Sun's Java Embedded Server to Provide Solution for Gateway Providers; Next Version to Facilitate Jini Deployment and Include Open Services Gateway 1.0 Compliance

Business Wire, March 1, 1999

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 1999--Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq:SUNW) today announced the next version of Java(TM) Embedded Server, a small footprint "thin" server that extends Sun's line of application servers to remote environments.

This next version of Java(TM) Embedded Server will comply with the OSG 1.0 specification established by the Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGI), an industry task force dedicated to creating standards around the deployment of network services to remote environments, such as homes, branches, franchises and offices.

A future release of Java(TM) Embedded Server will also include a Jini(TM) look-up and registry service component, code-named "Project Aladdin," enabling service providers to deploy Jini's "Simply Connect" functionality in homes, offices and intermittently connected environments.

Open Services Gateway Specification Based on Java(TM) Embedded

Server Architecture

A Services Gateway is the connection point between enterprise data centers, and residential or small office Local Area Networks (LAN). These gateways allow for service providers to install, uninstall, and administer network applications in already-deployed equipment.

For example, Gateway Servers enable power companies to upgrade power management applications in local power meters; banks to upgrade functionality in remote ATM machines; or manufacturers to upgrade functionality in remotely deployed equipment, such as gas pumps or dispensing machinery. The connection of this equipment to data centers over the Internet will provide enterprises with unprecedented efficiencies in supply chain, resource management and retail automation applications.

The Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGI) specification, detailed in a separate announcement today, will be based on the architecture of the current Java(TM) Embedded Server 1.0 product. The Java(TM) Embedded Server will evolve to meet the OSGI 1.0 specification when the specification becomes available in the second half of 1999.

Companies using the current version of Java(TM) Embedded Server as the basis of their development will be able to jump-start their development of service gateways and thin servers.

"Support for OSGI in the Java(TM) Embedded Server is a powerful step forward in Sun's vision of portal-based computing, and opens new business opportunities for us in environments where Internet connectivity is not necessarily delivered through a desktop computer," said Jonathan Schwartz, director of Enterprise Products at Sun's Java(TM) Software.

"From the NetDynamics application server accessing legacy systems in the data center, to Jini's 'Simply Connect' features managing device to device communication, Sun's end-to-end product line is enabling the next generation of Internet solutions."

Support for Jini(TM) Technology

The next major release of the Java(TM) Embedded Server will support Sun's Jini(TM) technology. Jini(TM) technology enables any device to participate in a network regardless of the underlying software or hardware. Serving as a constitution for networked devices, Jini(TM) technology sets up basic rules for how to connect to the network, share information, and interact -- while remaining transparent to the user.

Because Jini(TM) technology is platform-independent, devices are not limited by specific brands of software, processors, device drivers or traditional networking protocols. A Jini(TM) lookup and registry service that enables devices and services to automatically register on a network will be made available as a pluggable component for the Java(TM) Embedded Server. This will facilitate the deployment of Jini(TM) networks anywhere that there is a Java(TM) Embedded Server.

Availability

Java(TM) Embedded Server version 1.0 is available immediately by calling 888/843-5282. An early access version of Java(TM) Embedded Server with Jini(TM) support will be available at the JavaOne Conference in San Francisco on June 15-18th , 1999. The next version of Java(TM) Embedded Server compliant with the OSG 1.0 specification will be available in the second half of 1999. Additional information on the Java(TM) Embedded Server software can be found at http://java.sun.com/embeddedserver/.

About Sun

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 $10.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Note to Editors: Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, Java, Java(TM) Embedded Server, NetDynamics, Jini, Simply Connect and The Network Is The Computer are all trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries.