The last couple months, rumors started that Google App Engine’s next supported language will be Java. It was a logical choice, since Google heavily uses and adapt the Java platform already. However,  supporting Java is a big commitment and also a pretty complex beast. But the Google App Engine team announced the support of new language, namely Java!

Here the cornerstones:

• Tool support based on Eclipse.
• Alternate languages: JRuby, Groovy, and Scala.
• JDO/JPA for Google data store
• Support of popular libraries. I am not sure about this, but I think this will come in the future and is not supported right now.

The Java support is still in a very early phase. Only the first 10.000 developers get access. I have to admit that it is been over half year since I last checked App Engine, but now it is definitely worth a second look. More news will arrive soon and I am pretty sure that on the Google I/O some presentation will be about Google App Engine.

Some other interesting blog posts about App Engine:

• Google App Engine for Java with Rich Ruby clients (recommended!)
• Java on Google App Engine by Ola Bini
• Google App Engine and My Thoughts
• Is Google App Engine Ready for Prime Time?
• Google App Engine 1.1.9 boosts capacity and compatibility

Related posts:

1. Further Google App Engine Java (GAE/J) Information
2. JRuby finds a new home at Engine Yard
3. JavaFX 1.0 will be launched tomorrow and supports Mac OS!
4. Sun (Oracle) going to launch a Java App Store!
5. Hello Google Chrome … Operating System!