensure two-way interoperability between JavaBeans and OpenDoc applications, providing an invisible migration to client/server applications. In addition, JavaSoft will ensure that JavaBeans run seamlessly inside ActiveX containers on Microsoft Windows platforms as well, and with Netscape to ensure that JavaBeans run inside Netscape Navigator's LiveConnect containers.

Developing with JavaBeans

Developers who are eager to get started immediately can begin initial development to build JavaBeans components today, using a subset of the JavaBeans architecture that is compatible with the already shipping JDK1.0.2. JavaBeans will be compatible with the forthcoming JDK 1.1, and will be bundled into future releases of the JDK.

In December, JavaSoft will release a preliminary "JavaBeansDevelopment Kit" that will include a test container, JavaBeans class files, sample JavaBeans code with source available, and early documentation. JavaSoft will host a developer event to acquaint component developers with JavaBeans in Long Beach, Calif. on November 6, 1996. For more details, please visit http://java.sun.com/beans.

"The development of the JavaBeans specifications presents the opportunity for the two leading component technologies, OpenDoc and JavaBeans, to seamlessly integrate, providing a stronger link between Internet and desktop applications," said Dr. Ike Nassi, senior vice president of AppleSoft. "Apple and Sun are driving the component software industry closer to the promise of open, multiplatform interoperability for its customers and broadening the business opportunity for new applications from developers."

 

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