Sun Opens Java Distribution to Custom PC Makers

Sun Microsystems is altering the licensing procedures for Java Standard Edition to enable custom PC makers to more easily bundle the Java platform with their systems.

The change is aimed at putting custom system builders on an equal footing with Sun's larger OEM partners such as Dell, Apple, Gateway and HP, which already have distribution agreements in place.

Coupled with Sun's announcement Tuesday of a new license enabling Linux distributors to bundle Java, the moves should help broaden availability of pre-installed Java technology. Java developers at Sun's JavaOne conference cheered the news.

"That's the only hurdle for us with Sun -- people don't want to download [Java separately]. This will be a big plus for us," said Hideki Hiura, CTO of Justsystems, a Java-based XML application platform developer.

PC OEMs will be able to sign up at Java.com for the new Java distribution license, which is free. Sun's goal is to approve manufacturers' license applications within a week of submission, according to Bill Curci, Sun's Java SE product marketing manager.

"We really wanted to simplify the whole process to sign up as distribution partner so that we could get out to the thousands of small and medium-sized PC makers out in the market," Curci said. "There's at least 40 percent of the market that is served by relatively small companies, and this is a way for us to develop relationships with them without having to meet face-to-face to go through the license."