Borland seeks Java partners

Borland is looking for independent software vendors to join a partner programme for Open Jbuilder, its Java development environment, formerly called Latte.

The programme is aimed at developers focusing on building Java Beans components - something both Borland and Sun are encouraging after Javasoft released the final Java Beans specification.

'Borland has played a key role in the development of Java Beans since the project's conception,' said Javasoft product marketing director David Spenhoff. 'Effective tools are a critical factor in the widespread adoption of Java Beans.'

Java Beans is Sun's platform-independent answer to Microsoft's Active X component architecture. It will allow Java objects to interact with other Java objects across the Net.

Borland said a pre-release version of Open Jbuilder will be available by the end of the year. The programme offers selected developers technical support, documentation, samples and co-op marketing leads.

'The Open Jbuilder programme will provide ISVs with everything they need to develop components,' said Borland development VP Jeff Rudy. 'It will also offer them access to Borland's marketing channels to reach Open Jbuilder customers.'

Borland has also fleshed out its Golden Gate intranet development environment with the launch of Intrabuilder Client/Server. The last in a trio of releases, which also includes departmental and professional versions, Intrabuilder Client/ Server uses rapid application development techniques to enable intranet and Internet database developers to create interactive, data-driven Web applications.

The product combines Borland's existing database tools with Javascript, the Web scripting language developed by Netscape.