I joined Sun over 10 years ago to work in the Javasoft team. Back then, it was run by Alan Baratz and had an amazing energy level. You could tell that what we were all working on had industry changing potential. But who would have guessed that 10 years later, Java would continue to thrive and change what computing can do. A few years ago, Patrice Peyret and I proposed to Alan and his staff that we formally create the Java editions, known as J2SE, J2EE, and J2ME. And it was amazing how quickly the decision was made to move forward, to notify all the Java licensees, and to announce it at JavaOne.
That was a pretty amazing ride. I also remember working closely with Jim Mitchell and Bill Lard to create the first license for Java so the code could be viewed free of charge as long as it was for non-commercial use. I think that was my first taste at community, open source licenses, and licensee dynamics/politics. But over the years, there has been so many bright, dedicated, passionate folks who worked on Java (both in Sun and outside of Sun) that certainly all deserve a round of applause. Read all the blogs, all the announcements, and step back and really understand the magnitude of what you all have been a part of. Congratulations to Java, to James, and to all who contributed.