PALO ALTO, California - January 25, 1999 - Delivering on its vision "The Network is the Computer^TM," Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the availability of Jini^TM connection technology and the groundswell of support from major industry partners ranging from consumer electronics manufacturers to software vendors to service providers. Jini technology creates an entirely new means of accessing the network, and in turn opens the doors to a new realm of information, services and products. Jini technology provides a simple yet powerful solution for the enterprise and consumer markets that enables instant connectivity of devices to the network. A prestigious federation of companies joining Sun in the adoption of Jini technology is expected to release Jini technology-enabled products beginning late this year, and is actively contributing to the evolution of this break-away technology that allows for breakthrough innovation.

"The network is becoming an integral part of office life, but it is still associated with a level of complexity that prevents many users from bringing it into the home," said Bill Joy, chief scientist, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Computers and networks, until now the exclusive domain of IT professionals, can now transcend the barriers between home and office. The simpler world of networked devices that many have imagined is now here, thanks to Jini technology."

Some examples of Jini technology-enabled products and services are:  

• Office peripherals: Jini technology-enabled laptops, printers, disk drives and other devices can connect to ever-changing locations and services in corporate networks.
• Consumer connectivity: Users can simply connect any device to any network service - such as downloading a movie to a set-top box and using a storage service on the network to store it before viewing at their convenience.
• New opportunities for developers and service providers: Jini technology enables the creation and deployment of new products and services for these new markets. For example, a media outlet can provide a service that allows for delivery of a customized newspaper to the customer's home printer.
• New business opportunities for device manufacturers: Due to the expanded capabilities made possible by Jini technology, a new breed of products will be developed. For example, a networked washing machine will be able to detect and solve problems before the user is ever affected.

Sun recently launched a major initiative in the consumer arena with the establishment of its Consumer and Embedded, which is dedicated to developing technologies for the emerging markets described above. Sun is also working with companies such as America Online to utilize a Jini technology-enabled network for the delivery of next-generation content and services to any device.

Developers have been given early access to Jini connection technology for over six months. Jini technology is available today as shipping product on Sun's website at: http://www.sun.com/jini. Developers embracing Jini technology are joining the expanding community of Jini technology licensees. For further product information, see attached release entitled "Sun Unleashes Jini^TM Connection Technology, Smashing Traditional Network Connectivity Barriers for Good."

The community of Jini technology licensees is the core program to foster Jini technology development and consists of the top names in the consumer electronics and computer industry. The community is one in which everyone contributes, shares and participates. Sun makes Jini technology source code freely available through the Community Source License (CSL). This model enables developers to present the newest innovations and allows the marketplace to decide which innovations stay and what compatibility standards must be upheld. There is no cost for non-commercial use and it coexists with existing licenses.

"The Community Source Licensing model naturally perpetuates the evolution of Jini technology," said Mark Tolliver, president of Consumer and Embedded, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "We're proud to be collaborating with leaders in the consumer electronics and computer industry on the innovations to come with Jini technology. The digital world is guaranteed to see the emergence of exciting new markets and services."

Members of the licensee community making announcements today are: Adaptive Networks, America Online, Axis Communications, BEA Systems, Bosch Siemens, Bull, Canon, Cisco Systems, Inc, Computer Associates, Creative Design Solutions, Dallas Semiconductor, Echelon, Encanto, Ericsson, Funai, Inprise Corporation, Kinkos Corporation, Kodak, Metroworks, Motorola, Novell, Nokia, Oki Electric, Philips, Phoenix Technologies, Quantum, Samsung, Seagate, Seiko Epson, Sharp, Sony Corporation, Symbian, 3Com Palm Computing, Tatung, Toshiba, and Xerox Corp.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer^TM" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ "SUNW") to its position as a leading provider of high-quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, Jini, and "The Network Is The Computer," are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

PR Contacts for Press and Analysts: