Sun Microsystems Delivers Major Consumer-Focused Update of Java Platform Standard Edition - Java SE 6 Update 10

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAVA) today announced the availability of Java(TM) Platform Standard Edition 6 Update 10 (Java SE 6u10), which significantly improves the usability and performance of the Java platform on desktop computers worldwide. Consumers, developers, and partners can download Java SE 6 Update 10 at: http://java.com to enjoy the enhancements this release provides.

“Java SE 6u10 pushes the envelope by adding more new features and functionality than in any previous update release and also constitutes an important milestone towards the forthcoming release of JavaFX(TM).”

Java SE 6u10 is optimized for consumers with new features that include: radically improved startup time for Java applications and applets, the ability to drag Java applets directly from the browser and have them run as desktop widgets, more powerful and stylized application graphics, a faster and simpler installation experience and a new cross-platform look and feel.

Developers also benefit significantly from the enhancements in Java SE 6u10. The built-in Deployment Toolkit helps to ensure end users run the most recent version of Java SE. A new Java plug-in provides full browser independence, complete interoperability with web 2.0 technologies and supports different versions of Java software running at the same time on the same machine.

With more than 6.5 million Java software developers around the globe, Java SE is one of the most widely available and preferred software platforms. It is already present on over more than 800 million desktop computers – 91 percent of Internet connected PCs worldwide.

“Java SE is a proven application developer platform that has evolved to provide one of the richest set of APIs and highest performance levels in the industry. With Java SE 6 Update 10, Sun is making Java technology easier to install, faster to start and more reliable than ever, resulting in a monumental improvement to the overall consumer experience,” said Jeet Kaul, vice president of Java Client Engineering at Sun. “Java SE 6u10 pushes the envelope by adding more new features and functionality than in any previous update release and also constitutes an important milestone towards the forthcoming release of JavaFX(TM).”

Java Quick Starter

The Java Quick Starter provides an enhanced runtime experience for consumers by significantly improving the start-up time for any Java application or applet.

Java Kernel

The Java Kernel is a new method of getting Java software up and running faster. Instead of installing the full Java Runtime Environment (JRE(TM)), users download the Java Kernel, which includes the most commonly needed JRE components. Additional components are then downloaded by the JRE as they are needed.

Next-Generation Java Plug-In

Java SE 6u10 includes a brand-new implementation of the Java plug-in that allows consumers to drag and drop applets that are running in their browser directly onto their desktop, which provides a widget-like experience for all of their Java applications and applets.

Java Deployment Toolkit

The Java Deployment Toolkit makes deploying Java applets or Java Web Start programs much easier by ensuring that the appropriate and latest version of the JRE is currently installed.

Graphics Performance on Windows

The graphics pipeline for Java technology on Windows has been rewritten to leverage Direct3D for everything from simple fills and copies, to translucency, gradients, arbitrary transformations and other more advanced 2D operations. This capability also improves the runtime performance of Swing applications on Windows.

Nimbus – Cross Platform Look and Feel

Nimbus provides a brand new, modern look and feel for Java through enhanced user interface controls for developers and is drawn entirely using Java 2D(TM) vector graphics.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Sun Microsystems develops the technologies that power the global marketplace. Guided by a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer"(TM) -- Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, JRE, JavaFX, Java2D and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.