Each year, the Duke's Choice awards committee invites Java community members to nominate the best and most innovative use of Java technology for recognition. The leadership team -- including James Gosling, known as the father of Java technology -- selects the winners based on the creativity of the Java technology-based applications and services. Now in its seventh year, the committee recognizes the winners of the 2009 Duke's Choice awards for their cool tools, technologies, and products.
This year, the committee gave out 10 awards in the following categories:
1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gold Duke
2. Best Desktop Game
3. Java Everywhere!
4. Java Technology for Developer Solutions
5. Java Technology in Education
6. Java Technology for the Environment
7. Java Technology in Network Solutions
8. Java Technology for the Open-Source Community
9. Java Technology Tools
1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gold Duke
LincVolt, Perrone Robotics
At 19.5 feet and weighing 2.5 tons, the 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible is the leader in innovation when it comes to new ways to fuel a car. The LincVolt Car seeks to create clean automobile propulsion technology and eliminate roadside refueling entirely. This inspiring project is powered by some of the most respected technologies including Java software. Perrone Robotics is the force behind this unprecedented concept and and is dedicated to creating robotics technology for use across platforms and software by leveraging open-source technologies. Check out the LincVolt Car in the Change (Y)our World Playground at the JavaOne conference.
2. Best Desktop Game
Runescape, Jagex, Ltd.
Jagex, Ltd. has become a leader in the online video games industry, with the creation of one of the world's largest massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), Runescape. Since its launch in 2001, Runescape has become one of the largest MMOGs globally and just completed an engine upgrade to enable HD gaming. As well, Jagex, Ltd. has launched the FunOrb.com games portal, which brings fantastic Java technology-based games across all genres to consumers.
3. Java Everywhere!
Terracotta 3.0
Terracotta 3.0 provides an inexpensive and easy way to scale a Java technology-based application to as many computers as needed for simultaneous high availability and scalability. Because the development time is reduced, Terracotta significantly lowers the operational and capital cost required to support web applications. Terracotta 3.0 is in use across numerous markets such as travel, gaming, financial services, communications, health services, and social networking. Because Terracotta uses Java technology, if you know Java, then you know Terracotta.
4. Java Technology for Developer Solutions
DataBox, ReportMill Software, Inc.
DataBox, from ReportMill Software, is an instant Java application builder and provides everything you need to easily build and deploy Java technology-based applications. From creating database tables to designing application forms and reports, DataBox is capable of deploying an applet in any browser. With DataBox, development that usually requires multiple tools, a broad range of skills, and a substantial amount of time can now be accomplished quickly.
5. Java Technology in Education
Alice 3, Carnegie Mellon University
Created by students at Carnegie Mellon University, Alice is a one-of-a-kind program that helps kids learn the complete Java programming language and syntax while having fun doing it. The 3-D animation provides a natural program visualization, which aids students in understanding the execution of programming as well as catching logical errors that may arise. Assets from The Sims 2.0, donated by Electronic Arts, provide characters, scenery, and high-level animations for students to create movies and games as a motivating context and a dynamic experience. Visit the Carnegie Mellon team in the Change (Y)our World Playground at the JavaOne conference.
6. Java Technology in Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), one of the oldest and leading technological institutions in the United States, seeks to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to impact society and improve the lives of others. It is the mission of WPI faculty to educate talented students to create, discover, and convey knowledge to everyone and show how it may be useful in everyday life. With the use of open-source software such as Java technology and the NetBeans IDE, WPI has done just that with the FIRST Robotics competition, which is designed to help high school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineering can be.
7. Java Technology for the Environment
Unique GSM Modules With Java Technology, Sealite Company
Sealite Company creates products that require low levels of power, use solar energy, and often need little to no maintenance. Sealite's most notable creation is a unique GSM cell phone-based monitoring and alarm system with Java technology. This system allows users to monitor marine lanterns fitted with specific SIM cards, each with a designated number, and to check on the lanterns without ever leaving shore. The GSM monitoring and alarm system provides real-time information from anywhere around the globe. This low-cost and internally integrated system reduces maintenance and servicing costs, and improves marine safety.
8. Java Technology in Network Solutions
The NetBeans Satellite Tracking System, ND SatCom Network Management Systems
With over 25 years of experience in the satellite networks and systems business, ND SatCom has grown to become one of the leading companies in its field. ND SatCom's Network Management System for defense networks, consisting of 1116 NetBeans Platform modules, is based on an open and hierarchical architecture according to international standards. The system-management module performs network planning, resource management, and configuration management on the system level, where the system can consist of several networks. The NetBeans satellite tracking system is built with about 1 million lines of manual code, 3.5 million lines of generated Java code, more than 100,000 lines of C++ code for device communication, and more than 1000 NetBeans modules.
9. Java Technology for the Open-Source Community
Mifos
Web-based management information system Mifos leverages a centralized open-source technology platform to help microfinance institutions (MFIs) effectively deliver financial services to the poor and fight against global poverty. To reach the billions in need of financial services, MFIs need a reliable and scalable system -- enter the Java SE 6 platform. As a robust and mature programming language with a loyal and knowledgeable community of developers worldwide, Java SE 6 aids Mifos in the building of a community-driven platform that enables technology to empower the poor to lift themselves out of poverty. Mifos chose open-source technology because of the community of involved individuals who participate, collaborate, create, and adapt, while also providing room for transparency, quality, flexibility and longevity.
10. Java Technology Tools
Clover, Atlassian
Clover is a Java code coverage tool with test-level insight, instant IDE feedback, interactive reports, and test optimization. More than just a coverage percentage, Clover provides insight into user testing by identifying project risks and quick wins. Clover identifies specific tests to cover various lines of code and automatically identifies which tests to run to cover the particular changes made. And because of the IDE integration, you can harness all the power of the Clover test insight without ever leaving your workbench.
