a clear voice for the development community, can level the playing field and reduce some of the rhetoric. I want Java to succeed, and I want Java develo
pers to have the maximum success.
BYTE:
How does the Java Lobby approach vendors?
Ross:
We have had direct contact with most of the major vendors and have spoken to them about who we are and what we stand for. We told them we want wide-open, two-way communication to speak with them as peers, to represent the developer's community.
BYTE:
How do you perceive the rift between Microsoft's AFC and Sun's JFC in the developer community?
[
Editor's note:
Just after this interview, Sun filed a lawsuit charging Microsoft with breaching its contractual obligation to deliver a compatible implementation of Java technology with its products.
]
Ross:
I think it speaks to a deeper underlying issue, which is the way that the dialogue concerning Java has become polarized by the antagonism between Microsoft and Sun. Today, AFC versus JFC looks like the big issue. Frankly, I wish they would
stop pitting one against the other. I wish they [Sun and Microsoft] would cut that out and give us both. Give us freedom of choice. That's what it ought to be about.
BYTE:
What will happen if Java disintegrates into vendor-specific versions, similar to what happened to Unix?
Ross:
It would certainly be a dreadful thing. The key thing that ignites all the enthusiasm about Java is the shared belief that we can achieve meaningful portability.
BYTE:
Do you think it's important that the Microsoft/Sun rift be healed?
Ross:
I think it would be a regrettable development if Microsoft continues to hold on to this apparent position that will fragment the emergence of a meaningful portable standard. And I hope that will not happen. If it's true that developers really want to see Java succeed, I really hope Microsoft will work with the developer community to make that happen. I hope it understands that it is in its interest
as well as in our interests. Everybody knows that if Java succeeds and "Write once, run anywhere'' does come true, you'll see a lot of developers write once, run mostly on Windows. Microsoft stands to win so much. It could win the loyalty of a huge number of developers and users by deciding it supports the same goals we care about, and by setting aside its concerns that in some way or another Java will open the door to some kind of economic competition that it doesn't feel is advantageous to itself.
You can get more information on the Java Lobby at
http://www.javalobby.org
.
A Voice for Java Developers
