.NET or Java -- Who Will Win? Pundits Duke It Out in First Public Face Off at the California Technology Forum 2001.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 2001

Infoworld's Michael Vizard to Moderate Panel

Featuring Supporters, Customers of Both Technologies

In the first public face off between industry experts on differing sides of the fence, two key technologies -- Microsoft's .NET and Sun Microsystems' J2EE -- will be prodded, poked and pummeled in a panel at the California Technology Forum 2001. "The Great Web Technologies Debate," scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2001 and moderated by Infoworld editor-in-chief Michael Vizard, will feature representatives and customers of both technologies.

The two key technologies are vying to dominate the next major breakthrough in information technology and Web services, affecting everything from development platforms to software distribution and the economics of the IT industry. J2EE (based on Java technology and holding a six-year lead) is competing with the newest entrant, .NET from Microsoft with its host of associated technologies. Both companies are poised to debate benefits and shortcomings.

"This is a battle of titans whose outcome will change the landscape of enterprise software development and the future of the Internet," said Parker Francis, publisher, Silicon 2.0. "Almost every decision that a CIO or CTO will make in the next 12 months hangs on the result of the fight between Java and .NET."

The California Technology Forum 2001, an executive conference focusing on the convergence of technology, innovation and commerce, offers six distinct conferences featuring more than 90 speakers during its four-day schedule. The overlapping schedule promises to provide attendees more interaction, networking, plenary sessions, social events and encounters with local and world technology experts than would be possible with traditional single-track sessions.

Keynote speakers for the California Technology Forum 2001 include: Timothy Chou, president, Oracle.com; Alan Kay, Disney fellow and vice president of research and development, Walt Disney Imagineering; Don Box, co-founder, DevelopMentor, a component software think tank; Stuart McClure, lead author of the best-selling security book, "Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets and Solutions"; Lisa Farr, founder, president and CEO, Occam Networks; Eric Schultz, chairman and CEO, Wireless Knowledge; and Bertrand Meyer, a pioneer of modern software engineering now intimately involved with Microsoft's new .NET initiatives.

The California Technology Forum 2001 is sponsored by Interactive Software Engineering and Silicon 2.0, a technology business publication, with conference sponsorships from Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Compaq, Research in Motion, BEA, VARBusiness, CRN, Borders, PCAI, Fiderus, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Lanspeed, CompuVision, Occam Networks and WolfeTech Development Corporation. In addition to conference sessions, the California Technology Forum 2001 will also feature an exhibit area showcasing the latest technology from local, national and global firms.

About the California Technology Forum

The California Technology Forum 2001, an executive conference focusing on the convergence of technology, innovation and commerce, will be held July 29 through August 3, 2001, at the Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort in Santa Barbara. More information and conference pricing packages can be found on the California Technology Forum 2001 web site at www.ctf2001.com. Registration is available through e-mail at [e-mail], by calling 805/685-1006, or through the California Technology Forum 2001 web site. Last minute exhibition and sponsorship information is also available at www.ctf2001.com.