12.1 Introduction

We've covered a lot of ground in this book so far. We've introduced the subject of using Java and SQL together, we've provided summaries of each language (principally for the benefit of readers who are familiar with one but not the other), we've examined the three parts of SQLJ and the corresponding standards in detail, we've given you a fairly close look at SQL:1999's user-defined types and its underlying object model, and we've talked about Java Blend, Sun's approach to putting a Java-flavored topping on SQL databases.

But, considering the technologies involved Java itself, the Internet and World Wide Web the situation as we've shown it is unlikely to remain static. In fact, we are confident that new developments will arise between the time we finish writing this book and the time that you are reading it. We're all living life in "Web time" and things change ever more rapidly. Because of that, we believe that we owe it to you to dust off the old crystal ball and give you our thoughts on where the technology is headed, both in the short term (a year or so from publication) and the longer term (up to five years).

Obviously (to us, probably more so to you), we can't see into the future with any real clarity. What we say in this chapter is based on our experience in this fast-moving industry and on talks we've had with some of the "movers and shakers" who are making it all happen. Naturally, we have...