[From http://java.sun.com/products/javabeans/]:
The
JavaBeans component architecture is the platform-neutral architecture for the Java application environment. It's the ideal choice for developing or assembling network-aware solutions for heterogeneous hardware and operating system environments--within the enterprise or across the Internet. In fact, it's the only component architecture you should consider if you're developing for the Java platform.
The
JavaBeans component architecture extends "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability to reusable component development. In fact, the
JavaBeans architecture takes interoperability a major step forward--your code runs on every OS and also within any application environment. A beans developer secures a future in the emerging network software market without losing customers that use proprietary platforms, because
JavaBeans components interoperate with Active X.
JavaBeans architecture connects via bridges into other component models such as ActiveX. Software components that use
JavaBeans APIs are thus portable to containers including Internet Explorer, Visual Basic, Microsoft Word, Lotus Notes, and others.
The
JavaBeans specification defines a set of standard component software APIs for the Java platform. The specification was developed by Sun with a number of leading industry partners and was then refined based on broad general input from developers, customers, and end-users during a public review period.