Sun: Forte for Java and NetBeans Developer Community Thriving

SANTA CLARA, Calif., January 29, 2002 -- Sun Microsystems today announced that a large and growing number of vendors are shipping products or plug-in modules that extend the Forte for Java integrated development environment (IDE), a completely standards-based, modular tools product based on the NetBeans open-source platform. By building new plug-ins for the Forte for Java IDE, third-party companies and developers are delivering a wide range of functionality for customers to easily build, assemble, and deploy enterprise applications and services on demand in Sun's Open Net Environment (Sun ONE) and across multiple hardware and software platforms.

The third-party companies providing this enhanced functionality are members of the Forte for Java Extension Partner Program. The program exists to assist these independent software vendors (ISVs) to extend the Forte for Java IDE with unique capabilities. These companies are an extremely valuable asset to the Forte for Java IDE community, making it possible to provide broader development and application solutions by adding innovative technologies and practices to the core product.

"We congratulate these innovative companies that early on recognized the merits of a modular architecture and open-source platform for building intelligent tools in the era of services on demand," said Peter Young, vice president, Forte Tools, Sun Microsystems. "Open source developers and partner companies have helped Sun deliver an unprecedented rate of innovation through the Forte for Java IDE. This relationship is mutually beneficial and leads to better quality products for customers, and a more flexible and innovative Java platform for developers."

The success of the Forte for Java Extension Partner Program and the NetBeans community underscores the ongoing momentum that developers are creating around Java language development throughout the industry and stands in stark contrast to the closed, proprietary approach taken by other vendors. The NetBeans community, now in its eighteenth month of existence, continues to experience explosive growth as a vibrant catalyst for developer innovation. The NetBeans open-source project has several thousand registered participants representing more than 1,200 different organizations.

"Sun's dual strategy, leveraging its commercial products, as well as open source efforts, fosters an atmosphere of rapid innovation and collaboration," said Cathy Lippert, director, Product Management, Compuware Corp."Our OptimalJ product, built on NetBeans, is a perfect example. The solution accelerates application delivery by simplifying Java technology development, enabling developers of varying experience levels to rapidly produce reliable J2EE business applications."