Java, the object-oriented and virtual-machine-based programming language, and the Internet's client-server environment are changing the way software are developed. This is effect of the realization of companies which see that by leveraging the work already done in developing applications for the Internet, they would be able to quickly create and deploy applications that could be used and accessed by employees on Unix, PC, and Mac machines. Firms also realizes that they would be able to create private networks - intranets - that could be connected in a controlled way to their customers in the public arena of the Internet.