IBM Licenses Sun’s PicoJava Processor Design
Agreement Signals Expanding Market for Java Processor Technology
IBM & Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced IBM has licensed Sun's picoJava I processor core (March 03, 1998) – top boxes and other
information appliances, to accelerate Java application performance. This will allow manufacturers to provide new types of services on
smaller, easier-to-use devices.
This agreement signals a new stage in the evolution of Java technology, a key component in IBM’s network computing strategy. IBM
plans to make the technology available through its custom chip offerings, helping electronics manufacturers develop new classes of
network-connected devices based on Java processor technology.
”We intend to bring the best technologies to bear in helping our customers tap into the networked environment,” said Luis Arzubi,
vice president of the IBM Microelectronics Division. ”Our recent merger with CommQuest Technologies will help us provide the
components for wireless connectivity to the network. Now, with picoJava, we can work with our customers to further enhance their
products with Java applications.”
Java technology can be used to create small software programs that can be downloaded across a network. With picoJava I, IBM
can build microchips with support for Java software embedded directly on the chip. This approach will help provide fast, efficient
operation of Java applications on small electronic devices that are less powerful and have limited memory capacity compared to
desktop computing systems. Examples might include personal digital assistants (PDAs), game devices, global positioning systems, and
a vast array of other home, office and mobile applications.
”This agreement represents a major milestone in the industry’s acceptance of Java processors. IBM is a major addition to the list of
companies that have already committed to developing or endorsing products using Sun’s Java processor technology,” said Chet
Silvestri, president of Sun’s Microelectronics Division. ”As more companies integrate Java processors into their designs, consumers
will gain access to exciting new products, from smart cards to web phones to network-enabled consumer electronics devices.”
IBM is prepared to work with customers immediately to incorporate Java processor technologies into their products through IBM’s
worldwide custom logic design centers.
IBM provides standard and custom semiconductors to manufacturers of a wide array of data processing, communications and
consumer electronics products. IBM offers customers a unique combination of design tools and expertise, advanced technology,
extensive manufacturing facilities and worldwide sales, support and service. Information on IBM Microelectronics products and
services can be found on the Web at http://www.chips.ibm.com.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, The Network Is The Computer(TM), has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc.
(NASDAQ: SUNW – news) to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide
intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $9 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150
countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.
Source: IBM