As we get closer and closer to the kickoff of JavaOne, it’s hard to express the volume of promotional mail I’m receiving from vendors who’ll be at the show. “Better you than me,” I’m sure you’re saying, and you’d be right about that. But the good news is there’s going to be a lot (emphasis on “a lot”) to see and explore at this Show.

I’m looking forward to bringing you the meat and potatoes, to cutting through the hype, and to bringing you daily technology coverage of the conference. That’s why I’m wading through all of the product announcements that I’m getting so you don’t have to. Most of my coverage will be focused on all aspects in the J2EE arena, but don’t be surprised if there are some interesting additions beyond that scope.

I’m actually playing three roles when I walk through the Moscone Center doors. As a developer, I’m interested in the technology: what’s new, what’s improved, what’s coming down the pike. As a company president, I’m interested in what products are coming through the door that make my life, the products we build, and the life of my customers easier and more productive. As a reporter, I’ll be bringing you the nuts and bolts coverage of sessions of interest, some interviews with the technology leads in various happening areas, BOF community interest and feedback, and my commentary about what’s hot and what’s not. Guess I chose the wrong year to give up coffee! I’ll be on double espressos for the duration of the conference.

If you can’t make the conference, no worries, you can live vicariously through me. If there’s specific coverage you’d like to see, shoot me an email and speak your mind. I can’t make any guarantees, but I certainly will try to accommodate you. If you are going to be at JavaOne, feel free to stop and say hello.

Finally, if your company wasn’t up for footing the $2K per person pop for the JavaOne conference fee, there are some attractive alternatives. Check out the Java specific software symposiums happening around the country. You can find them at http://www.completeprogrammer.net and they are much easier on your wallet.

See you starting March 25th for the OnJava.com daily coverage of JavaOne.