Sun sets standards apart

Sun Microsystems has created a Java standards division as part of its reorganisation, in an attempt to create a boundary between its standards effort and the revenue-generating side of the business.

The aim was an attempt to convince critics that the company is a worthy guardian of the Java standard, following widespread fears that it was exercising too much control over the technology.

The Java platform group will also take responsibility for the reference implementation of the Java Development Kit (JDK), the Enterprise JDK, Personal Java and Embedded Java.

The move meant the unit can sign technology partnerships to enhance the specification, while the rest of Sun has to compete with rivals when selling its own implementation of the specifications.

No-one has yet been hired to head the unit, but Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software at the Java software division, was being tipped as front-runner for the post.

Sun will also set up a Java products group, comprising the tools division, housing development tools such as the Java Workshop, C++ and Fortran offerings; the enterprise software group, including server-side component software, the Java Web Top and Web Server; and the developer unit responsible for the Sun developer connection programme.

The Solaris division will remain separate, but Solaris programmers will be supported by the developer connection scheme.