It has been one hell of a journey to get where we are today. What you're holding in your hands is the first of the new breed of Java Developer's Journal. On behalf of the team here, allow me to introduce JDJ 2.0.

This has been the accumulation of four months' preparation, and we hope you like the new look and feel of your beloved JDJ. We aren't quite settled in yet, as this issue is the crowning glory of the year, with JavaOne, and it kind of throws out the normal rules of engagement.

One of the first changes you'll notice is the three major sections of the magazine that reflect the three editions of Java 2. We'll be focusing on each edition with equal journalistic flair. There's a lot going on in the Java space and we want to bring you the best of the best each and every month.

As you know, the Java spectrum is simply too wide for one single person to effectively report the latest goings-on. To that end we have invited people who are renowned in their respective fields to become section editors. These editors are responsible for editing and sourcing the content for each section. You would think it makes my job easier, but sadly it doesn't seem to work out quite like that. If anyone can figure that out, let me know!

Ajit Sagar has kindly accepted the role of J2EE editor and, if his work for this issue is anything to go by, our J2EE section is in great hands. I look forward to working with Ajit in subsequent issues as we bring you cutting-edge, J2EE-focused articles.

For our J2ME section I feel fortunate in snagging a great writer and authority on this new emerging field. Jason Briggs joins us in earnest in the next issue, and I know that we here at JDJ are looking forward to working with him.

At the time of writing we haven't made a firm decision on our J2SE editor. Choosing an editor is something we don't take lightly; however, I am interviewing a number of people at JavaOne, so I'll let you know next month.

In addition to bringing you richer content, we're going to be running a series of beginner's features to ease the learning curve that many of you experience when starting out on the Java road. We're looking to make the transition easier for our beginners and to help nurture them into world-class developers. We've lined up some great writers for this series and I look forward to introducing this feature to you next month.

As editor-in-chief I have a responsibility to set the tone of the magazine and ensure continuity each month. Those of you familiar with my writings know I'm passionate about a number of areas of Java and that I'm not scared to whip up a debate about any of the subjects. However, there is one area that I wish to champion - the overall quality of the skill base of our new recruits to the Java community. With the help of our section editors and Advisory Panel we'll be delivering articles for all skill levels, from beginner right up to top-notch developer.

As I pack my kilt in preparation for JavaOne, I hope I get to meet and talk to a lot of you while I'm out there. If you see a strange-looking bugger in a skirt, be sure to stop him; chances are it's me! If it's not, please apologize and quickly move on. I'm more than happy to talk to you about what we're up to here at JDJ and welcome your feedback.

I look forward to serving you in the future…