Softwear Chic

Come to Utopia: Create, Play, Learn & Share

2009-05-20T14:19:55-07:00

For the first time ever, we are excited to feature a new aspect of JavaOne within the pavilion. Its called Java Utopia. Its the most welcoming, creative, interactive, nontraditional lounge you will ever enter – all designed so you can experience and learn about the best Java technologies.

Create, Play, Learn and Share with the best and brightest of Java!
Grab your laptop and hack code in one of the Java Utopia technology lounges.
Participate in games, competitions and even test your skills – You can win prizes!
Engage in discussions and join a Java technology lightning talk

You never know who you might meet..or who just may be hanging out in Java Utopia
We hope to see you there @JavaOne!

DUDE, Where's My Pass to JavaOne?

2009-04-24T10:59:09-07:00

I tell you where it is...you can win it right here! Listen to our own Chris M tell you all about this very cool contest.

And go to http://java.sun.com/javaone/2009/contest to submit a video as to why you should win a free trip to JavaOne!!!!!

JavaFX Coding Challenge - Create. Develop. Win!

2009-04-13T10:46:47-07:00

It's on! The JavaFX Coding Challenge is here. There is no limit to your creativity. If you're a developer in the professional or student communities, we have an opportunity for you to win up to $25,000 in the JavaFX Coding challenge. Download JavaFX 1.1 and use your talents to design a winning application with JavaFX. Submit your application before the deadline and you could be selected as one of the top winners.

Cash prizes of $5,000, $10,000 and our top rize of $25,000 will be awarded to professional developers or students. Three additional $1500 cash prizes will be awarded to the top applications submitted by students. One prize per entry, please and all top entries will be showcased on JavaFX.com as examples of great new applications.

For more visit: www.JavaFX.com/challenge

Take the challenge now!

Creativity is a Leap of Faith

2009-04-05T13:55:52-07:00

In the days of online marketing, social media, interactive games, personal brands and instant YouTube stars, there is more wild content than anyone can humanly consume. At the same time, we are barraged with the never ending professional do's and don'ts. Everyday I am faced with many decisions about how and what we will be using to market our products. A matrix so complicated to some, but beautiful music to me. Why? Because we have evolved beyond the traditional, we have confidence in our mistakes and we never stop learning. So whatever you choose and however you choose to express it, just remember this. Take risks, use common sense, but try something new. Not every idea will work, but creativity is a leap of faith, so just jump.

JavaFX @ SXSW

2009-03-12T12:40:01-07:00

Oh yeah...it is that time of year again! And it is very rare when I get to say that I live in the “place to be” starting this Friday. SXSW has grown into a massive, creative gathering that not only reflects, discusses and showcases trends in culture, media and technology but also often creates them. This is when people come celebrate the creativity and passion behind the coolest new media technologies...and JavaFX is going to be “expressive”

We have some very cool things planned!

First of all – follow us on Twitter to hear the latest and greatest happenings from the hottest panels and forums

Visit the JavaFX App Lounge on the tradeshow floorwhere you can see JavaFX in action on both PCs & mobile devices!
Mingle with the brains behind JavaFX during the SXSW Booth/Pub Crawl, Sunday, March 15, 2009 4pm-6pm

Check out our panel:
We Like Big Apps: Developing for All the Screens of Your Life, Saturday March 14, 2009, 5pm-6pm, Room 10
They will discuss the platforms, tools, tips and tricks that offer distinct advantages for web designers and developers who are seeking to stand out from the crowd.

Eric Klein, VP of Java marketing at Sun moderates this session featuring:
Peyton Lindley, executive director of UX design and technology, EffectiveUI;
Bill Maggs, head of developer and partner engagement, Sony Ericsson;
Nizar Alibhoy, CEO, Telepop

And because it wouldn't be SXSW without parties - don't miss the first ever Fusion Interactive and Film party - sponsored by JavaFX and Whrrl - Monday, March 16, 2009 8pm-10pm @ Red Eye Fly where some of the hottest web 2.0 compnaies and coolest designers will walk a mini-red carpet.

See U there!

Airport Observations

2009-02-23T15:28:34-08:00

Last week, I spent some significant time in airports. And while admittedly, a lot of it was spent quickly moving from one place to another, I did get some time to just stop and observe. Without question, there is no greater gathering of human emotion than in an airport.

