Sun Microsystems Announces Java Platform Roadmap and Introduces Java Foundation Classes

Sun Microsystems Announces Java Platform Roadmap and Introduces Java Foundation Classes

Sun to Ship Java™ Performance Runtime For Windows; Provides Developers Immediate Access to Newest Java Features

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - April 2, 1997 - Sun Microsystems, Inc., today announced a roadmap for the Java Development Kit (JDK™), focused on technologies Java™ developers need most. Features will include a more flexible Java security architecture, powerful performance enhancements, and the new Java Foundation Classes (JFC), a ground-breaking set of graphical user interface (GUI) components that also incorporate the best of Java's Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) and Netscape's Internet Foundation Classes (IFC).

Sun also announced the Java Performance Runtime for Windows. With strong performance enabled by a just-in-time compiler, this technology will give developers immediate access to the newest JDK features. The Java Performance Runtime for Windows based on JDK 1.1 will be available in DLL format for free download at http://java.sun.com in summer 1997.

"Java ISVs and corporate developers want immediate access to the newest features in JDK 1.1 and we can see why," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The substantial improvements in features and functions make the JDK an essential tool for any developer. The security and performance we'll offer in this coming year's releases of the JDK will heighten demand even further."

The new Java Foundation Classes, with the current AWT at the core, will extend the Java Platform's capabilities to offer a comprehensive set of GUI component tools for Java application development.

Security and Performance

The next generation Java security architecture extends the sandbox to the file system. The original sandbox security model provides a controlled execution environment for applets and applications. This new security model permits users to have selective access to file services without compromising the security provided by the current sandbox model. Building on the digital signature capabilities in JDK 1.1, the current Java sandbox model,and other technologies, the new security features will require minimal configuration and administration for systems managers.

"This model will provide flexibility for Java users without compromising security," said Kannegaard.

Sun also announced details on the significant new performance technologies for the Java Virtual Machine. The "HotSpot" Virtual Machine has the potential to enable Java to run as fast as compiled C++.

"The `HotSpot' Virtual Machine technology will eliminate the trade-off between performance and portability," said Kannegaard. "With the speed and platform-independence the Java platform offers, it will become the obvious choice for deploying full-scale applications in the enterprise."

Availability

Sun's next release of the JDK is scheduled for late summer 1997. It will include the new Java security model, the Java Foundation Class extensions to AWT and IFC (see accompanying release, title missing), and the next generation of Java APIs (see accompanying release, Sun Microsystems Extends the Power of Java with New APIs). Sun expects to ship the "HotSpot" Virtual Machine by the end of 1997. Sun will offer developer releases of the JFC, HotSpot, and other significant technologies throughout the year.

JavaSoft, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., is a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. The company's mission is to develop, market and support the Java technology and products based on it. Java supports networked applications and enables developers to write applications once that will run on any Java-enabled machine. JavaSoft develops systems platforms, tools, and applications to further enhance Java as the programming standard for complex networks such as the Internet and corporate intranets.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer™," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ "SUNW"), to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $7 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, JavaSoft, the Java logo, JDK, and Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries.

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Sun and Netscape to Jointly Develop Java Foundation Classes

IBM Joins Team To Deliver Unified Framework for Developers of Java Applications

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - April 2, 1997 - Sun Microsystems, Inc., and Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced that they are combining their technologies to jointly develop the Java™ Foundation Classes, the most comprehensive set of tools for defining the look and feel of Java applications. In addition, IBM will contribute development support for this initiative.

The Java Foundation Classes, announced today at Sun's JavaOne developer conference, are being designed collaboratively by Sun, Netscape and IBM. These powerful new tools leverage new technologies from Sun; Sun's current Java Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT); and the Netscape Windowing Internet Foundation Classes (IFCs) to provide a powerful unified framework for Java application development.

"The power of these combined technologies means a giant leap forward for Java application development," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems. "This comprehensive new set of Java Foundation Classes provides the richest set of tools for developers and can interoperate in a cross-platform environment in a way no other technology can."

"This new effort folds Netscape's IFC technology into the Java standard and sets a clear path for Java developers," said Rick Schell, senior vice president of client and platform division at Netscape. "With the Java Foundation Classes, developers can quickly build crossware applications in Java for Intranets and Extranets that run across platforms, databases and networks and are accessible by users on the more than 50 million computers running Netscape client software."

"With the convergence of AWT and IFC, developers will now have a consistent set of Java programming interfaces -- from the client to back-end enterprise systems -- with which they can create and deliver cost-effective, cross-platform applications for network computing," said Rod Smith, Distinguished Engineer and Chief Java Technologist, IBM Internet Division. "IBM applauds this announcement by Sun and Netscape, which continues the rapid progress that's been made in evolving Java as a powerful technology for business."

An Industry Effort

Java Foundation Classes optimize the best of Sun, Netscape and IBM graphical user interface technologies to provide a pluggable look and feel for Java applications that empowers users and developers to select the graphical user interface of their choice for each application. To develop the Java Foundation Classes, Sun, Netscape and IBM have established a dedicated engineering team at Sun's JavaSoft facility in Cupertino, Calif. The team consists of Sun AWT engineers, Netscape IFC engineers, IBM engineers and former Lighthouse engineers, working together to deliver the Java Foundation Classes. Sun acquired Lighthouse Design in July 1996.

Scheduled to be included in the next release of the Java Development Kittm (JDK™) the Java Foundation Classes are each built as JavaBeans™ components that behave consistently across all Java Compatible platforms. Like all Java APIs, they are open and fully customizable. Because JFC is based on both IFC and AWT technology, applications developed using either IFC or AWT will be easily upgraded to support the new JFC framework.

Sun has also made significant investments in GUI technologies with the acquisition of Lighthouse, and Lighthouse engineers are part of the Java Foundation Classes engineering team.

"Sun's acquisition of Lighthouse has been a great benefit to the effort to develop the strongest possible Java Foundation Classes," said Kannegaard. "With the addition of the Netscape team, and the contributions of IBM, we have the strongest team in the Java industry to deliver the value Java developers expect. We're delighted to be hosting this industry partnership."

Netscape Windowing IFCs are an all-Java user interface application framework for building Java applications independent of operating system-specific windows and user interface controls. This framework includes window hierarchies, integrated drag and drop, and all-Java user interface controls which give developers a way to create highly scalable, network-centric enterprise applications quickly and easily. Developers can immediately download the Windowing IFC software, including source code, from the Netscape DevEdge Online site at http://developer.netscape.com/.

The new Java Foundation Classes are scheduled to be available in the next release of the Java Development Kit. In the meantime, Java developers can continue to develop with the Sun AWT or Netscape IFCs, available for downloading from the Sun and Netscape Internet sites, respectively.

About Sun

JavaSoft, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., is a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. The company's mission is to develop, market and support the Java technology and products based on it. Java supports networked applications and enables developers to write applications once that will run on any Java enabled machine. JavaSoft develops systems platforms, tools and applications to further enhance Java as the programming standard for complex networks such as the Internet and corporate intranets.

About Netscape

Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, "The Network Is The Computer", JavaSoft, the Java logo, Java, JavaOne, Java Development Kit, JDK, and JavaBeans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other companies and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Netscape is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation which is registered in the United States and other jurisdictions. The Netscape Communications Corporation logo and Netscape product names are trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation which may be registered in some jurisdictions. Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending email to moreinfo@netscape.com. Corporate customers can call 415-937-2555 while consumers can call 415-937-3777 for more information.

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