Latest News from Rick Ross

Sun-Microsoft: "Where Is Java In This Settlement?" Asks Javalobby Founder

Wed, 07 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EDT

'Will Sun be using a significant portion of the settlement proceeds to benefit Java developers and strengthen independent, standards-based efforts to advance Java?' That's the question asked by Rick Ross. 'Will Sun prove it has the vision to strengthen Java by recognizing and assisting the independent developer community?' he adds.

"No Sun Is An Island," Says Javalobby Founder

Thu, 19 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST

Should Sun 'open source' Java, as urged by Eric S. Raymond here just a few days ago? Rick Ross, Javalobby founder, argues that Eric Raymond has focused on the wrong issue. 'Making Java 'open source' might placate a vocal contingent in the software development world, but it would not significantly raise consumer awareness and acceptance of our platform,' says Ross, who instead urges Sun to provide meaningful incentives 'to rally the industry into action and to create a cooperative industry alliance for Java platform marketing.'

MS Killed Java: Time for Justice - A Commentary on Sun's Injunction Request Against Microsoft

Fri, 30 Aug 2002 00:00:00 EDT

(August 30, 2002) - It's interesting to discuss this on the day that Michael Skakel, the 'Kennedy cousin', is sentenced to 20 years to life for killing a woman 25 years ago. Someone mentioned to me that it seems a harsh punishment for something that happened so long ago, and I could only reply, 'She's still dead.'

SYS-CON Radio Interviews Christophe Job

Tue, 26 Mar 2002 00:00:00 EST

Rick Ross talks to Christophe Job, President, Application Development Tools, Oracle.

Don't Give It Up Too Easily

Thu, 01 Mar 2001 00:00:00 EST

As an advocate for Java and Java developers, I've never been a more persuaded or passionate believer in the deep value of the Java platform and philosophy. For me, however, advocating this Java vision neither implies nor requires a pro-Sun outlook in any way. I admire Sun and respect many of the fine people I've met who work there, but in the end Sun is just a company and is obligated to place shareholder wealth ahead of all other interests. I truly wish more Java developers would recognize themselves as equal peers to the corporate players and stop ushering themselves so quickly into different companies' camps. We have our own interests to look out for, and we have no compelling need or motive to pledge allegiance to any company's flag.

Oracle Targets Top Spot With New Oracle9iAS and Jdeveloper

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 EST

I returned just yesterday from a fantastic trip to San Francisco for Oracle's OpenWorld conference. It wasn't clear what to expect when I accepted Oracle's invitation to give a presentation, but I was delighted to find the show had a high-energy crowd that was very tuned in to Java, especially J2EE and Web services. The whole show was great, but the most interesting and important items came from Oracle, itself - Oracle9i Application Server Release 2 and Oracle9i JDeveloper.

The Great JavaLobby Developer Survey of 1999

Tue, 01 Jun 1999 00:00:00 EDT

I'm sure you've often seen articles citing market research reports from high-powered industry analyst groups. Market research is a multibillion-dollar industry in its own right, and major economic and political decisions are often based on the information gleaned from these reports. I'm also sure there have been numerous high-quality reports produced to examine every aspect of Java I've been fortunate enough to have seen a few. The problem is that these reports are usually distributed only to the few decision makers who have the budget to afford the hefty price tags they invariably carry. Sure, you can sometimes read the free one-page summaries released to help promote these studies, but the full reports often cost many thousands of dollars to purchase.

'Make the Iron Hot by Striking it'

Sat, 01 May 1999 00:00:00 EDT

What I want most for Java developers is opportunity! I don't mean just the opportunity for a steady job in the corporate world that any competent Java developer should enjoy with confidence. Rather, I mean the awe-inspiring opportunities that come from the sense that Java developers can potentially change the world of technology, and quite possibly the world as a whole.

Tools Before Jewels

Thu, 01 Apr 1999 00:00:00 EST

When my dear friend Allan had major surgery a couple of years ago, I was thankful for the specialists who were able to meet his needs and provide him with critical care. The success of his procedure was absolutely dependent upon the exceptional skills of these specialists - without whom failure would have been certain. In software development, as in medicine, we have a need for specialists to help manage the enormous complexity that confronts us on a regular basis.

Make My PC JavaReady!

Mon, 01 Jun 1998 00:00:00 EDT

There's one form of power that is almost universally recognized in our society, the power of consumer spending. This is at the heart of all commerce, and anybody who tries to tell you otherwise must have something to sell you. I read today that more than 45 million American homes now have computers, and I'm sure that the number of computers used in businesses far exceeds that. I doubt that anyone will argue the fact that a lot of technology-driven consumer spending power is at work in our economy.

Developers and the Java Alliance

Sun, 01 Mar 1998 00:00:00 EST

A question I have been asking myself lately is whether high-profile alliances of large corporations are actually the best way to advance the technology initiatives that shape our development environment and the products we build and use. It's fine and well that Sun, IBM, Netscape, Oracle, Sybase, Novell and others are working with one another to be the technology leaders of this new Java platform that we all care about. But how much does this alliance actually benefit you and me, and what are its potential drawbacks?

Move Ahead and Don't Look Back

Sat, 01 Nov 1997 00:00:00 EST

I don't need a California court to tell me that Microsoft has breached their commitment to Java. Their attacks on Java portability, its very heart and soul, are blatant and painfully obvious. It's time to move on, and I think the solution to the Microsoft problem is simple.