Novell, Intel team on server-side
Java
By Ben Heskett
Staff Writer, CNET NEWS.COM
June 17, 1998, 12:25 p.m. PT
news.com
Network software maker Novell outlined plans to build a
next-generation "virtual machine" based on the Java
programming language with Intel, focused on delivering
server-side software applications at high speed.
The effort to create a new Java virtual machine (JVM) represents
the latest push by Novell to embrace Java as a development
platform for its NetWare server-based operating system.
Code-named NetFire, the latest JVM will incorporate technology
from microprocessor kingpin Intel. The companies said the
resulting JVM will adhere to the Java standards set by Sun
Microsystems.
Novell is attempting to rejuvenate
interest in writing software
programs for its operating system
by supporting Java. The
company has rebounded from an
extended period fraught with
fiscal woes under the guidance of
Eric Schmidt, a former Java guru
from Sun. The company
continues to trumpet the benefits
of writing applications that take
advantage of its services, such as
Novell Directory Services
(NDS), a service for centralized
administration of networks.
A JVM is a small, operating system-specific software layer that
provides the base code that allows Java applications to be
executed across multiple platforms. As long as software
providers include a JVM, Java will be supported in their
applications.
Intel is looking to push its various hardware components as the
ideal basis for serving up Java-based applications, taking a
typically neutral approach toward any competitive operating
system battles. As part of the deal, Novell will receive a variety
of development tools used to optimize software performance on
Intel-based processors, including the forthcoming IA-64 chip
architecture that will debut with the release of Merced.
"A closer relationship with Intel allows us to provide even better
performance and scalability," said John Linney, director of
strategic relations for Novell.
Schmidt, speaking at the PC Expo trade show in New York City
today, said: "[Java] is the mechanism by which you can run
things on any [desktop] platform, but it's more important to have
interoperability across server platforms."
An initial JVM, hyped as the fastest in the world by the company,
is set to debut as an integrated component of Novell's
forthcoming NetWare 5.0 release, due to ship on schedule later
this summer, according to executives.
The next-generation JVM will roll out next year, according to
executives, and will likely be a component of a forthcoming
NetWare upgrade, code-named Modesto, expected to coincide
with the release of Intel's 64-bit Merced processors for high-end
server systems, now delayed until 2000.
For Novell, offering a performance advantage could be a key
factor in attracting new users and developers. Novell has bet on
Java's "write once, run anywhere" promise to recapture
developer support--an area where the company has experienced
trouble in the past. The company also is hoping that with the
growth of the Java language, there will be easy-to-use software
development tools that can be used to create applications.
Novell's Java strategy also counters Microsoft's corporate
operating system, Windows NT, which is touted by the software
giant as a general-purpose application server. Novell is among
several firms that are losing market share in the face of growing
use of NT.
"Our message is NT is a general-purpose application
server--NetWare is different," said Ed McGarr, vice president of
product marketing for Novell. "We're saying we're a network
server. No longer is it a binary decision.
"Between NetWare and NT, you're talking about an apple and an
orange," he added. "Our success is not dependent on Microsoft's
failure."
Novell executives have criticized Sun's server-side Java efforts in
the past, noting the slow pace of Java standards for server-based
application development.
Intel is an investor in CNET: The Computer Network, publisher
of NEWS.COM. |
