Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 17:21:28 -0600 From: Helena Stolka <helena.stolka@news.netbeans.com> To: lwn@eklektix.com Subject: NetBeans Announces Support for the Java(tm) Development Kit 1.2 Contact: Helena Stolka NetBeans, Inc. helena.stolka@netbeans.com Tel.: +420 2 8300 7322 NETBEANS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR THE JAVA(TM) DEVELOPMENT KIT 1.2 NetBeans DeveloperX2 2.1 runs on JDK 1.2 and is now Available to NetBeans' Early Access Program Participants New York, Java Business Expo, December 8, 1998 - NetBeans today announced that its Java(tm) IDE, NetBeans DeveloperX2, supports and runs on Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s Java(tm) Development Kit (JDK(tm) version 1.2). This latest release of the JDK provides a rich feature set of new class libraries and tools, making it easier than ever for developers to create portable, distributed, enterprise-class applications. Sun's announcement of the availability of the next version of the JDK was made today during the Java(sm) Business Expo(sm) in New York. NetBeans Developer X2 2.1 (beta) supports JDK 1.2 and uses it internally. It is available to NetBeans' Early Access Program participants. "Our users rely on NetBeans to be at the forefront of Java technology so that they, in turn, can bring this technology to their clients or corporations," said Roman Stanek, Founder/CEO of NetBeans, Inc.. "Sun's new version of the JDK puts even more powerinto the hands of NetBeans users allowing them to develop and deploy more advanced enterprise solutions. We're excited to be a part of the leading edge of Java technology, and are proud to have been chosen by Sun to show JDK 1.2's strength at the Sun So lutions Pavilion of the Java Business Expo." "NetBeans is one of the many developers pushing the Java software envelope," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president and general manager of the Java platform at Sun Microsystems, Inc. "By leveraging the functionality of the JDK 1.2, NetBeans brings Java tech nology developers an effective solution that makes it easier than ever for users to create portable, distributed, enterprise-class applications." In addition to overall performance improvements, Sun's new version of the JDK enhances the NetBeans IDE by offering features such as drag 'n drop, Beans enhancements, collections, JDBC 2.0, and Swing 1.1. Among other new features, NetBeans DeveloperX2 will utilize the new APIs for grouping and manipulating objects of different types and for extending server functionality. JDK 1.2 will also strengthen NetBeans users' ability to design more user-friendly interfaces, process images, address multilingual requirements, use stylized text, and print. "With the JDK 1.2 feature enhancements, our development team is getting a strong weapon in its hands," said Ian Formanek, NetBeans' Chief Technology Officer. "Now it's even easier to create full-featured platform-neutral applications. Given the effort Sun has put into this new incarnation of Java, we believe that JDK 1.2 will quickly become the platform of choice for our customers." The final release of NetBeans DeveloperX2 2.1 will be available in January, 1999. NetBeans Developer will also be available in a concurrent version, which will continue to support JDK 1.1.x. NetBeans Enterprise, a multi-user edition of the IDE due in Beta version in January, 1999, will support JDK 1.2. The full release of this edition of the IDE is due in Spring, '99. About NetBeans IDE NetBeans Developer is a programming tool for software developers who want to design and build powerful, cross-platform applications - on any platform. NetBeans was designed for the Java platform and is one of the first comprehensive IDEs with sophisticated support for visual development of JFC applications. It is an industrial-strength development tool that is easy to learn and intuitive to operate. NetBeans Developer combines support for all stages of application development including visual design, coding, compiling, and debugging in a comprehensive visual programming package. It runs on all platforms that support JDK(tm) 1.1.x, including Windows 95/98/NT, Linux, Solaris(tm), HP-UX, OS/2, AIX, SGI Irix, Mac and others. The IDE is based on JFC and JavaBeans Components, and all parts of the IDE are actually themselves JavaBeans. The result is an IDE where the user can fully customize the interface, modify component behavior and easily add new components. NetBeans is built to be extended and will offer APIs for users to create their own modules. About NetBeans, Inc. NetBeans, Inc. is an emerging growth company based in Prague, Czech Republic that has quickly risen to the forefront of Java technology development. The company is shaping the future of Java applications by taking a completely innovative approach to Java technology. NetBeans was founded in July 1997, and is a privately held company whose investors include Esther Dyson, CEO of EDventure Holdings (see http://www.edventure.com/bios/esther.html). NetBeans released its first product, Developer, in October of 1998. The company's major product, NetBeans Enterprise, will be released (Beta) in Q1, 1999. NetBeans' partners include KL Group, maker of 100% Pure Java JavaBeans Components that are included in NetBeans Developer 2.0, and Cloudscape, provider of an embeddable Java database to be incorporated into NetBeans Developer in Q4, 1998. For more information about NetBeans, please visit the company's web site at http://www.netbeans.com. # # # NetBeans is a trademark of NetBeans, Inc.. Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java and JDK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems Inc. in the United States and other countries.