16.May.2006 - Thousands of Java technology developers, enthusiasts, industry experts--as well as celebrities, media representatives, and bloggers--are gathering in San Francisco this week for the 11th-annual JavaOne Conference.

This year's theme, "The Power of Java," speaks to Java technology's widespread and ongoing success in the marketplace and its signature capacity to run on platforms of all sizes--from cell phones, smart cards, and desktops up to high-end data-center servers.

The conference takes place as Java technology, the world's most successful development environment and platform, is powering into its second decade. Java technology has enabled an expanding ecosystem in which industry players of all sizes can compete.

Visionary Speakers

The 2006 JavaOne Conference gives attendees unmatched opportunities for learning and making professional connections. This year's conference includes approximately 300 learning sessions. The general sessions feature an impressive roster of industry luminaries discussing the latest developments in their Java technology-based initiatives. Speakers include:

• James Gosling, Sun Vice President and Fellow, with Sun Chairman Scott McNealy
• Jonathan Schwartz, Sun President and CEO, with Jeff Jackson, Senior Vice President of Java Enterprise Platforms and Developer Products
• Mobility expert Alan Brenner, Vice President of Sun's Client Systems Group
• Graham Hamilton, Vice President and Sun Fellow, and Distinguished Engineer Bill Shannon
• Oracle's Thomas Kurian, Senior Vice President of Oracle Server Technologies Development
• IBM Distinguished Engineers John Wiegand and Erich Gamma
• BEA Systems' Bill Roth, Vice President of BEA Workshop Business Unit, and Patrick Linskey, Architect for BEA WebLogic Server
• Motorola's Rob Shaddock, Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, and Christy Wyatt, Vice President, Ecosystem and Market Development, from the Mobile Devices Business

All About Java

The 2006 JavaOne Conference sessions are organized into five tracks.

• The Power of Java Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME) for Mobility
• The Power of Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE; formerly J2SE) for the Desktop
• The Power of Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE; formerly J2EE) for the Enterprise
• Cool Stuff
• Tools

Attendees can take their skills to new levels by choosing from hundreds of in-depth, brain-stimulating sessions. In each track, you can find Birds-of-a-Feather meetings and Technical Sessions that map to your area of interest. Check out the Session Catalog online to find out more.

The Hands-on-Labs, a perennial favorite and the best way to learn the Java technologies of your choice, have been expanded this year. These instructor-led courses cover all five conference tracks: the three Java platforms, Cool Stuff, and Tools.

Also this week, the one-day Java University Program is giving developers in-depth knowledge of the hottest, most in-demand Java technologies.

Ties That Bind

Java technology owes its success to the community-centric development model. There are countless ways to get involved in the Java technology community. Start by visiting:

• java.sun.com, the source for Java technology developers
• java.net, the source for Java technology collaboration
• java.com, the place for hot games and cool apps
• Sun Developer Network
• Forums

General and Vertical

Come by the JavaOne Pavilion, and discuss application development with specialists from the industry's top companies. These experts are capable of appreciating your vision and your requirements. Approximately 100 exhibitors and cosponsors are also offering solutions in the Pavilion.

While Java technology generalists can engage each other at the JavaOne Pavilion, developers and other professionals interested in vertical market applications can drop in on special Lunch-Table Talks focused on the health care, communications, finance, and insurance industries.

Java's Second Decade

This week at the 2006 JavaOne Conference, the world's most open, accepted, pervasive, and powerful development platform takes center stage. If the last 11 years is any indication, the excitement will be non-stop and the opportunities for learning, personal growth, and profit will be second to none. Don't forget your Java t-shirt.