May 98 - NewsBits
Volume Number: 14
Issue Number: 5
Column Tag: Newsbits
May 98 - Newsbits
by Jessica Courtney
Apple and Microsoft to Unify Java Technologies for
the Macintosh
Will Work Together to Ease Developer Access to Native Mac
OS Services; Improvements in Java Performance,
Robustness Expected in Future Java Virtual Machine
Apple Computer, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced plans to converge their Java
technologies for the Macintosh to create a single Java virtual machine (VM) for the
Mac OS. The unified VM will be based on Apple's Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) and
will incorporate a variety of Microsoft technologies for Java. Currently, both
companies offer Java VMs for the Mac OS. The companies' cooperation on Java
technology promises to advance the performance, robustness and functionality of Java
support for the Macintosh and promote greater consistency for Java implementations
across Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system-based computers.
As part of the plans, Microsoft expects to license to Apple a variety of technologies
including aspects of Microsoft's J/Direct API technology for incorporation into MRJ.
This will allow software developers to create applications that meld the productivity of
the Java language with the native capabilities of the Mac OS. Apple expects to
incorporate this functionality into a future version of MRJ later this year. Once MRJ
fully supports these technologies, Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Macintosh will
rely exclusively on MRJ as its Java virtual machine.
The following are primary areas of cooperation between the two companies:
• JDirect harmonization. Apple will extend the capabilities of its JDirect
technology by incorporating applicable features of Microsoft J/Direct to
enhance native language access and provide consistency for development tools.
JDirect gives Java developers direct, high-performance access to native
Macintosh system services such QuickDraw, AppleEvents, contextual menus,
drag and drop, and TrueType fonts.
• Security Zones. The companies will integrate the Microsoft security
administration technology for Java with other Internet security options to
provide a simple and consistent model for managing security preferences.
• Debugging. The companies will integrate the Microsoft VM debugging API
into MRJ, exposing a rich and consistent set of debugging capabilities to Java
development tools like Metrowerks' CodeWarrior. This API will also support
debugging across languages, allowing developers to build applications using
multiple programming languages
• Compatibility test suites. The companies will exchange their internal
compatibility test suites to facilitate consistency and compatibility with
real-world Java applications.
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Apple Brings QuickTime to Java
It's been rumored for a while, and now Apple has announced the availability of
QuickTime for Java. QT for Java is a developer framework for easily adding
multimedia playback, authoring and publishing capabilities to Java software.
QuickTime for Java will significantly increase Java's acceptance in new media markets
and enable delivery of compelling interactive content to Java customers.
QuickTime for Java allows developers to write Java programs that incorporate
QuickTime content and functionality. Java developers will now have unlimited access to
QuickTime's rich support for digital media, including graphics, sound, video, text,
music, VR and 3D. Additionally, they will be able to deliver high-quality video and
audio using QuickTime 3's compression technologies, which ensure outstanding fidelity
even at low bit-rates.
A developer release of QuickTime for Java is now available. For information on how to
get the software, visit the QuickTime website at http://www.apple.com/quicktime.
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FileMaker, Inc. Announces FileMaker Pro 4.0
Developer Edition
Powerful developer's tool for rapid solution development and deployment FileMaker
Inc., formerly Claris Corp., announced FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition, an
essential database development tool kit for corporate and professional developers that
runs on Windows 95, Windows NT and the Mac OS.
FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition will provide developers with a wide array of
32-bit based applications and tools for compiling, debugging, developing, deploying
and managing FileMaker Pro database solutions, the company said.
For the first time ever, the new version, scheduled to ship later this year, will
feature an API (Application Program Interface) that will allow developers to write
External Functions for FileMaker Pro databases, a capability that will greatly expand
the core functionality found with the standalone version of FileMaker Pro 4.0, the
company's award-winning desktop database software application. In addition,
FileMaker Pro Developer Edition will also enable access to FileMaker Pro databases
over Java compliant operating systems, such as Unix and Solaris Systems, with the
addition of Java classes.
http://www.claris.com
http://www.filemaker.com