IBM and Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of the latest Java operating system–JavaOS for Business.
The jointly developed operating system helped fuel further rumors that IBM has Sun in its sights as an acquisition target. The industry speculation pushed Sun (NASDAQ:SUNW) up over two points today to close at 47 13/16 in afternoon trading, while IBM (NYSE:IBM) also enjoyed a good day on Wall Street closing at 128 3/4, up +1 15/16.
The JavaOS for Business is being billed as a more economical way for firms to centrally manage business applications by employing Java technologies in network computing environments.
IBM and Sun said the JavaOS software was created to solve the problem of a lack of centralization within a business. It is designed to enable businesses to centrally store and manage the applications that are used to maintain their businesses from servers on a network. These applications can include inventory management and insurance claims processing, and the servers can be connected to network computers or other thin client machines such as kiosks, ticket machines and remote terminals.
This new operating system provides distinct advantages over standard PC operating systems on networks because of its ability to allow businesses to manage and maintain their operating system, services and applications from a centralized server. This means that companies are able to reduce administration costs while taking advantage of the capability to easily add or remove client computers from the network.
The JavaOS for Business software is being co-marketed to computer and component manufacturers, software vendors and channel integrators. IBM will offer the JavaOS for Business product on its Network Station computers in early 1999; Sun will offer the JavaOS for Business on its JavaStation family in the first quarter of 1999 as well.
In related news, the two companies also announced support programs for industry partners using JavaOS for Business. The support programs include a multitude of software tools, testing facilities and educational assistance relating to network computing business solutions.
For additional information about the JavaOS for Business, visit the IBM JavaOS for Business Web site.
