HP and Dell to ship PCs with Sun's Java

By Alun Williams

Posted on 12 Jun 2003 at 12:49

HP's desktops and notebooks are to carry Sun's latest Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Agreement has been reached with Sun about pre-installing the software that allows Java apps to be executed natively. The deal is expected to come into effect after the summer.

For PCs without this Java support, the JRE can always be downloaded from www.java.com, but the deal will be seen as a boost for Sun and its platform neutral language. Pre-installation means that the latest Java capabilities will be full square in front of business and consumer PCs, helping to further establish the language.

'Shipping Java technology from Sun on our desktops and notebook PCs will allow us to offer our customers a rich Web experience,' said Robyn West, VP of marketing, Americas Personal Systems Group, HP. 'In addition to the millions of Web pages with fun, useful Java content on them today, this agreement also expands the exciting potential for developers to create more compelling content and applications in the years to come.'

Dell is also expected to follow suit before the end of the year, but no official announcement has yet been made. According to Sun's executive VP of software, Jonathan Schwartz: 'We expect that many more PC OEMs and large consumer application providers will also begin distributing the latest JRE from Sun.'