Maybe 2009 will be remembered as the year of the App Store. Given the huge success of Apple's iTunes Store, it's not surprising that other IT vendors are now trying to follow a similar path with their own store, whether for RIM BlackBerry applications, Nokia's Symbian platform, or now Sun's very own Java applications store enabling developers to tap into the broad reach of the Java platform across a millions of desktops and mobile devices.
[ See also: "Update: Sun connects developers, users via Java Store" | Keep up on the latest open source developments with InfoWorld's open source topic center and newsletter. ]
The store is still in private beta and expected to go live by the end of the year. Developers will be able to submit Java and JavaFX applications into the Java Warehouse, which acts as a central repository. Initially, the Java Store will be open only in the United States, but it is expected to launch internationally in 2010. There's also a FAQ for those seeking more information.
Three things make this announcement particularly interesting. First, it's now clear that there will be a plethora of competing application stores. (Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on your perspective, of course.) Second, Sun is clearly trying to help its own developer community have a sustainable reason to build applications in Java and JavaFX, which is a great way to encourage developers. Third, this could give JavaFX a huge boost in the emerging mobile market.
I shot a video (above) of the announcement where James Gosling talks about some of the objectives of the Java Store and discusses the interest in getting community input on how things like payments will work.
Note: Zack Urlocker works for Sun, heading the engineering and marketing of Sun’s database products. The views expressed in InfoWorld's Open Sources blog are his own.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive InfoWorld Resource Alerts
181 Recommendations
