Sun, IBM star at Summer Internet World
Microsoft and Netscape blow off the summer trade show, but Sun and IBM are expected to keep busy with a flurry of announcements.
JavaSoft, a unit of Sun Microsystems (SUNW) plans to update its activity, including new twists in its "100 percent Pure Java" initiative, which Microsoft has conspicuously shunned. Microsoft's low profile at the show also may win JavaSoft some PR points.
JavaSoft has blessed 30-plus "100 percent Pure Java" applications, including e-commerce software from TRADE'ex, and U&I Interactive's "2.5-D" development environment, Zero G Software's tool for building platform-neutral software installers, and Wyatt River Software's tools to manage software licenses.
Also on JavaSoft's docket is a new version of its JavaCard specification for smart cards and Java Beans.
IBM's hottest news will be on a new "Emergency Response Team" to ward off and neutralize security attacks on enterprise networks, and it also will showcase its hush-hush San Francisco Project, a Java programming initiative. Other announcements will touch on NCs, Internet commerce, a packaged Web hosting program for smaller companies, and channel programs for Web site designers.
IBM's Lotus Development unit will unveil new server software.
Among other big Net players, Oracle (ORCL) will add new payment options to its Internet commerce platform. It also will demonstrate a prerelease of an Oracle Video Cartridge running real-time video on a NC over the Web.
Struggling Apple Computer (AAPL) will announce a QuickTime plug-in and a Mac Runtime for Java, just in time for the release of a new version of its Mac operating system this week. It also will outline Apple's QuickTime strategy and update activities in its Interactive Media Group and QuickTime 3.0.
In an imaginative new use of Net technology, ISP Worldwide Access will demonstrate KidCam, a turnkey Internet video-conferencing system for day care centers and preschools. It allows parents to view their children's activities in real-time video and communicate directly with their child.
Several email vendors also will unveil new products. e Corp will show its e Mail '97 email messaging management application, available at retail August 2. WhoWhere?, an online directory of people and business information, will introduce its free MailCity service for private, permanent Internet email accounts.
Connectsoft Communications will preview FreeAgent, which uses software agents to unify an individual's email, voice mail, fax, and paging in a single message box and allow access from any phone or computer.
In other news around Internet World:
--Seagate Software will unveil a new version of Seagate Crystal Reports, a Web reporting tool. Interlogue Communications also will introduce Whirl, a real-time Web site analysis and measurement tool for the enterprise market, priced from $15,000.
--Hardware-maker Data General will announce a new "firewall-in-a-box" in its SecureLiine family of security products for both Windows NT and Unix. It also will demonstrate an e-commerce solution based on its Aviion NT server with "cluster-in-a-box" technology.
--Fujitsu Software will announce next month's launch of a storefront selling merchandise based on its WorldsAway virtual reality service using Internet Billing's turnkey catalog payment service.
--NC-maker HDS Network Systems, which is changing its name to Neoware Systems, will unveil a new Neoware ultrathin client.
--Digex, an ISP acquired in June by Intermedia Communications, will unveil new products and a Digex strategy.
--NetBot will release Jango, an Internet shopping assistant that searches for products and delivers reports so users can make informed purchases.
--CoolSavings, an Internet coupon service, will announce that AT&T WorldNet will use CoolSavings coupons in a customer loyalty program for its 900,000 online users. CoolSavings also will name a Baby Bell that will use Web coupons in its Internet Yellow Page advertising.
--MapInfo will debut a new Internet mapping July 21 that lets companies share the geographic locations of stores and offices with customers over the Net. It will also demonstrate an application with Wal-Mart at the show.