Sun and Netscape Offer Developer Release of Java Foundation Classes; IBM, Apple Also Make Significant Contributions to Java Foundation Class Development.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 1997--Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) and Netscape Communications Corp. (NASDAQ:NSCP) today announced the developer release of the Java(TM) Foundation Classes (JFC), a comprehensive set of GUI components and foundation services designed to simplify development of Internet, Intranet and desktop applications.

The Java Foundation Classes are available for public download initially through the Java Developer Connection (Sun's support network for Java developers) at http://java.sun.com/jdc, and can be used to begin building JFC-based applications immediately.

Core to the Java Platform, the Java Foundation Classes provide the building blocks that enable developers to easily create a rich graphical environment for commercial-quality 100% Pure Java applications. The Java Foundation Classes provide developers with enormous flexibility in user interface design. Developers can create an application that reflects the operating system on which the application runs; for example, it could look like an application written for the Macintosh, Solaris, or Windows platform. In addition, the Java Foundation Classes enable developers to create a custom user interface for applications and also allows developers to enable computer users to switch the "look and feel" of JFC-based applications "on the fly," a feature that is unique to applications developed with the Java Foundation Classes.

"We're delighted to deliver to Java developers the most comprehensive GUI toolkit for the Java Platform -- the Java Foundation Classes," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The Java Foundation Classes were built with Netscape and other partners in the industry and are designed to simplify the development of Java programs with a rich user interface. With today's release, we expect developers to evaluate the Java Foundation Classes and give us lots of feedback so that we can create class libraries that will enable them to begin building dynamic JFC-based applications."

"By providing developers with early access to the Java Foundation Classes, developers can start creating 100% Pure Java crossware applications, a new class of applications that span operating systems, networks and enterprises, for Intranets and Extranets," said Rick Schell, senior vice president of the client and platform product division at Netscape. "The Java Foundation Classes make it easier to write 100% Pure Java and speed the development cycle."

IBM and Apple Computer, Inc. have also been actively involved in the development of the Java Foundation Classes. IBM has contributed to the design of the Java 2D API.

"This first release of the Java Foundation Classes to developers marks another key step in the rapid progress of Java as a core part of network computing," said Rod Smith, distinguished engineer and director of Internet Technology, IBM. "IBM is pleased to be working with Sun, Netscape and Apple on the evolution of the JFC to support our customers' needs for dynamic, mission-critical applications."

Jim Gable, vice president platforms and technology marketing for Apple Computer stated, "This preview release of the JFC is an exciting announcement for developers. Apple supports the effort by using JFC on both Mac OS and our next-generation OS, code-named Rhapsody. At Apple, we aim to make Mac OS and Rhapsody pre-eminent platforms for the development and deployment of Java technology. We believe the continued evolution of JFC strengthens the developer proposition for Java on Apple's platforms."

Key Features of the Java Foundation Classes

The comprehensive set of GUI components and foundation services in the Java Foundation Classes is being developed by Sun, Netscape and Java developers throughout the industry. More than 50 companies are participating in the JFC Advisory Council, hosted by Sun. The Council is helping define the Java Foundation Classes (see addendum), which incorporate many of the best features of the Netscape Internet Foundation Classes, and is an extension of Sun's original foundation classes, the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT).

The Java Foundation Classes include a rich set of GUI components, such as view options, tool bars, choosers, buttons, menus and many others. In addition, since the Java Foundation Classes have an open architecture, and all JFC components are JavaBeans(TM) components, developers can easily bring in other JavaBeans GUI components to enhance their JFC applications. The Java Foundation Classes also include key foundation services like: -0-

-- Accessibility. The Java Accessibility API, which will ship with the Java Foundation Classes, are designed to make Java applications accessible to people with disabilities through devices such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, Braille terminals, and others.

-- Java 2D. The Java 2D API is designed to allow for sophisticated visual applications for scientific, engineering and business users.

