Crossroads 2002 A-List Award Winners

Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Santa Clara, CA

Forte for Java
> Java Integrated Development Environment

CUSTOMERS AT WORK

Businesses continue to leverage the productivity potential of the Internet. Sun Microsystems Forte for Java customers are beginning to deliver applications as Web services. A financial services firm and two systems integrators served as references. Common strategic objectives included:

§ Collaborating with an extended team

§ Using best-of-breed tools

WHY SUN'S FORTE FOR JAVA?

Forte for Java is an integrated development environment for Solaris, Linux, and Microsoft Windows. Its architectural framework is the open source NetBeans Platform, a base development framework with open APIs. Its modular architecture allows developers to extend Forte for Java with third-party tools. It supports J2EE (including EJBs) and J2ME and is tightly integrated with Sun’s iPlanet Application Server. Forte for Java supports the implementation of client-side applications using technologies such as Web browsers, mobile phones, and PDAs. Wizards enable Java language developers to generate XML services from new or existing Java technology components and enable HTML developers to build Web services clients with no knowledge of the Java language or XML. Web services can be published to public or private registries.

BUSINESS IMPACT

Near-term value: Forte for Java fits into the way development teams want to work, both in-house and with an extended team that includes freelance contractors and third-party system integrators. It provides a common IDE across Solaris, Linux, and Windows, even to the point of peaceful coexistence with Microsoft Outlook. It works with popular source code configuration management systems such as CVS and PVCS. Thus, code can be accessed by competitive IDEs.

Enterprise innovation: Developers are pleased with the balance Sun has struck between the comprehensive functionality of its product suite and the freedom to use competitive tools. Third-party products that support Forte for Java, such as Systinet’s WASP Web services platform, don’t just work with Forte for Java—they work gracefully.

Technology gains: Developers find they can be extremely productive using Forte for Java. The new XML wizards are a great convenience. Debugging tools are strong, and the bundled app servers make testing faster. The built-in tools for creating and tuning the database schema are handy. Developers are enthusiastic about the option of automatically updating the modules in the toolset.

SUCCESS FACTORS

Project strategy: Reference customers say that when you first lay your hands on the new version of Forte for Java, you will be tempted to start typing code immediately and wizarding away like mad. Don’t. Success with Web services depends on sound design and a comprehensive architecture. Pay particular attention to naming conventions and directory/registry issues.

Learning: Reference customers interviewed for this award have wide experience with competitive products. They particularly praised Forte for Java’s smooth learning curve. The interface is ergonomic, with the most frequently needed features presented first in the menus. The new wizards are intuitive. Microsoft Windows users will need to become familiar with the Java Swing interface.

Resources: Customers recommend the use of an upper CASE tool, such as Rational Rose, in connection with Forte for Java.

Fit: Sun’s Forte for Java is a good choice for Java development teams that must accommodate diversity. It is appropriate for projects of differing scopes, accommodates individual skill levels, and facilitates freedom of choice in specialty tools.

COMPANY INFO

Sun Microsystems is a public company (NASDAQ: SUNW) with 39,000 employees.

650.960.1300
www.sun.com/forte
Published: January 2002