Sun Microsystems is close to announcing an effort designed to preload its Java software on more PCs across the world.
The Santa Clara, Calif., computer maker is expected to announce on May 16 at its JavaOne conference a streamlined process for licensing of its Java Platform, Standard Edition or Java SE to PC makers.
The new licensing mechanism, one person familiar with the plan said, is designed to encourage more PC makers—particularly those in so-called emerging markets—to add Java SE to their Windows-based machines at the factory.
The result Sun is shooting for is to have more PCs running the latest Java applications—which range from online shopping carts and brochures to entertainment applications to productivity tools—right out of the box.
For Sun, which has been under pressure to open-source Java, the program could help extend the reach of Java SE.
Several brand-name PC makers, including Dell and Hewlett-Packard, already preinstall Java SE on many of their PCs. Together, Dell and HP shipped about 18 million units in the first quarter of 2006, according to IDC data.
Thus, second- and third-tier manufacturers, which are the main targets of the new licensing program, represent a much larger portion of the market.
Although they shipped 18 million units, the market totaled about 53 million units, according to IDC. That means another 35 million machines went out from other vendors, many of whom do not preinstall Java SE.
Read the rest of this eWEEK story: "Sun: Java Coming to a PC Near You"
Channel News and Analysis 