-- Drag and Drop. Drag and Drop (D&D) functionality is designed to allow users to drag text or images between Java and native applications.

Roadmap

Developers can use today's Java Foundation Classes release, which consists of new JFC components, to begin developing applications to be deployed on platforms that support JDK 1.1. After collecting data from developers during this early release period, Sun, the JFC Advisory Council and other developers throughout the industry will work together to further refine the APIs for the JFC beta, due this fall, which will include today's components as well as new foundation services and APIs like Accessibility, Java 2D and Drag & Drop. The final version of the Java Foundation Classes will be included in the next edition of the Java Development Kit(TM) (JDK(TM)), due later this year.

More information on the Java Foundation Classes can be found on Sun's JFC Web Page at http://java.sun.com/products/jfc.

About Netscape

Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, Calif.

About Sun

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) 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 $8 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com . -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Netscape's logos and Netscape product and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries.

Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending email to [e-mail]. Corporate customers can call 415/937-2555 while consumers can call 415/937-3777 for more information. Press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Type http://www.sun.com at the URL prompt.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, JavaSoft, The Network is the Computer, JavaBeans, Java Development Kit, the Java logo and Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

For reader inquiries about JavaSoft products and programs, call 800/JAVASOFT, 512/434-1591 for international callers. -0-

SUN DELIVERS JAVA FOUNDATION CLASSES

Quote Addendum

Quotes From Companies Contributing to Development of JFC:

Corel Corporation 

"We are pleased to be supporting Sun in the early access release of the Java Foundation Classes," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive officer of Corel Corporation. "The Java Foundation Classes promise to significantly reduce the degree of programming required for our developers by providing many reusable and cross-platform UI components. The JFC are also JavaBeans components so they will be able to take advantage of the benefits JavaBeans have to offer. We are certainly looking forward to supporting the JFC in upcoming ventures."

Contact: Shannon Murray, Media Relations Corel Corporation Email: [e-mail]

Oracle Corp.

"Java Foundation Classes are a great step forward for network computing solutions, providing richer user interfaces for thin clients," said Beatriz Infante, senior vice president of Oracle's Application Server Division. "JFC clearly illustrates that Java continues to mature as an open development platform and Oracle will continue to support Java across all tiers of the corporate enterprise."

Contact: Paige O'Neill, Public Relations Oracle Corp. Email: [e-mail]

Large

"It is with great pleasure that we endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said Marizio Gianola, VP Engineering of @Large. "We see this announcement as a tremendous step forward towards truly cross-platform computing and look forward to releasing @Large Expense, which will support JFC."

Contact: Steven Kishi, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Applix, Inc.

"Applix is dedicated to delivering cross-platform enterprise solutions for the Java platform and supports the efforts of Sun and JavaSoft to deliver an open, extensible and standard suite of Java Foundation Classes (JFC)," said Barry Burke, vice president of product marketing. "We are pleased to be actively working with JavaSoft and our peer ISVs to assure that the JFC truly reflect and support the needs of platform independent applications development and delivery. We expect that a rich, open and ubiquitous standard will serve to accelerate the growth of the Java-based, thin-client- computing market that we target and serve."

Contact: Jillian Harvey-Asquith 508/870-0300 x. 261 Email: [e-mail]

Leah Goldman/Lisa Melsted Neva Group 617/441-4000 x. 222/245 [e-mail] / [e-mail]

Borland International

"Borland, working with JavaSoft, has made important contributions to making Java, JavaBeans, and the most robust x-platform development solution. Jbuilder (TM) delivers on the promise of develop once and deploy anywhere, with pure Java code and full support for Java Beans and JFC," said Rick LeFevre, Chief Technology Officer, Borland International.

