We prove that, given a constant $K> 2$ and a bounded linear operator $T$ from a JB$^*$-triple $E$ into a complex Hilbert space $H$, there exists a norm-one functional $\psi\in E^*$ satisfying $$\|T(x)\| \leq K \, \|T\| \, \|x\|_{ \psi},$$ for all $x\in E$. Applying this result we show that, given $G > 8 (1+2\sqrt{ 3})$ and a bounded bilinear form $V$ on the Cartesian product of two JB$^*$-triples $E$ and $B$, there exist norm-one functionals $\varphi\in E^{ *}$ and $\psi\in B^{ *}$ satisfying $$|V(x,y)| \leq G \ \|V\| \, \|x\|_{ \varphi} \, \|y\|_{ \psi}$$ for all $(x,y)\in E \times B$. These results prove a conjecture pursued during almost twenty years.
Categories: math.OA