.NET Framework Solution: The .NET platform offers an extensive array of services that, combined with development tools, can lower the total cost of developing distributed multi-tier applications. At the forefront of the .NET strategy is the C# programming language. Java developers familiar with JSE and Eclipse will find the .NET platform offers a rich array of tools and services that facilitate the rapid construction of enterprise applications. Learn more about migrating Java applications to C#.

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by Allan McNaughton, principal analyst, Technical Insight LLC. Intel Corp.

The launch of Microsoft's .NET initiative has piqued the curiosity of Java programmers. The Java platform—which has made inroads in the market for server applications—now has a worthy competitor that builds on the promise Java offered to simplify the life of enterprise developers. The .NET platform offers an extensive array of services that, when combined with industry leading development tools, can lower the total cost of developing and deploying distributed multi-tier applications.

Significant Similarities
At the forefront of the .NET strategy for attracting enterprise developers is the C# programming language. The C# language will be immediately familiar to Java developers as they share the same design principles and language fundamentals. "The similarities are so great", says Larry O'Brien, noted C# expert and author of the book Thinking in C#, "that an experienced Java developer should be able to understand C# code without extensive training."