Ambiguous technologies (could that be nebulous nouns?) [2007 archive]
[As part of a series rediscovering some geeky tech posts, this one I wrote in May 2007]
I'd like to summarise two or three interesting technological items which - well, for me at least - were once wholly ambiguous in meaning but which have become more understandable over time.
Firstly:
JAVA
1996 questions: What is it, a coffee bean logo, a virtual machine, a clever operating system for small devices, a programming environment or language?
2007 verdict: My take is that Java is primarily a programming language and the Java Virtual Machine, but it's also apparently a runtime environment.
Funnily enough, earlier this month: Sun announces JavaFX aimed at the scripting community!
Microsoft .NET
2001 questions: Is it SOAP, a set of Microsoft methologies when it comes to programming, a new programming language?
2007 verdict: .NET is a framework including new, more object oriented languages like C# and new web technologies in the form of ASP.NET, web parts - and now for 2007, Microsoft AJAX - more about that another time.
Funnily enough, earlier this month: at the MIX07 conference, Microsoft announces Dynamic Language Runtime, also aimed at the scripting community! View the video in Silverlight (link to download Silverlight is included).
Windows Live - 2006
Well as far as I am concerned, the jury is still out on this one. I regularly come across bits of windows live by accident which probably summarises just what a poor job Microsoft has done on marketing this - especially given the US$ they have been throwing at it so far.
One day, maybe I'll understand the whole Windows Live offering.
I notice (as an aside) that Microsoft have taken their default Hotmail web access back to the old style which most of their users know and love! Ironic, eh?
Google have done such a better job explaining their various offerings, even to the extent of making their betas sound cool. And I think Microsoft are cottoning on the fact now!
Just before I go, Google have done a great job in revamping their analytics reporting site. Very nice by my reckoning.
Until next time - and I'll promise to cover off unlocking "Information" then.
I'd like to summarise two or three interesting technological items which - well, for me at least - were once wholly ambiguous in meaning but which have become more understandable over time.
Firstly:
JAVA
1996 questions: What is it, a coffee bean logo, a virtual machine, a clever operating system for small devices, a programming environment or language?
2007 verdict: My take is that Java is primarily a programming language and the Java Virtual Machine, but it's also apparently a runtime environment.
Funnily enough, earlier this month: Sun announces JavaFX aimed at the scripting community!
Microsoft .NET
2001 questions: Is it SOAP, a set of Microsoft methologies when it comes to programming, a new programming language?
2007 verdict: .NET is a framework including new, more object oriented languages like C# and new web technologies in the form of ASP.NET, web parts - and now for 2007, Microsoft AJAX - more about that another time.
Funnily enough, earlier this month: at the MIX07 conference, Microsoft announces Dynamic Language Runtime, also aimed at the scripting community! View the video in Silverlight (link to download Silverlight is included).
Windows Live - 2006
Well as far as I am concerned, the jury is still out on this one. I regularly come across bits of windows live by accident which probably summarises just what a poor job Microsoft has done on marketing this - especially given the US$ they have been throwing at it so far.
One day, maybe I'll understand the whole Windows Live offering.
I notice (as an aside) that Microsoft have taken their default Hotmail web access back to the old style which most of their users know and love! Ironic, eh?
Google have done such a better job explaining their various offerings, even to the extent of making their betas sound cool. And I think Microsoft are cottoning on the fact now!
Just before I go, Google have done a great job in revamping their analytics reporting site. Very nice by my reckoning.
Until next time - and I'll promise to cover off unlocking "Information" then.
Comments
Post a Comment