JAVA

A programming (a slow running derivative of C++) language also known as "Hot Java" from Sun Microsystems that is designed for browser plug-in running of applications called "applets." In 1997, IBM became the world leader in Java development with its subsidiary Taligent developer leading the way. Java has spread like wildfire among software developers. and can now be run from leading browsers such as the Netsacape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer. An especially important advantage of Java is the ability to run applets on virtually any operating system (Windows, Macintosh, OS/2, etc.) or even without a GUI operating system. Plug-in utilities are now available on most WWW browsers. An important advantage on network computers is the Remote Method Invocation (RMI) standard. RMI is that part of the Java programming language library which enables a Java program running on one computer to access the objects and methods of another Java program running on a different computer. Java is extremely controversial since it allows for "centralized" housing of software to run on inexpensive networked computers (as opposed to decentralized installation of software on higher-capacity desktop machines). Many users hope to rent software (e.g., word processors) as opposed to purchasing and installing software on individual machines. Although it has been possible for some time to purchase LAN versions of software for multiple machines, Java makes it possible to run software world wide from a single server. Traffic jams on the Internet, however, are serious obstacles to the future of Java. Java has put Sun Microsystems in head-to-head combat with Microsoft's newer OLE options for running applications on the Internet. See "Java Takes Hold" in NewMedia, July 15, 1996, pp. 46-54. Note especially Page 54 and Microsoft's strategy of embedding Java in Windows in an effort to stave off the Java threat of no longer needing the Windows operating system. Microsoft is also attempting to thwart Java success by extending Windows OLE capabilities. Options for creating and playing digital audio Java applets are reviewed in deCarmo (1996) . For interactive computing on the web, see Distributed Network Computing .See also Taligent , IDL , World Wide Web and OLE .