You see business travelers, wearily dragging their carry-on rollers bags and laptops as to not waste any time at the baggage claim when they land for that oh-so-important business meeting. Sometimes they travel in packs, but mostly you see them by themselves – eyes straight forward and moving with a self-appointed purpose.

You see parents, grandparents and kids going to visit extended families – sometimes for the first time. They move like a small unit, never letting the young go too far away, but ensuring they learn from the new experience. Each one carries something special from home – a teddy bear or blanket, reading glasses or that special pillow. The parents? entertaining and distracting old and young alike so none of them realize just how tired they really are.

You see young couples, hand-in-hand, embarking upon an adventure. At first glance, their shoes and handbags usually give away their origins, and when they open their mouths to speak, you can figure out just how far they have traveled. They look around and take in every moment as to promise themselves they will never forget their youth (but we all do)

You see sports teams going to their next gig. Matching sweats, iPods in abundance, laughter on their faces and dance moves in front of the McDonalds. Clearly they have not lost.

There are the thousands and thousands of people who work at the airport. Who go to their day or night job to ensure each and every one of us makes it to where we need to be...because we all have to travel.

And at its worst, the airport is a public forum for the most private of times. The loss of a loved-one is devastating. Traveling to reach “home” during that time is excruciating. You know who they are, but don't want to look. They are the ones wearing the sunglasses - with a tear streaming down their face. They have no desire to be there, yet they move through.

So the next time you are in an airport, take a look around. Each person is there for a different reason. There is no greater gathering of human emotion or a more beautiful diverse slice of humanity.

JavaFX Goes Mobile

2009-02-13T11:35:04-08:00

Heading to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress to make sure the world knows about JavaFX! (if I can ever get there)

The New GlassFish Portfolio!

2009-02-10T08:33:53-08:00

Check it out! Sun launched the most complete open Web application platform: built on the Web, for the Web. Bringing together the price/performance-leading open-source GlassFish Enterprise Server, the record-setting Sun Web Server, Sun Proxy Server and a complete enterprise message platform as well as several new products:

New Sun GlassFish ESB
New Sun GlassFish Web Stack
New Sun GlassFish Web Space Server
Additional Sun GlassFish Portfolio Add-On: New Sun GlassFish Communications Server

But don't let me tell you about it – learn more here

And for those of you who are not used to my tecnical blogs, Its kinda like this. The GlassFish Portfolio is like giving you a Marc Jacobs jacket for free...and if you want the belt, we will give it to you at Target prices. It does not get any better that that.

My Life as a Dashboard

2009-02-09T15:54:29-08:00

We are moving at the speed of Life...the new found speed in which we cram more stuff into a single day and drop in our beds exhausted at night. Where everything seems to be measured in terms of tasks started and tasks completed. This week I am very excited, we have two major launches in our software portfolio ( you will be hearing about them soon!) And believe me, dashboards are my middle name. Long documented lists with tremendous detail – transparent to the working world – illuminating your every move. Are you red, yellow or green?

We are all green!

CES 2009: Barbie Goes High-Tech

2009-01-12T09:26:52-08:00

While there were many new gadgets that surfaced at CES, none were as eye-catching as the bright pink Barbie Digital Nail Printer by Mattel. This cross-over gadget brings modern technology to the tweens and teens of the world. Targeting the girly market, the Barbie Nail printer hooks up to your PC and enables you to print designs directly on your nails! Use one of the 1000 Barbie designs or upload your own. You can even size the designs to fit those tiny little nails with the help of a built in digital camera that displays your finger on the screen. And while designed for ages 8 and up, I would not be surprised if this this girly-girl beautronic device ends up in homes and home offices around the world.

A New Year...A New Blog

2009-01-09T15:49:29-08:00

When I was in preschool, I made 5 pictures when everyone else painted one. When I was a kid, I rearranged my room every 6 months. I downloaded the background app for my iPhone so I can look at a new graphic every day. I change my hair cut and color every time I go to the stylist. See the pattern? I like to change things up. So I am really excited to unveil my new blog look for 2009! I know its a skin, but for me...its a look. A fresh color, a new hairdo and the addition of two fury friends that keep me sane in an insane world of software, fashion and friends. And while we can always change the outside, the inside remains the same.

P.S. Thank you Gwen! You bring color to so many lives.

When Brand Goes Beyond Your Product

2009-01-07T07:57:02-08:00

A manifesto from an innovative, passionate and successful organization that sells more than just apparel – lululemon athletica. Agree or disagree with the approach...its up to you, but it's refreshing to see a new and bold approach to company culture, marketing and product...and a brand that goes beyond itself.

