[483] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
OS/2 NEWS: IBM licenses Java technology from Sun Microsystems
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM)
Fri Dec 15 20:28:13 1995
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 1995 10:06:09 GMT
From: tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM
Reply-To: tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM
Submitted by: Timothy F. Sipples (tsipple@vnet.ibm.com)
Source: Timothy F. Sipples (tsipple@vnet.ibm.com)
Date received: 1995 December 12
Date posted: 1995 December 15
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PRESS RELEASE
IBM has announced that it has licensed Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s
Java** programming language and intends to use it to enhance the
way customers view and interact with content on the Internet
World Wide Web.
IBM plans to implement the Java technology in products that
exploit the Internet, such as web browsers and web servers, and
its Lotus Notes** integrated messaging and groupware software.
In addition, IBM intends to port the Java technology to its OS/2*
and AIX* operating systems, as well as Microsoft's Windows** 3.1,
and will make those ports available over the World Wide Web so
users can begin to work with Java on these platforms.
Java, developed by Sun, is an object-oriented programming
language that operates independently of any operating system or
microprocessor. Java programs, called applets, can be
transmitted over a network and run on multiple clients, providing
the multimedia richness of a CD-ROM over corporate networks and
the Internet.
Applets provide World Wide Web users with ready access from their
local system to additional web page content that can be delivered
in a more visually compelling way, such as through the use of
animation. The user can view and interact with an applet -- for
example, requesting that a product image rotate to provide a
fuller view of its appearance -- and then discard it when no
longer needed.
By providing this type of flexible, "on demand" software delivery
and enhanced viewing and interaction support, IBM is expanding
its range of network-centric computing capabilities.
Network-centric computing is IBM's strategy to provide customers
with the ability to easily receive, use and share applications
and services across worldwide voice networks and data networks
such as the Internet.
IBM expects to make its ports of Java to OS/2, AIX and Windows
3.1 available on the World Wide Web starting in the first quarter
of 1996. By licensing Java, IBM also gains access to
JavaScript**, the new scripting language announced on Dec. 4 by
Sun and Netscape Communications.
"Java is a very innovative software technology that will help us
expand the functionality of our Internet access products and
related offerings," said Irving Wladawsky-Berger, general manager
for IBM's Internet Division. "This licensing agreement is another
example of our continuing efforts to help users leverage the
power of the Internet and other network-enabled technologies."
"We are pleased to add IBM as a new Java licensee," said Eric
Schmidt, chief technology officer at Sun Microsystems. "Java is
gaining broad acceptance as a robust, vendor-neutral technology
that gives users a more productive way to use the Internet and
helps programmers respond to the challenges of programming for
the Internet."
* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation.
** Lotus Notes is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
Java and JavaScript are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Windows is a trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