Contact: Steve Curry, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Digerati Corporation

"JFC is a major step in making Java the platform of choice for the growing intranets/enterprise development community," said Arun Rao of Digerati Corporation. "We look forward to supporting JFC in future releases of our superMail! and Discussor products"

Contact: Arun Rao, Public Relations Digerati Corporation Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Digital Harbor

"The Java Foundation Classes provide a critical open standard undergirding the global convergence of PCs, NCs, minis, mainframes and intelligent devices," said Kim Cooper, Chairman and CEO of Digital Harbor, L.C. "We are anxiously embracing the JFC initiative in our efforts to produce a new generation of open, platform independent components, like WAV."

Contact: Roger Bell, Public Relations Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]

EarthWeb, Inc.

"EarthWeb endorses the Java Foundation Classes as a positive step forward for standardization of the Java libraries," said Andrew Breen, Software Engineering Director of EarthWeb Inc. "We will make great use of them in our next generation collaboration software product."

Contact: Andrew Breen, Software Engineering Director Email: [e-mail]

Informix Software, Inc.

"Informix enthusiastically supports Sun's Java Foundation Classes, which allow our customers to exploit the strengths of Java when developing their Enterprise applications," said Russ Henry, director of tools and connectivity marketing at Informix. "In addition to helping customers achieve their cross-platform computing goals, Informix-Data Director for Java's support for JFC will deliver easier to use Java applications through more effective user interfaces."

Contact: Jeff Lettes, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

ISA Services, Inc.

"As developers of Java-based enterprise applications, we are eagerly anticipating the release of the Java Foundation Classes", says Ron Repking, a Principal Consultant with ISA Services, Inc. "The JFC provides a vital piece in the development of rich GUI interfaces, a necessity for building enterprise applications for our clients. We have already started integrating the JFC into our complimentary product, the Athens Architectural Components, and expect to begin deploying applications using Athens and the JFC by the end of year."

Contact: Ron Repking, Principal Consultant Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]

Lotus Development Corporation 

"Lotus is very pleased to support Sun's announcement of the Java Foundation Class (JFC)," said Joe Forgione, Vice President, Business Development for Internet Applications Division, Lotus Development Corporation. "Lotus is building a set of Java applets and a Java-based NC Desktop operating environment. We believe that Java platform advances, such as the Java Foundation Classes, move the industry ahead in delivering the robust, cross-platform solutions that customers require."

Contact: Adam Banker, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

MageLang Institute

"The JFC API will be a big win for developers. We are pleased that Sun and Netscape are cooperating to ensure the success of a great foundation upon which developers can write 100% Pure Java software. MageLang Institute expects the JFC to be adopted quickly and, therefore, we are incorporating the JFC into our courses by the end of July."

Contact: Dr. Terence Parr, President and Lead Mage Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Marimba, Inc.

"Java Foundation Classes are great extension to the existing AWT foundation," said Arthur van Hoff, chief technology officer for Marimba, Inc. "Together with JavaBeans, JFC provides a tremendous leverage for cross platform Java application development. We anticipate full support for the JFC components in our future releases of Castanet and Bongo."

Contact: Beth Johnson, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Netmosphere

"It is with great pleasure that we endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said Eric Ly, Chief Technical Officer and Chairman of the Board of Netmosphere. "We see this announcement as a tremendous step forward towards truly cross-platform computing and look forward to releasing our ActionPlan project collaboration application, which will support JFC."

Contact: Heather Rose, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

NeuronData

"It is with great pleasure that we endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said Darrell Trimble, Senior Vice President of Neuron Data. "We see this announcement as a tremendous step forward towards truly cross-platform computing and look forward to releasing Elements Presenter/J, which will support JFC."

Contact: Hans Swildens, Director of Marketing Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Object/FX Corporation

"We at Object/FX heartily endorse JFC, and we look forward to using it to provide highly optimized JavaBean components. The flexibility of JFC will allow us to provide a customized 'look and feel' to our interactive geospatial components, thus making it easier for our clients to understand and use the new capabilities our products offer. Being able to provide this customized look across all platforms is the real value that JFC provides to component vendors such as ourselves."