If Blogging Brings you Bliss...

2009-01-04T12:12:39-08:00

Then this conference is for you! Check out BlissDom '09. The conference that was developed by bloggers, for bloggers. Do something special for yourself. Mingle and learn - from writing to social media...and best of all...meet people who share your passion for blogging.

Even better...Jen Lancaster is the keynote! So you know you will laugh.

P.S. A Must Read: Bitter is the New Black

2009 – I’m Back

2009-01-01T20:53:46-08:00

Happy New Year! And as with all good New Years, we find ourselves reflecting back and looking forward. I am going to spare you the reflective rhetoric but 2008 was an extraordinary year. A year of successes and challenges. A year of growth and yet at times, uncertainty.

I took more time than anticipated this holiday season to look back, take stock and set my sights on the year ahead. I have been absent from the blogisphere for a while (no excuses…lets just chock it up to an introspective time) but plan to change that in the year ahead.

So to kick off the new year, here is a list of my pseudo resolutions

•   Blog more (because I love to write)
•   Read more (other than fashion magazines and technology websites)
•   Eliminate some of my less-likeable personalities (That’s for you AmyO)
•   Try one new marketing idea a month…even when no one wants “new”
•   Laugh more (and less loudly)
•   Grace
•   Care more…and in some cases…care less

Who really knows what the year holds, but I do know that it is a year that will be defined by character.

It is going to be a very good year

Balancing Work and Life...the True Talent

2008-11-02T11:00:24-08:00

We all have them– no matter your gender. We have family obligations! Carpools, soccer games, (in my case - football games) first days of school, ballet recitals, holiday carnivals, sick children and even sick pets. And while these events rarely fall outside of “normal” working hours, in today's 24-hour globally connected marketplace, 9-5 is an obsolete term. Lets be honest - what is 9:00 am to me maybe 7:00 pm to my co-worker. Yet, through the miracle of technology, we are connected. We perform our jobs at all hours of the day and join in with exuberance as if the “life” part is not a distraction (and at times, does not exist). But life does exist.

This blog is not meant to be a rant or series of complaints, but rather a tribute to the creativity, skills and talent we have developed over the years to multitask, do our jobs and keep our lives going – without the team of people on the other end of the phone knowing it.

So here's to everyone of us who has taken a conference call during a child's sporting event, dressed and fed our children wearing a blue tooth headset, put a call on speaker phone while we changed our clothes in the other room, pulled the car over to look at a presentation and comment because you are stuck in traffic, or even crouched behind a car door in a parking lot to present an idea on the phone. Congratulations. You were all great!

P.S.
Now lets hope video does not take off more

This Ain't Your Dad's Java!

2008-09-12T11:14:02-07:00

It's a new day and a new dawn...and a whole new podcast series. Wanna learn more about Java? This provocative, interesting and funny series features the latest in Java “style" and upcoming "fall collection."

Sun Expands it's xVM Virtualization Portfolio

2008-09-10T14:23:57-07:00

You probably heard by now, but Sun announced the availability of Sun xVM Server and xVM Ops Center 2.0 software, key components of a comprehensive virtualization strategy. Its all part of our bigger portfolio that includes VirtualBox and VDI. Check it out and learn more!

Going Fishing....

2008-08-21T10:24:10-07:00

School starts in a week. Football season is well underway. It's still 100 degrees in Austin, but summer is essentially over...and I am finally going on vacation. Now I know many of you are saying “who cares – everyone goes on vacation” but this is a big deal for me. You see...letting go for a week is something I have yet to master. It is certainly not because I think I am irreplaceable - the working world will go on just fine with out me. But I believe working, checking email, clicking on that darn iPhone has become an addictive habit. Can't let too many emails build up! Seeing 350 unopened emails in my inbox sends me into hyper-ventilation!

Now, I preach a different story. I lecture my team (and my bosses) on the importance of taking a vacation and the value it brings to your sanity, mental health and creative juices.

So this year, it is going to be different. I am going to set an example of how to detach and unwind. I am disconnecting email from my iPhone so I will only be able to play those useless games I have downloaded for free from the App store. And while I have no intention of doing any fishing, I will be listening to my own advice and taking time off.

