Sun to boost Java/.Net interoperability

Sun claims that it will 'bridge the divide' between Java and Microsoft's Indigo

Sun Microsystems today vowed to boost interoperability between its Java technology and Microsoft's rival .Net platform via open source web services implementations.

Sun said that it would work to bridge the divide between Java and Microsoft's Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), formerly known as Indigo, to allow integration between the Java Enterprise Edition and .Net environments.

The initiative, according to Sun, will help developers create applications on a diverse range of operating systems, including Solaris, Windows and Linux, that can co-exist and interoperate across heterogeneous computing environments.

Interoperability between the two platforms will also help pave the way for the greater adoption of web services and SOA-based application development by reducing the associated cost, complexity and risk, Sun said.

"With heterogeneous computing environments a fact of life in the enterprise, our customers and partners have been looking for greater interoperability between Java and .Net," said Mark Bauhaus, senior vice president for business integration, application platform and identity at Sun.

"Today's announcement demonstrates Sun's continued commitment to open standards and community building, and is major step forward in facilitating Java and .Net interoperability.

"Sun is providing developers with the tools to build the next generation of Java-based web services, and most importantly breaking down the barriers to enable enterprises to realise the benefits of an SOA."

Sun plans to implement WCF specifications pertaining to Soap-based messaging, metadata, security and quality of service, and will make them available to the community via Sun's Glassfish project.

Glassfish is the open source development project for Sun's Java System Application Server Platform Edition 9.

The vendor will also provide the Java community with tools, sample applications and supporting material via its integrated software system platform, the Java Enterprise System, and through its Java Web Services Developer Pack.

Early access to the Java WSDP will be available in the first half of 2006. More information on the Glassfish project is available here.