Open source organisation, the Apache Foundation is to try and create new version of Java for the desktop.

Project Harmony as the initiative is being called will re-write Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE).

Sun Microsystems will provide initial support. Sun owns the Java code, but new licensing arrangements should aid the project.

Deliverables from the project will include a new Java virtual machine, libraries and testing software.

Timescale is due to be in the years rather than months.

Related Articles
MySQL and Red Hat
Workplace To Have Linux
Sun Betas StarOffice and Desktop
Open Source Gains 1,600 Patents
Next Gen Java Code posted