-IBM: Sun and IBM collaborate on Java Media technologies.

M2 PRESSWIRE-8 October 1998-IBM: Sun and IBM collaborate on Java Media technologies (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:071098

-- Java Media Framework 2.0 to make life easier for developers of multimedia applications

Internet World, NEW YORK -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. and IBM today announced an agreement to jointly develop the next release of the Java Media Framework. The Java Media Framework is an application programming interface (API) that greatly facilitates the use of streaming media, such as audio and video, in applications for the enterprise. The Java Media Framework 2.0 API will extend the Java platform to provide developers with a flexible new toolset for working with time-based media, while making it easier for users to enjoy media-enhanced applications.

The agreement between Sun and IBM to collaborate on the development of Java Media Framework 2.0 paves the way for delivering a wide variety of media-enabled enterprise applications. Business applications -- such as distance learning, just-in-time training, interactive presentations and customer support -- can be greatly enhanced by the use of streaming media. Industry leaders who provide and enable such solutions have endorsed today's announcement.

"The Java Media Framework 2.0 release will provide developers with the enhanced functionality they need to incorporate and optimize time-based media in to their applets and applications for the Java platform," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of the Java platform at Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s Java Software. "Today's announcement underscores our commitment to furthering the functionality in the Java Media Framework API and other media technologies."

"Streaming media improves communication, provides a richer user experience and simply makes e-business applications more effective," said Armando Garcia, vice president Internet media, IBM. "Java Media Framework 2.0 will eliminate the traditional hurdles of streaming media on the network, and will give developers unprecedented power to use rich media creatively in e-business."

The Benefits of Java Media Framework 2.0 Earlier versions of the Java Media Framework API provided a universal media player with VCR-type playback controls -- start, stop, pause, forward, back -- that enabled users to experience virtually any type of media either on their desktop or directly within their browser, without having to download external helper applications.

Java Media Framework 2.0 expands upon these capabilities in a number of ways. Java Media Framework 2.0 continues to provide an intuitive, high-level API that is easy to use, is common across all platforms and provides developers with a unified platform for capturing and recording media in custom applications written to the Java platform. In addition, the open architecture of Java Media Framework 2.0 will make it possible for developers to use custom codecs, add special effects, and have greater control and programmability over the multimedia development and playback processes.

The Java Media Framework is part of a family of multimedia APIs and technologies that extend the Java platform to provide developers with enhanced multimedia development capabilities.

Availability The draft API specification of Java Media Framework 2.0 is scheduled be posted for public review in the fourth quarter of 1998. An early access version of the Java Media Framework 2.0 API is expected to be released to developers by the end of the year. For more information on Java Media Framework, visit http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/.

About IBM IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM software offers the widest range of applications, middleware and operating systems for all types of computing platforms, allowing customers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. The fastest way to get more information about IBM software is through the IBM software home page at: http://www.software.ibm.com. For more information about IBM Internet media please visit: http://www.software.ibm.com/net.media.

About Sun Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer," 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 $9.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

QUOTE ADDENDUM -- INDUSTRY SUPPORTS JAVA MEDIA FRAMEWORK API DEVELOPMENT

"The Java Media Framework is an integral part of ACTV Net's virtual community software suite for education and training, eSchool Online," said Bruce Crowley, President of ACTV Net Inc. "The partnership between Sun and IBM is an exciting development which we expect will lead to even further innovation in the Java Media Framework and greatly expand what we can do with the Java platform." ACTV Net Inc. Craig Ullman cdu@actv.com (212) 262-2570

"In a state of the art kiosk engine, such as the Apunix Kiosk based on the Java platform, video is a key component, and Apunix has relied on the Java Media Framework from the very beginning," said Sylvia Berens, Vice President at Apunix. "Cross platform portability is very important to Apunix's customers and that is why Apunix has used the Java Media Framework rather than proprietary third party video players as used by almost all other kiosk engines. With the partnership between IBM and Sun we are sure that the Java Media Framework is the right choice and will continue to allow us to lead the marketplace with a Java technology-enabled solution." Apunix Computer Services Sylvia Berens, Vice President sylvia@apunix.com (619) 495-9229

"Crossroads Technologies views the Java Media Framework as an integral component of our overall Java technology-based enterprise system integration services," said Frank D. Greco, CEO at Crossroads Technologies, Inc. "It provides a means for our customers to leverage Java technology for sophisticated graphics, high-quality audio and portable video. The partnership between two industry giants such as Sun and IBM will undoubtedly lead to platform stability, improved quality and even greater innovation in the Java Media Framework. This partnership greatly expands what companies can do with the Java platform." Crossroads Technologies Inc. Frank D. Greco, CEO fgreco@CrossroadsTech.com (212) 482-5280

"GTS' goal is to produce platform independent multimedia applications which facilitate communication over networks," said Jerry Bugajski President & CEO, Graham Technology Solutions, Inc. "The integration of the Java Media Framework into GTS products helps our development team utilize readily available codecs and transports while providing our customers with new, breakaway business solutions in the media arena." GTS, Inc. (Graham Technology Solutions). Jerry Bugajski, President & CEO jerryb@graham.com (408) 366-8001, ext. 26

"The Java Media Framework brings the advantages of the Java platform to Burstware, Instant Video Technologies' faster-than-real-time video delivery and network management software," said Richard Lang, Chairman and CEO of Instant Video Technologies, Inc. "Sun's Java Media Framework provides the flexibility and portability for Burstware to deliver cinema quality, 30-frames-per-second video and superior network management to clients across a range of platforms. IVT strongly supports the partnership between Sun and IBM to create Java Media Framework 2.0 and we look forward to working together with these industry leaders to shape the future of multi-media applications." Instant Video Technologies, Inc. Pat Reilly pr@patreilly.com (415) 391-4455, ext. 234

"The Java Media Framework brings life to Invest Destinations, our Internet solution for education," said Ric Ferrentino, President, Invest Learning. "Without this technology, students could not fully experience essential basic skills education over the Internet. The partnership between Sun and IBM will undoubtedly lead to even greater innovation and quality in the Java Media Framework." Invest Learning Grant Robjohn grant1@mjemarket.com (619) 682-3841

"NetObjects is excited to work with IBM and Sun to deliver streaming media to business Web sites," said Bernard Desarnauts, director of product management and marketing at NetObjects. "Our customers are building e-business sites that incorporate a wide array media content. The Java Media Framework will enable NetObjects Fusion users to incorporate compelling streaming media content on their e-business sites." NetObjects Priti Khare (650) 482-3251 priti@netobjects.com

"Real Networks sees the Java Media Framework and RealSystem G2 as an excellent solution for enterprises looking to incorporate time-based media into their Java applets and applications," said Len Jordan, senior vice president, Media Systems, RealNetworks, Inc. "Real Networks currently has a JMF1.0-based RealSystem G2 player in development to address the growing demand for multimedia functionality in enterprise Java applications." RealNetworks, Inc. Peter Zaballos pzaballos@real.com (206) 674-2670

"SoftCom views the Java Media Framework as a critical part of our strategy to provide high performance, cross platform video solutions for our SoftCom LearningNet customers," said Chris O'Brien, SoftCom CEO. "We are very excited about the energy and technology IBM will bring to the Java Media Framework team, and think that this new partnership will lead to tremendous new functionality and power for the Java Media Platform." SoftCom Chris O'Brien, CEO cobrien@softcom.com (732) 283-5900, ext. 601

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

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