Get ready for the Java Store

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Hello Inner Circle readers,

I have a question: Are you a developer who is always looking for cool applications? Look no further. Now there’s a single destination where you will find the most interesting, useful, and entertaining Java software applications.

At the recent JavaOne conference, we unveiled the first public demonstration of the Java Store, a powerful distribution channel for developers to connect directly with the more than 800 million desktop Java technology users worldwide. The Java Store aims to change the landscape of developers worldwide.

This is the first time we have created a consumer-facing storefront that provides the discovery and purchase of Java and JavaFX applications and that contains personal productivity, business, social graph, and entertainment software organized in a simple and intuitive user interface.

The early version of the Java Store includes a sampling of social software applications and games. As the store nears its opening later this year, the categories of applications will expand tremendously. Examples of applications available today include:

• RuneScape: Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most popular, free, massive multiplayer online role playing game. With RuneScape, you can travel through the realm of Gielinor interacting with other players to complete your quest.
• Twitter FX: A JavaFX-based Twitter Client that delivers one of the most popular social software applications with a richer, more expressive user experience

Our online store allows users to safely install applications by easily dragging them from the Java Store directly onto their computer desktop, greatly simplifying the software installation process. The private beta program for the Java Store has already begun and is expected to open for all U.S.-based Java users later this year.

In the meantime, local developers can visit the Java Warehouse Developer Center, which is the repository for applications submitted by developers for distribution in the Java Store. The Java Warehouse is unique in that it will facilitate the aggregation, management, and distribution of Java applications across all the screens of a customer's life — browser, desktop, mobile and TV. While Sun manages the desktop-focused Java Store, mobile and TV service providers can use the Java Warehouse to acquire high quality applications for their existing, private-branded storefronts.

So readers, hang on to your seats, we will let you know once the Java Store hits our shores!

Best Regards,

Gan Boon San
President, Asia South
Sun Microsystems