Sun Brews Fresh Java and Plans to Make Code Public

Sun Microsystems Inc. plans to loosen its grip on the Java computer programming language in a bid to correct deficiencies that have hurt its promise as a universal language for writing software.

Sun has long touted Java as a versatile language that software developers can use to write applications for any computer, not just Microsoft’s Windows system found on most PCs.

Sun is a major maker of non-Windows computers. But Java programs can be frustratingly slow and some versions may work better on one operating system than another.

To address these problems, Sun today is expected to introduce an improved version of Java that lets developers write much faster applications, said Alan Baratz, head of Sun’s Java unit.

Moreover, Sun plans to give software developers more freedom to adapt the Java language to their individual needs.

Starting next month, Sun will share Java’s electronic source code over the Internet, enabling developers to blend in improvements that adapt Java to their own needs. Previously, the roughly 200 developers who bought licenses to Java needed to ask Sun’s permission before making changes.

In addition, developers need only buy a license when they are ready to ship applications written in the language.

“Many of the current licensees have very good ideas about how to improve the technology for use in new kinds of environments,” Baratz said. “But they couldn’t make modifications to the source code; they had to come back to Sun and have Sun make it if we thought it appropriate.” Now, Baratz said, “we don’t make money until you make money.”

Sun shares rose $2.63 to close at $77.81 on Nasdaq.