Jini emerges from bottle

Sun has let its Jini networking system out of the bottle, with a demonstration of prototypes that will be available this year.

The Java-based software technology allows suitably enabled devices - already covering a diverse range such as servers, espresso machines and dishwashers - to form dynamic network communities that do not need the equipment to be preconfigured.

Jini works by having at least one device with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) attached to the network, to provide a look-up service. When another device is plugged into the network it 'hears' what Sun calls a 'web tone'.

It then uploads a small amount of code to the look-up service so that its capabilities are identified and listed on the network. Through this process the device is automatically configured on the network. It can also access, and is itself accessible, to all other connected Jini clients.

For example, if a PC client needs to access the services of a printer listed in the look-up service, it simply requests the connection. A very small volume of Jini code is uploaded to the look-up from the printer.

This is passed to the PC where it acts as a driver, allowing the PC and printer to communicate directly.

If a device is removed from the Jini network its code footprint is deleted from the look-up service. As Jini relies on the cross-platform capabilities of Java, it is independent of the network and operating systems.

Scott McNealy, Sun's president, claimed Jini would reduce IT support overheads as device drivers would not need to be configured: "For consultants, Jini is so simple they'll have to find something else to do."

JINI: HEDGING BETS

Sun announced that 35 companies, including Seagate, Sony, Quantum, Philips, Siemens and Hewlett-Packard, have licensed the technology. While the company has attracted a heavyweight set of industry supporters to endorse Jini, most of these players are hedging their bets by simultaneously saying they will evaluate arch-rival Microsoft's Universal Plug and Play (UPP) system.

Many vendors had no qualms in declaring themselves agnostics where the competing technologies were concerned. Seiko Epson is looking at Jini and UPP systems, while Philips will provide gateways to both. Similarly, Roger Lea, vice-president of Sony's distributed systems laboratory, said UPP and Jini were "probably comparable".