Sun Delivers Multiplatform Software Set for Developing, Managing and Deploying Java Enterprise Computing Solutions

Business Wire, Oct 29, 1996

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 1996--Sun Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) today announced breakthrough software technologies and product directions that deliver the full power of the Java(TM) platform to network computing devices such as Sun's JavaStation(TM) network computer.

These Java-enhanced networked software solutions are a powerful foundation for developing, deploying and managing complex, multiplatform Java enterprise environments and for seamlessly integrating thin clients -- such as JavaStation -- into existing environments. CFOs, CIOs and MIS managers will benefit from lower cost, simplified and more secure solutions through Java-based enterprise computing. -0-

Today's announcements include:

-- Project Studio: A technology roadmap for Java development that will result in tools allowing content developers to quickly and visually build applications without writing one line of code

-- Project Speedway: Technology that speeds up Java applications

-- Project ICE-T: An advanced technology tool that protects IT investments by connecting Java clients to existing enterprise systems

-- Solaris(TM) Internet Server Supplement: Enhancements to the Solaris operating environment that enable powerful new Web server performance levels, provide support for WebNFS(TM) -- the industry's Web-based file standard -- and connect to Java clients such as the JavaStation network computer

When combined with Solstice(TM) software, Sun's multiplatform intranet management solution set that delivers the industry's only systems management for Java thin clients such as JavaStation, Sun's software announcements provide a superior foundation for Java Enterprise Computing. Sun also announced the availability of Joe(TM) 1.0 software, which allows corporations to deliver sophisticated business applications onto private intranets and the public Internet.

"Sun is leading the way with innovative solutions that leverage the network so businesses operate better, faster, and at a lowered cost," said Janpieter Scheerder, President, SunSoft. "We are in the position to deliver products based on these technologies that provide the industry's most powerful end-to-end solutions for developing, managing and deploying the Java Computing Platform."

Developing Java Computing

Sun today detailed features in its next generation of Java(TM) WorkShop(TM) software products and defined new Internet software technologies and directions, including three key Java projects: Studio, Speedway, and ICE-T. Project Studio extends Sun's Visual Java technology to enable a broad new class of users to create compelling, interactive content for the Web without writing a single line of code. Project Speedway delivers high performance to Java applications through technologies including: fast and correct Just-in-Time (JIT) compilers, high performance Java Virtual Machines (VMs), and lightning-fast Java compilers and high performance native Java compilers. Project ICE-T includes technology to protect IT investments by connecting Java clients to existing enterprise systems.

Deploying Java Computing

Solaris is the most scalable, secure, and fastest-performing server operating environment for Internet, intranet and thin client architectures. Solaris supports a zero administration client computing model, including JavaStation network computers, where all client administration is conducted on the Solaris server. Newly enhanced to provide the best server solution for Sun's JavaStation and other network computers, the Solaris operating environment boosts Web server performance and adds support for WebNFS and Java Virtual Machine 1.0.2. Available immediately in beta as the Solaris Internet Server Supplement 1.0, this offering will be upgraded in January and will be incorporated into a future release of the Solaris environment.

Available now, Joe 1.0 software allows corporations to connect JavaStation clients and Java-based Web browsers to sophisticated business applications and data running on their private intranets and the public Internet. Joe is the first commercially available object request broker (ORB) written completely in the Java programming language, that fully complies with the industry-standard Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) object model.

Managing Java Computing

Solstice is Sun's easy to use, multi-platform intranet management solution set and the optimum match for Sun's new JavaStation network computer. Solstice software uses the Web to manage the Web. By administering and managing heterogeneous environments encompassing network computers, PCs, Macs, workstations and servers, Solstice enables lower cost of ownership, higher uptime, and greater control. Solstice products are being written to take full advantage of the Java Management API, so the JavaStation client will be the ideal console and managed object for a Solstice environment.

Solstice offers premier applications for today's critical network computing needs, including internet mail, security, system/network management and connectivity. Solstice is available on multiple platforms including Solaris, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and Web based Java systems. Since its introduction in January 1995, there have been more than four million installations using products from the Solstice family.