Adam,
From what little I know about Java revenues, it is not yet a
significant amount. Last summer, Java was said to be paying for
itself and now they are showing some revenue directly from the
licensing fees.
However, if Java becomes the de facto internet language, or if it
is memorialized as such by ISO, then it will be a bigtime cash-
generator for Sun.
There is something to be said for using it as a "calling card" that
goes a little deeper than the advertising benefit. Sun needs to
improve its image as a user-friendly, application-oriented company,
as well as a major supplier of servers & mainframes. To get a
piece of the low & mid size workstation market, they need to convice
corporate clients that they can deliver low-priced high-quality
workstations that run applications they can use, all in one package.
Since Unix has never been known to be user-friendly they need a
simple high-level development language that specializes in internet
applications. Java is their answer. The market for applets is, as
yet untapped, which explains why every company is so interested in
licensing it. If they can sell the concept along with the thin client
technology, I believe they will be a $20 billion company by 2000,
and they will crush Microsoft like a grasshopper.
BTW, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about Gates & his bullsh*t.
He's high-sticking again & I think it's time for him to get a stiff
body check.
cheers,
cherylw |
