Sun lowers open source Java barrier

Sun Microsystems is making it easier for open source programmers to ensure their Java versions meet the company's compatibility requirements, but the deal extends only to those involved in Sun's own open source Java project, reports News.com.

Sun plans to announce on Thursday a programme that grants access to its Java Technology Compatibility Kit to anyone with an open source Java project that is based substantially on Sun's open source Java software and governed by the General Public Licence (GPL).

Programmers need access to the test kit to prove that a project is in compliance with the Java specification.

Automation is the first choice for IT companies to improve productivity. This is the premise that country manager of Agitar Software, Vishnu Raned, believes will garner more business for his company, says The Hindu.

Raned roped in 25 Indian clients in the past five years. A poor track-record one may say, but Agitar is in the niche business of providing software tools that target developers writing code on Java.

"Eighty percent of any team is composed of software developers. They have average skills but do the bulk of the work. Unless their productivity is improved, one cannot see a visible improvement in the company's overall productivity," he says.

Florida Southern College seniors Alan George, Ian Johnson, and Laura Quintana Cruz presented their research, "Explorations with Robotics Software," at a session on campus in Lakeland recently, reports Orlando Sentinel.

The students developed Java software modules to control small robots. The project results will be used to enhance the computer science and mathematics curricula with possible applications in other areas.

The students worked under the direction of Gwen Walton and Kenneth Henderson of the mathematics and computer science department.