In my opinion, Smalltalk has no real future. While there are some real similarites between Java and Smalltalk, the differnces are critical. Java was designed to have some significant built-in functionality that Smalltalk is missing. The most important is security and native network cabability. But the language itself is only part of the story. Java, when used to build applets, uses the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) which is the basis for cross-platform operability, strong (although not perfect) security, and thin-client architecture. The JVW can be the entire OS for a lot of applications.
Then there's the issue of wide acceptance. Just about every major software company has signed up for Java, including Micro$oft, who tried their best to snub it. Now Mr. Bill is trying to steal it from Sun, but won't be able to pull it off. Java is starting to do heavy damage to C++ as a preferred application language.
I think PARQ's only option is to migrate their technology to Java. I agree that they have some good CASE technology. I've used it and I've done development in Smalltalk (actually a nice language.) Whether they still have the talant to compete in the area, I don't know.
I also think PARQ blew it with the developer community. They priced the tools out of reach of the small developer, including the software engineers that personally buy the tools to stay marketable in their field. I bought a rev of Smalltalk when it was still price reasonably. But I couldn't afford to keep the stuff current. Micr$oft, Borland, Symantec know that you've got to make the money in volume. You need to have as many software individuals hot on your platform, because the major software using companies want to use the language that they can get programmers for without a lot of training, and they listen to their employees on technical merits of the technology they need to use. Look at these companies. They practically give the platforms away.
JMHO |
