Esteemed Java User Group Leaders and Java
Champions:
2020 has been an unusual year on so many levels. Yet, despite the
abnormality of it all, I continue to take inspiration from all of
you. We saw so much continued progress in the Java world around
us; and it was humbling to see you participate in helping shape
Java's future despite the challenges that the world threw at us.
It's been hard...like REALLY HARD, and I struggle to put into
words what I'd like to convey. But, I stumbled upon my message I
sent to all of you back in 2011. And it captures so much of what I
want to share. So, here it is again with some modifications...
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With calendar year 20112020 quickly
coming to a close, in many parts of the world (including here in
the U.S.) we'll begin to celebrate the holiday season. While it's
a time were we share gifts with the loved ones around us, it's
also a time where we take pause to reflect on the successes (and
sometime struggles) experienced over the past year.
While I don't serve as an official public voice for Oracle, I
would like to personally take a moment to thank all of you for
your honesty, perseverance and dedication in moving both Java and
the community forward. An amazing amount of progress has taken
place these last several months - it's obvious that a continued
renaissance is taking place in the Java ecosystem. And all of you
continue to play a critical role. For that, I want to humbly say,
"THANK YOU!"
It's my opinion that progress in both community and technology are
only achievable through open and transparent dialog. While we've
had many positive conversations this past year despite so many
barriers, on some occasions the dialog may have been perceived to
be antagonistic. On the contrary, I believe that in most healthy
debates in life our passions sometimes can be misconstrued on both
sides of the aisle. I hope you trust me when I say we (as in
Oracle) take our Java technical leadership and community
stewardship very seriously. And I think that continued progress
and innovation will only come from staying connected. I'm looking
forward to calendar year 2021 and all the opportunities that will
present itself where we can mutually communicate and work together
to ensure Java remains the premier language and platform into the
future. We celebrated 25 years of Java this year...let's make the
next 25 years and beyond even better!
On a personal note, I wish you and your loved ones continued good
health, happiness and prosperity. May your holiday season and
every day thereafter be filled with a sense of hope and
well-being.
