Innovating (with) Java

Abstract

Innovation, 'the introduction of something new', has become a very hot topic. Just google for 'innovation' and you will get far more search results than say, the keyword 'beer'. So why is innovation potentially more important to you, as a Java developer, than beer? It's because innovation is not just about novelty, it's about continuously adding value in order for you, and your company, to grow. And if you do not innovate you may simply be outperformed by those who do, or in the end – become obsolete.

This talk explains the mechanisms of software innovation and describes how you, as a Java developer, might fit that picture of a true innovator. It's also about the state of Java itself, its inherent potential for innovation (or lack thereof), and how is being dealt with disruptive technologies such as alternative programming models and dynamic languages. The question that lurks: is Java a category killer or will Java become the next COBOL?

Lastly, some appropriate examples will be presented from 'Working Tomorrow', an internal graduate program that is heavily oriented towards emerging technologies.

Speaker

Martin van Amersfoorth