Contact: John Peterson, Vice President Technology Planning Phone: [phone] ext. 233 Email: [e-mail]

Penumbra Software, Inc.

"We wholeheartedly endorse Java Foundation Classes," said Fereydoun Taslimi CTO at Penumbra Software, the developers of Super Mojo the first 100% Java RAD tool. "This allows us to concentrate our effort on developing solution oriented components for developers rather than having to build the nuts and bolts first, and we look forward to releasing Super Mojo with JFC support."

Contact: Michael Mittel, President Phone: [phone], Ext 180 Email: [e-mail]

RandomNoise

"We see this announcement as a tremendous step forward towards truly cross-platform computing, with Java as the new programming platform," said Fred Krueger, President and CEO of RandomNoise. "We are fully committed to supporting JFC with the release of Coda 2.0."

Contact: Daria Winter, Marketing Programs Manager Phone: [phone] ext.192 Email: [e-mail]

SAP

"Based on the Java Foundation Classes our R/3 client software will become fully hardware and operating system independent," said Guenther Tolkmit, VP Corporate Marketing SAP AG. "JFC is in line with SAP's offering to allow any R/3 end-user device including Network Computers while keeping the administration effort at a minimum."

Contact: Ingo Helbig, Sr. Software Engineer Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

SPSS, Inc.

"Cross-platform development has always been expensive and disappointing," said Jack Noonan, president and CEO of SPSS Inc. "With tools like the Java Foundation Classes, we can now build great products without sacrificing our users' right to choose their platform."

Contact: Susan Kalell, Public Relations Manager Phone: [phone] Toll free: 800/525-4980 E-mail: [e-mail]

Sybase, Inc.

"The Java Foundation Classes will provide a powerful framework for Java application development," said Rob Veitch General Manager of Powersoft Languages Products. "We are pleased to endorse JFC in an upcoming release of PowerJ."

Contact: Tina Lorentz, Product Marketing Email: [e-mail]

Thought, Inc.

"We are looking forward to an advanced component architecture that allows us to support our customers on multiple platforms with the same interface in a much more robust way than the AWT," said Ward Mullins, president of Thought, Inc.

Contact: Dan Wilson, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Visual Numerics, Inc.

"Visual Numerics is pleased to endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said James Phillips, Chief Technologist of Visual Numerics, Inc. "We see this announcement as a step forward towards a truly cross-platform computing environment. Our JWAVE product was one of the first shipping products to make full use of the Internet Foundation Classes, and we look forward to releasing a version which will support JFC."

Contact: Christina Bech, Public Relations Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

VNP Software, Inc.

"We fully endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said Van Simmons, President of VNP Software, Inc. "We intend to use JFC as the underlying UI layer in our Financial Object Framework and in our future products. This announcement will enable us to vastly expand the environments in which our software runs and will move us towards truly cross-platform computing, which is critical in the high performance financial environments in which operate."

Contact: Van Simmons, President Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

WebMan Technologies, Inc.

"We are pleased to endorse the Java Foundation Classes," said Dr. Wenwey Hseush, CEO of WebMan Technologies, Inc. "We see this announcement as a positive step towards a truly open-ended computing solution and look forward to porting our 100% Pure Java productivity/ groupware and event management tool -- Timecruiser to JFC."

Contact: Allen Wang Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

-0-

Other companies and organizations that contributed to the Java Foundation Classes Advisory Council include: Baan, Claris, JustSystems, Microsoft, Nomura, PeopleSoft, Productivity Works, RogueWave Software, Sarrus Software, Inc., SAS, Silverstream and the University of Toronto.

CONTACT: Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Andrew Shikiar, 408/343-1813

[e-mail]

http://java.sun.com

or

Netscape Communications Corporation

Andrea Cook, 415/937-6711

[e-mail]

http://www.netscape.com