This year, the committee gave out 10 awards in the following categories:
1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gold Duke
2. Best Desktop Game
3. Java Everywhere!
4. Java Technology for Developer Solutions
5. Java Technology in Education
6. Java Technology for the Environment
7. Java Technology in Network Solutions
8. Java Technology for the Open-Source Community
9. Java Technology Tools
1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gold Duke
LincVolt, Perrone Robotics
At 19.5 feet and weighing 2.5 tons, the 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible is the leader in innovation when it comes to new ways to fuel a car. The LincVolt Car seeks to create clean automobile propulsion technology and eliminate roadside refueling entirely. This inspiring project is powered by some of the most respected technologies including Java software. Perrone Robotics is the force behind this unprecedented concept and and is dedicated to creating robotics technology for use across platforms and software by leveraging open-source technologies. Check out the LincVolt Car in the Change (Y)our World Playground at the JavaOne conference.
2. Best Desktop Game
Runescape, Jagex, Ltd.
Jagex, Ltd. has become a leader in the online video games industry, with the creation of one of the world's largest massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), Runescape. Since its launch in 2001, Runescape has become one of the largest MMOGs globally and just completed an engine upgrade to enable HD gaming. As well, Jagex, Ltd. has launched the FunOrb.com games portal, which brings fantastic Java technology-based games across all genres to consumers.
3. Java Everywhere!
Terracotta 3.0
Terracotta 3.0 provides an inexpensive and easy way to scale a Java technology-based application to as many computers as needed for simultaneous high availability and scalability. Because the development time is reduced, Terracotta significantly lowers the operational and capital cost required to support web applications. Terracotta 3.0 is in use across numerous markets such as travel, gaming, financial services, communications, health services, and social networking. Because Terracotta uses Java technology, if you know Java, then you know Terracotta.
4. Java Technology for Developer Solutions
DataBox, ReportMill Software, Inc.
DataBox, from ReportMill Software, is an instant Java application builder and provides everything you need to easily build and deploy Java technology-based applications. From creating database tables to designing application forms and reports, DataBox is capable of deploying an applet in any browser. With DataBox, development that usually requires multiple tools, a broad range of skills, and a substantial amount of time can now be accomplished quickly.
5. Java Technology in Education
Alice 3, Carnegie Mellon University
Created by students at Carnegie Mellon University, Alice is a one-of-a-kind program that helps kids learn the complete Java programming language and syntax while having fun doing it. The 3-D animation provides a natural program visualization, which aids students in understanding the execution of programming as well as catching logical errors that may arise. Assets from The Sims 2.0, donated by Electronic Arts, provide characters, scenery, and high-level animations for students to create movies and games as a motivating context and a dynamic experience. Visit the Carnegie Mellon team in the Change (Y)our World Playground at the JavaOne conference.
6. Java Technology in Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), one of the oldest and leading technological institutions in the United States, seeks to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to impact society and improve the lives of others. It is the mission of WPI faculty to educate talented students to create, discover, and convey knowledge to everyone and show how it may be useful in everyday life. With the use of open-source software such as Java technology and the NetBeans IDE, WPI has done just that with the FIRST Robotics competition, which is designed to help high school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineering can be.
7. Java Technology for the Environment
Unique GSM Modules With Java Technology, Sealite Company
Sealite Company creates products that require low levels of power, use solar energy, and often need little to no maintenance. Sealite's most notable creation is a unique GSM cell phone-based monitoring and alarm system with Java technology. This system allows users to monitor marine lanterns fitted with specific SIM cards, each with a designated number, and to check on the lanterns without ever leaving shore. The GSM monitoring and alarm system provides real-time information from anywhere around the globe. This low-cost and internally integrated system reduces maintenance and servicing costs, and improves marine safety.
8. Java Technology in Network Solutions
The NetBeans Satellite Tracking System, ND SatCom Network Management Systems
With over 25 years of experience in the satellite networks and systems business, ND SatCom has grown to become one of the leading companies in its field. ND SatCom's Network Management System for defense networks, consisting of 1116 NetBeans Platform modules, is based on an open and hierarchical architecture according to international standards. The system-management module performs network planning, resource management, and configuration management on the system level, where the system can consist of several networks. The NetBeans satellite tracking system is built with about 1 million lines of manual code, 3.5 million lines of generated Java code, more than 100,000 lines of C++ code for device communication, and more than 1000 NetBeans modules.
9. Java Technology for the Open-Source Community
Mifos
Web-based management information system Mifos leverages a centralized open-source technology platform to help microfinance institutions (MFIs) effectively deliver financial services to the poor and fight against global poverty. To reach the billions in need of financial services, MFIs need a reliable and scalable system -- enter the Java SE 6 platform. As a robust and mature programming language with a loyal and knowledgeable community of developers worldwide, Java SE 6 aids Mifos in the building of a community-driven platform that enables technology to empower the poor to lift themselves out of poverty. Mifos chose open-source technology because of the community of involved individuals who participate, collaborate, create, and adapt, while also providing room for transparency, quality, flexibility and longevity.
10. Java Technology Tools
Clover, Atlassian
Clover is a Java code coverage tool with test-level insight, instant IDE feedback, interactive reports, and test optimization. More than just a coverage percentage, Clover provides insight into user testing by identifying project risks and quick wins. Clover identifies specific tests to cover various lines of code and automatically identifies which tests to run to cover the particular changes made. And because of the IDE integration, you can harness all the power of the Clover test insight without ever leaving your workbench.