Re: What makes Java so special?

Hi Chris,

I've looked at the IBM Java Toolkit and I've been wondering about some
things related to the Java strategy for the AS/400:

The JVM in the Java Toolkit lacks support for AWT. Without AWT, exactly
how will developers write native Java applets for the AS/400 that can
port to other platforms?

The Redbook on writing Java applications spends a lot of time describing
the Visual Age development environment and how to write applications
that use Data Queues, etc. on the AS/400. Since data queues are only
supported on the AS/400 how will these Java applications really be
platform independent? A Java application that is 100 percent Java on the
client but not on the server is of questionable value, I would think.

There are probably Billions of dollars invested by customers in green
screen applications. How will IBM help customers retain the value of
this investment via the Java implementation on the AS/400?

I'm glad the AS/400 division is working with Java but I'm worried that
it will be a half-hearted effort that forgets the incredible investment
already made by IBM's midrange customers. If the effort results in a
poor implementation it will turn out to be just another reason why
developers will leave the AS/400 platform.

Any thoughts?
Patrick

Chris Rehm wrote:
> 
> A lot of midrange guys want to know, "What makes Java so special?"
> 
> Why is it any more valuable or important than any of the other tools
> available for the AS/400?
> 
> It's a good question, what with a stack of powerful tools already
> available: VisualAge C++, VisualAge Smalltalk, VisualAge RPG. All with
> direct access to native AS/400 objects.
> 
> I think the reason Java is more important is the Java Virtual Machine.
> 
> The JVM is what makes Java platform independant. It is the interface
> between Java applications/applets and the system. To run Java applications,
> your OS must have a running JVM. To run applets, you need a browser with a
> JVM. Sun develops JVMs, IBM does, Netscape, and so does Microsoft.
> 
> An application runs in the JVM. It doesn't know what kind of machine it is
> running on, it simply interacts within the Java environment.
> 
> What IBM wants to do is use the JVM on their Java workstation to provide a
> replacement for the dumb terminal that is so reliable that AS/400 managers
> will not mind using them in a live environment. This will let application
> developers create GUI based apps that rely on the AS/400 for all of their
> functions. The same developer can choose to move some of the functions down
> to the workstation if they are so inclined.
> 
> Also, it brings applications to the AS/400 by default. Any new Java app is
> an AS/400 app. In order for the AS/400 to be considered the platform of
> choice, it needs to run Java better than other platforms. I feel like
> Rochester has a great shot at this, as they have proven to me that they
> know very well what it takes to make a great machine perform well.
> 
> Chris Rehm
> Mr.AS400@ibm.net
> 
> How often can you afford to be unexpectedly out of business?
> Get an AS/400.
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-- 

Patrick Townsend                       mailto:townsend@patownsend.com
Patrick Townsend & Associates, Inc.    http://www.patownsend.com


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