You spoke. We took note. The result? The Java site has a new look and navigation. Now, it is easier than ever to get online and on track with the information and technologies you need.
Before we began and at major checkpoints throughout the project, input was solicited from you and gleaned from the Java sites in the following ways:
We continually fed the data to a cross-functional team responsible for specifying the new design and features outlined in this article.
The former JDC home page has been adapted as a landing page for registration-related Developer Services. Developer services are benefits provided to registrants, and include such things as technical tips by email, authorization to post to site discussion forums, access to prereleased software, the ability to create a bug watch list, and more.
The Java site's updated look features the red, yellow, and blue colors of the new Sun brand, a streamlined left navigation, and buttons to take you from the home page to the J2SE, J2EE, and J2ME platform pages. The platform pages have a clear and clean tab design to make Java platform product information, downloads, and documentation readily accessible.
Note: Be sure to scroll to the bottoms of the pages to find an enhanced footer that features links to company information, help, press releases, employment information, and links to other Sun developer sites.The java.sun.com home page has a simplified organization to help you quickly learn what is new and continue seamlessly on your way to the information you want.
Many of you told us that enhancing site searching capabilities is very important. You also told us that Google was your favorite search engine. In response, we worked with Google to use their search engine to power Java site searches. Try it out and let us know how you like it by filling in the reader feedback survey below.
The streamlined left navigation focuses on what developers want most: downloads, documentation, Java technology information, developer services, and architectural information (blueprints).
Downloads is a new page that aggregates links to Java technology downloads organized by platform and listed by version number. It includes a link to an A to Z index for developers who prefer an alphabetized organization.
Documentation takes you to a page that aggregates links to product documentation, Java series books online; and related articles, technical tips, quizzes, tutorials, code samples, Question of the Week archive, technical FAQs (a new page) and the New to Java programming center.
Technologies (product information) is the former Products & APIs page, and takes you to a page that aggregates links to information on Java technology downloads. The Technologies page is organized by platform, and includes a link to an A to Z index for developers who prefer an alphabetized organization.
Developer Services (formerly JDC) links to the former JDC home page. It aggregates information on benefits provided to site registrants, that include such things as technical tips by email, the ability to post to site discussion forums, access to prereleased software, and more.
Java BluePrints help you decide which Java technology is best for solving your particular business problem, and once you choose a technology, recommend the best ways to use its features.
The changes and new features represent phase 1 of a two-phase roll out of site improvements. For now, you will still see the old navigation on some lower level pages, and not all pages throughout the site have the new banner.
We hope you enjoyed the tour.