JavaTM
2 Brand Unveiled NEW YORK CITY December 8, 1998 - Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the
availability of the JavaTM 2 platform, the next release of the core Java technology
(formerly code-named "JDKTM 1.2"). The Java 2 platform is the definitive
environment for enterprises aiming to build and install web-centric software applications
that can run on a variety of computers, servers and other computing devices. The
new release provides significant performance improvements, a new, flexible security
model and a complete set of Applications Programming Interfaces (APIs).
The Java 2 platform provides software programmers with the speed, security and
functionality that make it easier than ever to create interoperable, mission-critical
enterprise applications. The Java 2 platform is widely supported by the industry
and is being endorsed by hundreds of industry-leading companies worldwide (see quote
addendum).
"Java 2 is the ultimate platform for businesses competing in the networked
economy," said Alan Baratz, president of Java Software at Sun Microsystems,
Inc. "Representing a major release of the Java technology, the Java 2 platform
provides the competitive advantage businesses need to leverage, protect and easily
expand upon existing investments. With the Java 2 platform, companies can streamline
business processes, take advantage of new types of business opportunities and compete
in entirely new ways."
Developed in collaboration with the industry, the Java 2 platform represents the
input of close to 200 Java software licensees as well as tens of thousands of Java
technology developers.
"The new platform is truly the result of a unique partnership between Sun
and the industry," Baratz continued. "Sun's participative development
process enabled us to harness the energy and expertise of the industry to produce
a powerful, `best-of-breed' Java platform efficiently and rapidly. The Java 2 platform
is the model for technology development in a world of rapid change."
The Java 2 platform is available for immediate download at http://java.sun.com/products/jdk.
See attached summary for details on the new features of the Java 2 platform.
JAVATM 2 PLATFORM NEW FEATURES SUMMARY
The Javatm 2 platform provides a more flexible security model, powerful performance
enhancements, interoperability with other enterprise systems, easier application
development, improved globalization and even more consistent cross-platform deployment.
The new features of the Java 2 platform include:
Javatm Security Model
The state-of-the-art "sandbox" model has been expanded to give developers,
users and system administrators the option to specify and manage a set of flexible
security policies that govern which actions an application or applet can or cannot
perform. The Java 2 platform security model includes new features such as:
Policy-based access control
Certificate interfaces (X.509 V3)
Performance Enhancements
New enhancements for improved performance and responsiveness in the Java 2 platform
include:
Native thread support for Solaristm operating environment
Memory compression for loaded classes
Faster memory allocation and improved garbage collection
Pluggable virtual machine architecture for other virtual machines, including the
forthcoming Java HotSpottm VM
New Just in Time (JIT) compiler
Javatm Native Interface (JNI) conversion
Javatm Foundation Classes (JFC)
The Java Foundation Classes are now core to the Java 2 platform and includes:
The Project Swing set of GUI components
Drag & Drop
Java 2Dtm API which provides new 2D and AWT graphics capabilities as well as printing
support
The Java look and feel interface
A new Accessibility API
Globalization
Enhanced Globalization in the Java 2 technology provides the following for a cross-cultural
environment:
Input Method Framework (supports Japanese, Chinese, and Korean characters)
Complex output using the Java 2D API to provide a bi-directional, high-quality
display of Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew and other character languages
Javatm Plug-in
Java Plug-in for Web browsers, now included in the Java 2 platform, provides a
runtime that is fully compatible with the Java virtual machine through easy download
and install via widely deployed web browsers.
Javatm IDL (Interface Definition Language) API
The Java IDL API offers standards-based distributed computing interoperability
with CORBA. The API includes the following features:
Invoke operations or remote network services
A fully compliant Java ORB is included in the runtime
Java Database Connectivity 2.0 (JDBCtm 2.0) Enhancements
JDBC provides easier access to data for more flexible queries. Improved performance
and stability are afforded by scrollable cursors and support for SQL3 types.
Collections Framework
This new unified architecture represents and manipulates collections for development
efficiency and allows interoperability among unrelated APIs.
The Java 2 platform is Year 2000-compliant; it is a stable, secure and powerful
environment for mission-critical computing for the next milennium.
For a comprehensive list of features and more information regarding Java 2 technologies,
visit http://java.sun.com/products/jdk.
ABOUT SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The ComputerTM,"
has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW), to its position as a leading
provider of high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide
intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10 billion in
annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide
Web at http://www.sun.com.
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