Sun takes on Adobe and Microsoft with JavaFX

Sun Microsystems has launched its JavaFX rich internet application (RIA) platform that will put it in direct competition with Adobe and Microsoft.

The JavaFX developer kit includes compiler and runtime tools, graphics, media, web services and rich text libraries, along with plug-ins for the NetBeans and Eclipse integrated development environments and Adobe Systems' Creative Suite versions 3 and 4.

For mobile developers the, kit also includes an emulator for use when building mobile applications.

Sun claimed that the tools should reduce time to market for rich applications such as online video. Helping to speed up the process is one-click conversion of media formats within JavaFX, a drag-to-install feature, collaboration tools and user events for developers.

The release is "designed to enable easy creation and deployment of RIAs with immersive media and content", Sun said, adding that it "ensures that RIAs will look and behave consistently across diverse form factors and devices".

Sun will be pitting its JavaFX offering against Adobe's Flash development platform and Microsoft's Silverlight.

The JavaFX 1.0 release for desktop computers is shipping now, and a mobile edition is planned for spring 2009. Other releases will follow, according to the firm. A free 60-day evaluation is available.

VIDEO: Sun discusses JavaFX development platform