Sun Microsystems plans to release on Tuesday the second version of its Java Desktop System, the server maker's version of Linux for desktop computers, augmenting the software with new management and programming tools.
The new version reproduces some features of Microsoft Windows, including an automated software update service and a utility that lets a manager control a system remotely, according to sources familiar with the product. It also will come with the first version of Sun's Configuration Manager, which lets an administrator control the privileges and settings of different groups of desktop users.
And as part of Sun's effort to entice programmers to its new software, the new JDS software will include the Java Studio and NetBeans developer tools. Sun declined to comment for this story. The Java Desktop System is one of several company efforts to expand into new territory to offset its declining server sales. Sun plans to announce the software at its Network Computing 04Q2 event in Shanghai, China. Sun's JDS is based on Linux. However, the company plans to release a version based on its Solaris operating system in mid-2004, John Loiacono, executive vice president of Sun's software group, said in a recent interview.
News source: C|Net News.com
