Sun Brings Full Power of Java Compatible Platform to Windows Users

Java Activator Targeted at Enterprises Using Leading Web Browsers on Windows

New York, NY - December 10, 1997 - Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the Java™ Activator product - a new technology from Sun that enables MIS managers to take control of the Java platform implementation deployed and utilized in their enterprises. This will allow them to immediately deploy to their users the JDK™ 1.1-based applets that they are buying or developing. The Java Activator technology for JDK 1.1 software is available immediately for free public download in an early access release; more information can be found at http://java.sun.com/products/activator.

"The Java Activator technology allows enterprises to universally deploy full-featured Java applets that take advantage of RMI, JavaBeans ™components, Java™ Foundation Classes and other JDK 1.1 software features today," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products for Sun's JavaSoft business unit. "In addition, enterprise managers will be able to deploy to their users Java applications that will take advantage of HotSpot and other additional features as soon as they are incorporated into the Java Platform in the near future."

For enterprises to take full advantage of the latest features in the Java platform, the Web browser being employed must support the complete set of Java platform functionality and the Java Virtual Machine. The Java Activator technology allows Web page authors to modify Web pages so that they dynamically download and install the Java Activator product's functionality on a user's Web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator™ if it isn't already there. The Java Activator technology features a future-ready architecture that enables enterprises to quickly take advantage of new functionality that is added to the Java Development Kit software, including the Java Foundation Classes and the ultra-fast "HotSpot" Java Virtual Machine implementation that will be available in the first half of 1998.

The Java Activator technology enables enterprises as well as ISVs that target the enterprise marketplace to take advantage of the rich set of features core to the Java Platform. For example, JDK 1.1 software provides support for JavaBeans components and RMI, as well as enhanced security and performance. The next release of the JDK software, which is scheduled be fully deployed by the second quarter of 1998, provides full support for the Java Foundation Classes, a faster Java Virtual Machine implementation, and a security model with greater flexibility and strength than the JDK 1.1 software.

To assist with the necessary modifications to an enterprise's Web pages, Sun has made available a free wizard (the Java™ Activator HTML Converter) that will automatically make the HTML code alterations on specified Web pages. The Java Activator HTML Converter product is available immediately in early access form.

The initial early access release of the Java Activator technology is designed to support users of Internet Explorer 3.02, 4.0 and 4.01 and is available immediately; a second early access release will be available at the beginning of 1998 and is designed to add support for Netscape Navigator 3.0 and 4.0 users. The final version of the Java Activator technology will be released by the end of the first quarter of 1998. Additional information as well as a demo of the Java Activator technology can be found on the Java Developer Connection at http://java.sun.com/jdc.

"Netscape is committed to providing customers with the benefits of Java technology as part of the Netscape ONE platform and has recently delivered enhanced cross-platform support for JDK 1.1 - including JavaBeans, AWT, RMI and JNI - in Netscape Communicator," said Martin Cagan, vice president of platform at Netscape Communications Corporation. "We are pleased to see Sun extending the benefits of the Java Platform to Win32 users with the Java Activator as it will help free customers from the vendor lock-in of Microsoft's non-compatible Java strategy. Because the Java Activator is a plug-in, it will also provide JDK 1.1 support to users running older versions of Netscape Navigator 3.x on Windows machines until they upgrade to the embedded JDK 1.1 support built into Netscape Communicator."

Sun Microsystems, Inc. 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 $8.5 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 Network Is the Computer, JavaBeans, JDK, and Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Netscape Navigator is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation. For reader inquiries about Sun's Java products and programs, call (800) 528-2763, (512)434-1591 for international callers.