French systems specialist gets embed with Sun

Sun Microsystems is set to buy French embedded systems specialist Chorus Systems to form the basis of a division focusing on non-computer Java devices.

The hardware vendor will integrate Chorus? operating system microkernel technology, which is used mainly in communications devices, into the Java operating system.

Following completion of the deal, Chorus will become part of the newly created Embedded Systems Software group, which will market lightweight, non-PC Java appliances.

According to Sun, this group will focus on producing open systems software systems for the embedded market, using the Java OS and adding to it components of Chorus? applications to increase availability and reliability.

Janpieter Scheerder, president of Sun?s software division, Sunsoft, said: ?Our objective is to make it possible for anyone, from anywhere, at any time, with any device to connect to the internet?s Webtone ? the 21st century equivalent of today?s dialtone.?

The group plans to develop new products or control software for third-party products, including telecoms switches, consumer electronic devices and manufacturing equipment.

The financial details of how much Sun paid for Chorus was not disclosed.

Chorus Systems? revenue for 1996 is understood to have exceeded $10 million.