Larry said lot many things about Sun and Java. He mentioned that the founder of Java, have done a fantastic job inventing, expanding, and opening up Java and giving it to the world. He continued to mention that “We’re going to do more of the same”. Larry also gave a thumbs-up to new technology JavaFX and expressed hope that JavaFX could supersede AJAX development because a lot of programmers do not want to program in AJAX. He did mention that “JavaFX is going to allow us to build fantastic UIs in Java”, but nothing about the Technology Conference. Interestingly enough, Larry tried to club JavaFx and OpenOffice. He said that Oracle was very committed to seeing JavaFX exploited throughout Oracle and throughout Sun and that they would like to see OpenOffice group libraries based on JavaFX. I am not sure what he wanted. Nothing about JavaOne.

Even Dr. James Gosling was not sure about another JavaOne. I expected that there will be some kind of announcement on the next JavaOne from Dr. James Gosling during the last day Key-note from him. I am sure, ever others were counting on such an announcement from James. InfoWorld reported that continuation of Dr. James itself is not a certainty. When InfoWorld asked Gosling if he would stay on at Sun after the merger, Dr. James said, “I have no idea”. He continued saying”. It depends how things go”. Under such circumstances, obviously no one would like to think about a conference. Just before concluding the last General Session on the last day, however, Chris Melissinos, the Chief Evangelist and Chief Gaming Officer of Sun Microsystems, made a passing statement “See you at the next JavaOne” but it was lost in the melee of the crowd leaving the last session on the last day.

JavaOne attracted thousands of developers all over the world. At its peak in early 2000, it attracted over 20,000 attendees. This year it has attracted far less and two factors are attributed to the dwindling numbers – the Oracle factor and the recession. I could attend a number of sessions without booking through the session builder, which is an indication of the reduced head-count of attendees.

I am of the opinion that Oracle will not conduct JavaOne. Oracle is already conducting its “Open World”, a 5 day event at Moscone Center in SFO during Oct 11 – 15, this year and Sun has already concluded JavaOne at Moscone in June. However, Open World would be all oracle show. IBM’s “WebSphere Technical Conference” is also about the Tools and Products. So are other vendor conferences. I have attended other vendor conferences as well, and none have focused on Technology as much Sun Microsystems has been doing in JavaONE – Product specific and non Technical. Is this scenario here to stay?

Au Revoir JavaOne! It’s really sad to see curtains coming down on you so early.