P.S. My email will be back up by Wednesday...ok...so I am taking baby steps

The Real Reason for Running

2008-08-15T08:43:00-07:00

If anyone lives in Austin, you are keenly aware of its awesome running community. Its one of the most prolific in the nation. And whether you are part of it or have seen a pack of runners at some insane hour – you can't help but admire its strength and volume.

Everyone who is a part of that community is there for a reason. Health, weight-loss, competition or fun. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some run alone. Some run with hundreds. Some bring their dog, others bring their kids. Some people join training groups. There is Rogue, Austin Fit, Pure Austin, CrossFit and Gilbert's Gazelles just to name a few (I encourage you to read about Gilbert. His story is amazing and inspiring. Austin is honored to have him as a resident.)

Me? Well I have my own group...which actually leads me to the point of this blog. My group is called the L.A.R.C.s. Its stands for Ladies Auxiliary Running Club. We were named by a husband as a joke and it stuck ever since. We even have our own logo (I am in marketing...did you expect anything less?)
We have been running together for a few years now. And while we all started running for health, weight-loss, competition and fun, we have stuck together because of friendship. We come in all shapes and sizes and span a few decades in age. We have run so many races together – I cannot count. We have seen each other through births, graduations, proms, promotions, marriages, break-ups, and even deaths.

This year has brought some change to the L.A.R.C.s. Some are injured. Some are training for marathons. Some are just busy. We no longer have every L.A.R.C in attendance for Saturday morning runs. That's OK - each and every one of us knows that we are part of something special. And while we started out supporting each other during races – we now cheer each other on in life.

Go L.A.R.C.s

Olympic Fun

2008-08-12T10:25:03-07:00

Hey – have some fun with your friends during the Olympics? Download the Facebook game called "myPicks Beijing 2008" The game that allows people to predict winners at the Olympics!

Signs in and identify your country. If your predictions are accurate, you win points. All points you accumulate are also credited back to your country. See how your friends are doing. See how your fellow countrymen are doing.

But even better, this game was created by Pramiti on Zembly - the worlds first and easiest Facebook
development environment. Zembly is built from the ground up on Sun's industry-leading stack of enterprise hardware and software, including Solaris, Java, Glassfish, and MySQL, and running on Network.com's next-generation cloud-computing platform. How's that for a plug for some of the greatest open source software on the planet.

Come on...join the fun!

Design Away! The JavaFX Preview SDK is here

2008-07-31T11:56:33-07:00

You saw those jaw dropping demos at JavaOne and now it is here. Download the JavaFX Preview SDK and be the cool kid on the block with the latest and hippest. Start writing apps today! And be sure to send us feedback on what you like (and don't like)

Sharing With the Girls of the World

2008-07-15T10:36:57-07:00

During times of stress, I – like many – look for a distraction of hope. Something that provides a smile, a feeling of purpose and a path to get there.

The Girl Effect is just that. A result of the collaboration between the NoVo Foundation and The Nike Foundation, the Girl Effect is dedicated to building a better present and future for girls and their families in emerging nations. Its about supporting, education and empowering young girls...and while many will have opinions...in my opinion, there is nothing that provides more hope.

The Sweet Smell of EUCALYPTUS

2008-07-02T14:23:35-07:00

...and I am not talking about the trees that line the memories of my childhood. This time, I am talking about an open-source software infrastructure for implementing "cloud computing" on clusters developed by some wicked-smart university students and their professor over at UCSB.

EUCALYPTUS stands for Elastic Utility Computing Architecture Linking Your Programs To Useful Systems – and its HOT. You gotta love the humor and creativity in the name. But even better than the name is what it does. EUCALYPTUS enables all sorts of people - developers and students alike - to experiment with cloud computing from the inside. It even and allows you to look down from the application level to the hardware. And while most students are sunning themselves on the beach during the summer, this gang just released version1.1.

To learn more, check out this talk from Velocity last week – where academia spoke with corporate america. And to the gang at UCSB, don't forget to stop and smell the "Eucalyptus"...you deserve it.

Summer Style for SDN Channel

2008-06-26T11:25:19-07:00

Check out the new hip, sleek look of the Sun Developer Network Channel. We've made it even easier for you to get to the great technical content, communities and people that foster innovation.

Enjoy!

Friday Fun: Top 10 Fashion Trends for Summer

2008-05-30T14:14:28-07:00

While the days get longer and begin to heat up, so do the fashions. Ladies...whether you walk the catwalk in Milan or the halls of MPK...here are just a few tips to put some spring in your step and brighten your summer flare.

