Jini emerges from a remote access lamp

Network managers hanging on for Sun's Jini have been promised a commercial release of the Java-based protocol by the end of the year.

The technology will allow devices to advertise their presence on a network without the need to roll out and update specific driver software.

"The first Jini-enabled devices will come out at the end of this year.

In addition, a large spectrum of industry giants, including Ericsson and Canon, are working to manufacture the actual equipment," said Rob Bamforth, Sun's Java market development manager for computer systems.

Sun has announced the availability of Java Enabled Server (JES) as a stepping stone towards Jini, promising the next release of the product will include full-blown Jini functionality. Using the technology, network managers will be able to remotely upgrade networksupported equipment, such as printers or routers, over a Lan, Wan or the internet.

"Embedded Server allows the manufacturer or user of a device to upgrade the software of the device, adding new features and extending the lifetime of the device," said Andre Crump, product line manager of Sun's enterprise products group.

He added that putting JES on a product now will give users full Jini service on the device as soon as it's available.