February 16, 2006

Sun Microsystems announced yesterday that it has launched the beta release of its Java Platform Standard Edition 6.

Sun says the release, code-named Project Mustang, is the product of open review and collaboration between Sun engineers and hundreds of developers.

It enhances functionality for web services, diagnostics and desktop applications, while providing the compatibility and stability benefits of an open development model.

"With expanded scripting language and web services support, the Java SE 6 software is clearly emerging as the next generation platform for Web 2.0 applications and services.

The Beta version has been extensively tested and is now ready for a wider base of developers who want to take advantage of the latest features but don't want to be 'bleeding edge,'" said Jeff Jackson, vice president of Java developer platform and strategy at Sun Microsystems.

"Developers are encouraged to start testing projects and applications now, and provide their own feedback for the final version of the Java SE 6 software."

According to Sun, Java SE 6 focuses on accelerating developer integration via the Web using technologies like PHP and JavaScript.

It includes new tools for diagnostics, monitoring and management. And it enhances desktop functions through tighter integration with native desktop features.

Source: The WHIR