Sun Microsystems has released a Beta 2 version of its Java Standard Edition 6, formerly known under the codename Project Mustang.

Java SE 6 is the runtime environment that allows Java applications to run on desktop computers.

A first beta was released last February and the application has since received a series of bug fixes, prompting the company to urge developers and enterprise users to start testing their applications on the forthcoming platform.

"We have been working with the community to ensure the stability and compatibility of the platform," Bill Curci, product marketing manager for Java SE, told vnunet.com.
"If people have not had the opportunity to start preparing for Java SE 6, this is a terrific time to start incorporating it into development and deployment plans."

Sun will also bundle the beta with the Apache Derby Project open source database, as well as the Group Layout component, a tool designed to let developers create user interfaces for their applications.

Sun has agreements with several hardware manufacturers including Dell and HP to bundle the software with new systems.

Together with the Beta 2 release, Sun also unveiled that is has signed a similar distribution agreement with Lenovo and Founder Technology Group.