SAN FRANCISCO, USA: At the 2009 JavaOne conference, Sun Microsystems, Inc. unveiled the first public demonstration of the Java Store, revealing a powerful distribution channel for developers to directly connect with the more than 800 million desktop Java technology users worldwide.

A consumer-facing storefront enabling the discovery and purchase of Java and JavaFX applications, the Java Store is a network service offering an unequaled distribution channel for reaching customers and driving potential new revenue opportunities through the sale of innovative new content.

"Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or a small software startup, your primary need is the ability to reach customers. The Java Platform reaches more customers than just about any other software platform in the industry," said Eric Klein, vice president, Java marketing at Sun.

"We're building new business opportunities and are thrilled to launch the Java Store to connect developers with hundreds of millions of Java users. The Java Store will become the destination for the most interesting, useful and entertaining Java software and content," added Klein.

Sun announced that a private beta program for the Java Store has already begun and is expected to open for all U.S.-based Java users later this year. Sun also announced that developers can begin submitting Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE) and JavaFX-based applications to the Java Warehouse for distribution in the Java Store.

Java Store provides marketplace for Java applications

The Java Store, created in JavaFX, will automatically be delivered to end users via the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). More than 800 million worldwide desktop Java users will soon be able to easily and securely discover and purchase compelling Java applications and content through the Java Store.

The Java Store contains personal productivity, business, social graph and entertainment software organized in a simple and intuitive user interface. The Java Store also allows users to safely install applications by easily dragging them from the Java Store directly onto their computer desktop, greatly simplifying the software installation process.

Java Warehouse delivers content for the Java Store and partner storefronts

The Java Warehouse is the repository for applications submitted by developers for distribution in the Java Store. The Java Warehouse is unique in that it will facilitate the aggregation, management and distribution of Java applications across all the screens of a customer's life, browser, desktop, mobile and TV.

While Sun manages the desktop-focused Java Store, mobile and TV service providers can use the Java Warehouse to acquire high quality applications for their existing, private branded storefronts.