Monday, 21 February 2005

Sun Unveils Java Desktop 3.0

Sun has unveiled its Java Desktop 3.0 enterprise Linux desktop environment. Sun has not yet given a laundry list of features, but has indicated that device support and productivity are the foremost attributes of the upgrade. The new Java Desktop is built atop the Linux 2.6 kernel to build a better base of support for modern hardware, with recent open source components providing for better interoperability with "legacy desktops" and Microsoft Office.

Sun has also managed to work Java Desktop into the consumer marketplace, striking a deal with Wal-Mart in late 2003. The Java Desktop 3.0 beta began in December and ran for approximately one month. Sun says it obtained "uniformly positive feedback" and, as a result, is moving ahead for a general release some time during the second quarter of 2005.