Sun fends off HP challenge with embedded systems spec

Sun Microsystems has responded to a challenge over its control of real-time Java by outlining its own plans for embedded systems.

Following the formation of a group led by Hewlett Packard which intends to develop rival standards in this area, Sun unveiled the completion of Embedded Java 1.0, a specification for a scaled-down version of the language for embedded applications.

Speaking at the Embedded Systems conference in San Jose, Vicki Shipkowitz, product manager at Sun, expressed disapproval at HP's move, stating: 'I think it is using this forum to achieve business objectives, not to further real-time technology.'

She claimed: 'This is the first time you can actually configure the Java platform.'

Shipkowitz insisted that the Java platform was not about to split. 'This matter will go away,' she said.

Sun also announced plans to develop real-time extensions to Java. The specification will allow developers to write real-time applications entirely in Java, Shipkowitz claimed.

Java's lack of real-time characteristics has often been cited as a reason for its failure to catch on in embedded applications.