Sun Microsystems's CEO announced yesterday its intention (or is it now Oracle's intention?) to launch an App Store for Java software a la Apple's iTunes App Store for iPods and iPhones. Slashdotters responded with typical jokes about how slow Java apps seem to be. Jokes about molasses aside, is this a good idea? Will it catch on? Initial reactions are mixed.
If executed properly, I think a Java App Store may work. The announcement indicates that Sun engineers will be reviewing all submissions prior to publishing the apps to the world in an effort to minimally evaluate them for "safety and content", whatever that means. If the evaluations are not too heavy-handed, this may work. If the prices aren't extravagant, Sun may reach a wide audience, indeed.