The NetBeans open-source project on Wednesday released a major update to the NetBeans Java development tool, and its main backer, Sun Microsystems, announced a support program.
The NetBeans IDE (integrated development environment) 5.0 adds tooling, called Matisse, for building an application's front-end interface. The update also has been enhanced to simplify the process of building add-on products, or "plug-ins," which extend the tool's features.
In addition, NetBeans IDE 5.0 works better with Java application servers from JBoss and BEA Systems, according to the product's release notes. The NetBeans creators have also built in collaboration features to make it easier for developers to chat and share files.
In tandem with the release, Sun said that it has set up a free beta program to provide technical support to developers.
The NetBeans 5 update is significant for Sun, which is seeking to rally the Java developer community around Sun products. The company said that the number of active NetBeans users has tripled in the past 18 months.
Sun has based its line of development tools, such as the recently released Java Studio Creator 2, on the NetBeans software.
In announcing a refreshed partnership with Oracle, Sun said that Oracle has endorsed NetBeans. However, Oracle has said only that it is monitoring NetBeans and focusing its development products on Jbuilder and Eclipse.
That "The server and software company had in 2003 considered joining the IBM-founded open-source Eclipse Foundation, which over the past two years has seen a jump in industry support and developer interest. Instead, Sun decided to focus its development tools strategy on NetBeans and try to recruit other software companies to support NetBeans"; So; a little further back-to-the-future, "Lotus brews potent Java with Kona": and as was promised,
Promises, Promises, Promises....
"Kona's user interface will be customized. For NCs used as PC replacements, a colorful environment similar to Windows is planned. For NCs replacing mainframe 3270 terminals, a more straightlaced text-oriented interface is in the works.
Since Kona is written in the Java language from Sun Microsystems, it will run on any Java-enabled computing device. All NCs will run Java, but you'll also be able to run it on a PC using a Java-aware Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or directly from a Java-enabled operating system. IBM's OS/2, Apple's MacOS, and MS Windows 3.1 and NT all support Java now or will be upgraded to do so in the near future.
Will people want Kona? That's the big unanswered question. Its simplified approach won't appeal to the power user who wants more capabilities with each new software version. But I think there's a friendly niche for Kona in the hands of those new to computing". With IBM and Lotus not delivering on the promises of "NCs used as PC replacements"... perhaps, now with Google around we may one day be looking forward to some daily gulps of G_O_O_G_L_E -- K_O_N_A ! ;-)
Web giant is spending $120 million to beef up its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, according to filings with the city reviewed by the San Jose Mercury News.
The Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 S6500 could make its debut at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month, according to a leaked promotional image.
MIT creates a simulation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spacewar. A relic of the early days of minicomputers, it was one of the first computer video games and set the stage for many others, including Asteroids.
Save on Sony HDTVs. Free shipping.
Promises, Promises, Promises....
"Kona's user interface will be customized. For NCs used as PC replacements, a colorful environment similar to Windows is planned. For NCs replacing mainframe 3270 terminals, a more straightlaced text-oriented interface is in the works.
Since Kona is written in the Java language from Sun Microsystems, it will run on any Java-enabled computing device. All NCs will run Java, but you'll also be able to run it on a PC using a Java-aware Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or directly from a Java-enabled operating system. IBM's OS/2, Apple's MacOS, and MS Windows 3.1 and NT all support Java now or will be upgraded to do so in the near future.
Will people want Kona? That's the big unanswered question. Its simplified approach won't appeal to the power user who wants more capabilities with each new software version. But I think there's a friendly niche for Kona in the hands of those new to computing". With IBM and Lotus not delivering on the promises of "NCs used as PC replacements"... perhaps, now with Google around we may one day be looking forward to some daily gulps of G_O_O_G_L_E -- K_O_N_A ! ;-)