Response to the Java Posse

The Java Posse podcast guys were kind enough to mention us again, specifically our 5.2 release. One of the comments they make, though, is that we seem almost afraid to mention that GigaSpaces is a Jini/JavaSpaces implementation, as we don't mention it in the press release and it is not featured on our web site. They say it's a shame for Jini/JavaSpaces fans everywhere.

Well, first, I take that as a compliment. So thanks, Java Posse.

Second, let's make it clear: we are damn proud of being a Jini/JavaSpaces implementation, and associated with the technology and the community around it.

The reason that we do not emphasize it in our marketing material is straightforward. We get more bang for the buck by talking about our features, benefits and customer results than we do by talking about the underlying technology, which sometimes ignites silly religious wars.

Another reason is that, frankly, our product goes well beyond Jini-JavaSpaces (as Patrick Logan notes), so we don't want to sell ourselves short. We definitely take advantage of the underlying Jini-JavaSpaces capabilities, but not necessarily as a programming model. That's why we prefer talking about Space-Based Architecture.

Our biggest contribution to the Jini/JavaSpaces community is creating a robust, enterprise-grade, commercially successful product.

In the meantime, and despite Sun having originally mis-marketed J/JS ("Your toaster will talk to your microwave oven and together they'll order a pizza"), the technology is clearly growing in popularity.

Speaking of mis-marketing J/JS: Fuzzy rightfully complains and Dan Creswell sets the record straight.

Comments

[Dan Creswell]

"The reason that we do not emphasize it in our marketing material is straightforward. We get more bang for the buck by talking about our features, benefits and customer results than we do by talking about the underlying technology, which sometimes ignites silly religious wars."

All at once you're differentiating yourself, reminding the customer that you've got a great product, paying homage to your "roots" and promoting Jini a little bit more - "jeez those guys built this great product on top of Jini/JS, maybe I need to go check that out".

And, from a pure business perspective given where you're at - it makes sense.

I wonder however if you might not get good mileage by saying something like "we have all these really cool features you Mr/Mrs/Miss Customer are so into and a great product but it's important to realize we couldn't have done this without Jini/JS".

This would remind the customer of how great the product is, pay homage to your "roots" and help adoption - "jeez, these guys built a great product on top of Jini/JS, maybe I should go check that out".

[Geva Perry]

Dan - If your point is that we should mention J/JS more often, I agree. And we will.

Geva

[Dan Creswell]

Whoops, cut and paste issue, yeah that was my point and ignore my first paragraph after the quote - duplicate.

[Geva Perry]

And by the way, Dan, it should go both ways -- the "community" should recognize GigaSpaces more as a success in its midst.

[Dan Creswell]

"And by the way, Dan, it should go both ways -- the "community" should recognize GigaSpaces more as a success in its midst."

Agreed - as with so many of these kinds of things, there's a balance to be struck and respect to be earnt and given.

From my own perspective, there's been something of an impasse which can only be broken with effort from both (well at least one) side. Thanks for stepping up to the plate.