Embellished flats – strappy or jeweled, either one does the trick
Colorful dresses – while the trend is mini, you may want to save that one for the dance floor
Light lips – just a touch of pink or bronze
Statement necklace – big, bold and colorful
Short red nails – color is back but long is not
The shirtdress – the classic style with an updated twist
Untamed hair – texture and color...but make it natural
Oversize hoop earrings – adds elegance and spice to any outfit
Winged eyeliner – subtle and thin
A lightweight scarf – Loose and pretty, elegant and feminine

I Swear I Just Went Out for a Cup of Coffee...

2008-05-20T10:52:21-07:00

After a long tiring day last week, I stopped by a local Austin haunt called Zen to grab food for my family. I decided to treat myself to a decaf mocha while I waited – I had earned it that day. As I walked toward the Starbucks located on the corner, I saw some blue tents in the parking lot. Oohhhh....maybe a sale? But it what was under those tents that really caught my eye – rescue dogs.

It was a local organization called PawMatch who takes dogs from the shelters who are on the verge of euthanasia and finds them homes. This alone tugged at my heart strings...but nothing prepared me for the feeling that came over me when I saw him. In the middle of the chaos sat the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. His name was Little Stomp. He had big brown eyes, a beautiful tan coat, a HUGE head and some of the shortest and most muscular legs you had ever seen on a dog. He was a mutt and I was in love.

I immediately called my husband declaring I found another dog and we had to have him! A second dog was nothing we had discussed...you see...I only became a dog person about a year ago. I fought it for many years and when I finally took the plunge, I never looked back. My husband is a wonderful man so he and my son humored me as they drove to the Starbucks on the corner. But like the rush of a warm Austin night breeze, they too were taken with Little Stomp.

To make a very long story short, the next day we adopted Little Stomp – fleas and all. He is clean, happy, playful and the most loving dog I have ever met. We renamed him Jack Kerouac Matthews. We felt like Little Stomp only highlighted his vertical challenge and did not want the other dogs to make fun of him (but..there is nothing wrong with being short!) and well...we did find him “On the Road”. I guess we never really know where that road leads, but this time - it lead straight to my heart.

Welcome home Jack

Way to Go - AmyO

2008-05-15T08:58:39-07:00

This week Sun Microsystems named a new vice president of Marketing for the Services Business – Amy O'Connor. Amy has had an illustrious career at Sun in Engineering and Marketing – most recently hailing from the Software Marketing Leadership Team where she ran business planning & strategy (no small task at Sun). I am really lucky to have crossed paths with Amy in my career. Her knowledge, technical prowess, business acumen and sense of humor are unlike many – absolutely no arrogance or eccentricity in this leader! We are all excited about Amy's leadership and passion and know this is a great day for Sun.

Along the way, I got to know Amy as a person and while we did not always agree on her choice of sock colors, she did teach me a few things about fashion; and a lot about being a leader. We will miss her in software-land more than she will ever know, but the great thing is she is not going very far.

Managing Your Identity is Not Just Fun and Games

2008-05-09T19:47:27-07:00

Although in this case, it is!

Check out the coolest game from Sun identity Management. Play “Be and Identity Hero” and rescue your enterprise from compliance burdens, clueless colleagues, nosy auditors and learn about the awesome Identity Management solutions from Sun. You can even play against your friends!

Virtual Softwear Chic

2008-04-29T21:25:08-07:00

I went in world today! Sun held a landmark employee event in Second Life for all employees where folks could come listen to and interact with some of Sun's top executives. We are still not really sure how I made it to the stage, but I had a blast. The moderator was Chris Melissinos, Sun's brilliant and charismatic Chief Gaming Officer. Check out some pics from the event.

Chris Melissinos, Liz Matthews (me) in Sun employee townhall in Second Life

Jonathan Schwartz, Chris Melissinos, Don Grantham in Sun employee townhall in Second Life

Blog Facelift!

2008-04-27T22:49:36-07:00

Someone asked me the other day “who is the audience for your blog?” I responded quickly...”Audience? Its a blog for goodness sake. This is not a marketing campaign.” But after my flippant response, I realized there was goodness in that question. In fact, people want to know what you are talking about. I claimed early on that this blog would be about software, Sun, people and fashion...not a likely combination, but one that works for me. So my blog got an update this weekend to help give rhyme and reason to this loosely coupled gathering of thoughts.

P.S.
Thanks GC