Sun and IBM Announce Java Media Framework 2.0 Application Programming Interface - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, August 16, 1999

Advanced Cross-Platform Media Processing Capabilities Will Include Media Capture, Pluggable Architecture, and Support for MP3 File Format

Sun Microsystems, Inc. and IBM Corp. Tuesday announced the feature set and product roadmap, or timeline for product releases, for the Java Media Framework 2.0 Application Programming Interface (API) specification and reference implementation.

An API is the interface through which a software program accesses an operating system, and is an essential layer for ensuring code portability. In addition to versatile media playback, provided in the previous version of the Java Media Framework (JMF) 1.0 API, the JMF 2.0 API will feature advanced Java platform-based media processing capabilities, including audio and video capture, compression and transmission, and support for important media types and codecs like MP3, Flash and IBM's HotMedia. The JMF 2.0 API will also contain an open media architecture to allow developers to access and manipulate various components of the media playback process, such as effects, tracks, and renders. These additional functionalities of the JMF 2.0 API now open the entire process of working with audio and video, from initial capture to final playback, to Java developers, enabling them to leverage the Java platform from beginning to end in creating media-rich, portable applications.

The JMF 2.0 API has been developed jointly between Sun and IBM and is currently available in an early access product version through Sun's Java Developer Connection (http://java.sun.com/jdc). A public beta release will be available next week, and the final release of the JMF 2.0 API will be available this fall.

"The JMF 2.0 API is a strong step forward for Sun's Java media technologies and an important extension to the Java 2 platform," said Stans Kleijnen, acting general manager and vice president of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. "With the JMF 2.0 API, Sun and IBM are enabling developers to create portable, content-rich enterprise applications with enhanced communication capabilities, such as remote sales training applications and detailed product catalogs that can include both audio and video components."

Java Media Framework 2.0 API in Detail At the heart of the JMF 2.0 API is its media capture functionality, which paves the way for applications such as audio and video conferencing, lightweight media editing and distribution, and advanced distance learning and training. The JMF 2.0 API supports a wide variety of capture devices, such as the SunVideo Plus video card for Solaris Operating Environment or any Video for Windows-compatible video card on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, or NT.

This implementation of the JMF 2.0 API will ship in the following versions:

- JMF 2.0: includes binaries written entirely in the Java programming language that can be installed on any operating system supported by the Java platform. This provides a "Write Once, Run Anywhere" media processing solution for many media types and codecs, including MP3, HotMedia, and Flash.

- JMF 2.0 for Web Servers: also written entirely in the Java programming language, this version allows developers to create and serve a customized Java Archived File (JAR) file -- a compressed, translatable and portable file -- that will play back media inside a Java platform compatible browser without requiring plug-ins or client-installed media players.

- JMF 2.0 with Performance Packs: includes binaries for Solaris Operating Environment or Microsoft Windows desktops that support additional media types, such as MPEG-1 and M-JPEG.

"The JMF 2.0 API makes it easier for companies to become more effective e-businesses by enabling Java application developers to incorporate rich media into a range of applications," said Dr. William Pence, Director of Development, IBM Internet Media. "The new additions to the JMF 2.0 API underscore the importance of rich media in network applications."

In addition, Macromedia recently announced at the JavaOne developer's conference that its Flash Player will be used by Sun and IBM in its JMF reference implementation.

More information on the Java Media Framework can be found on Sun's Java Media web pages at http://java.sun.com/javamedia.> 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 high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $11 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com.

IBM creates, develops and manufactures some of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers information about the company and its products through the World Wide Web. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is through the IBM software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com.