"Our goal is very simple," he told the 5,000 acolytes who'd lined up for two hours to hear his speech. "To make the fastest, most functional Java technology--just like we do with other languages."

What gives here, I wondered? Advance notices had Gates lambasting JavaSoft Inc., the Sun Microsystems spin-off that's the keeper of the flame for the still-young programming language, as everything from the great Satan of the cyberspace community to a personal instrument of Sun chairman Scott McNealy's Windows envy.

Now here was Gates, practically pleading with the audience to cut him some slack. "The perfect [programming] language is a very tough thing to find," he said. Then he went on to talk up Microsoft's Visual C++ and Visual Basic development environments.

I decided to search the show floo r at SD '97, and at the JavaOne conference, which was being held at the other end of the Moscone Center, to see if I could buy a clue to Microsoft's Milquetoast-like attitude.

What I found won't come as a surprise to those who believe Java is the second coming. But it will be illuminating to those of us who, until now, have viewed Java as little more than an over-hyped, not-ready-for-prime-time variation on C++.

The JavaOne exhibit hall wasn't as flashy as, say, Comdex. But the show floor was chock full of the type of whiz-bang development tools and class libraries that will enable Java to be put to the test. Indeed, it's abundantly clear that Java has moved beyond its infancy, during which there was lots of talk but little worthwhile technology. We've advanced to the "put-up-or-shut-up" phase, during which Java has the chance to prove its mettle among professional programmers and software engineers with the products that are rapidly becoming availab le.

Even more illuminating was what I uncovered about Microsoft's Java plans. I've long been puzzled by the fact that Microsoft hasn't been able to articulate a coherent strategy for bringing Java into the Windows world. Previously, this has been viewed as a weakness. I now see that it's a competitive strength, which will go a long way toward keeping the rest of the industry off balance. That's because, while Bill Gates and Microsoft's other front men are speaking softly, the company's back-room software developers are carrying a big Java stick.

At JavaOne alone, Microsoft unveiled its Application Foundation Classes, a new software library that provides an easy way to implement Windows functions in Java code. The Redmond, Wash., software giant also showcased the latest version of its Visual J++, an industrial-strength graphical -development environment that should give competitive offerings from Sun and Symantec a run for their money.

In addition, Microsoft detailed its Java virtual machine, which will support a new wave of consumer-oriented devices, such as handheld computers and multimedia players. These systems will be built around embedded processors like Hitachi's SH-3, which will run the Windows CE operating system.

Some naysayers believe Microsoft is, at heart, pursuing a smoke-and-mirrors approach to Java. Microsoft will feed developers just enough stuff to stay competitive, the thinking goes. All the while, they will be working to turn Java from a truly portable language into a proprietary technology that's locked in a tight Windows embrace.

I don't think that will happen, because too many developers have too much invested in Java. Sure, Microsoft would like to be the source of all things Java. But they'll be plenty content if they just get to eat a chunk of JavaSo ft's lunch.

That's something that could happen, if Scott McNealy's minions aren't careful. At JavaOne, I found it rather disconcerting that Sun, JavaSoft and its supporters acted with an overarching confidence that recalls nothing so much as Bill Gates during the period surrounding the introduction of Windows 95.

My advice: remember that, once the bright lights fade, what really counts is technology, not talk.

In that regard, I don't have enough space to detail every interesting Java product that was on display at JavaOne and at SD '97. But I can bring you my unscientific personal best--the hottest items--which I think merit the attention of any serious software developer looking to surge ahead--or simply get up to speed--on Java.

Leading the list in a three-way tie for first are the aforementioned integrated development environments: Visual J++ from Microsoft, the new Java Workshop 2.0 (no w available in beta form) from Sun, and Visual Cafe Pro for Windows 95/NT from Symantec.

Though more valuable as a learning tool than a development platform, the Java Development Kit (JDK) from JavaSoft is a must-have item. The new beta release, JDK 1.1.1, just became available.

Because it's still a chore to search out authoritative Java technical information on the Web, IBM garners kudos for alphaWorks. This all-in-one Web site delivers on its promise to provide interesting articles, demos and on-line discussions.

Visual Basic programmers intent on brewing Java applications have help at hand with Applet Designer from TVObjects Corp.

Free Java components are promised, if you visit the Web site of Jscape Corp.

I've found two useful tomes that can help you learn Java. "Java in a Nutshell," by David Flanagan from O'Reilly, is a valuable reference once you've come up to speed on the basics. "Core Java" from Prentice-Hall is a comprehensive text by Gary Cornell and Cay Horstmann, two clearly knowledgeable authors.

That's all for this edition of Wintel Watch. We're still looking to crown a winner for our $1,000 PC Challenge. We're accepting entries for another two weeks. See if you can beat our experts, by submitting your (theoretical) low-cost design to our Wintel Watch Forum.

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