Java to gain multitasking improvements

SAN JOSE, CALIF. — Sun Microsystems is working on improvements to the Java programming language to enable application multi-tasking within the JVM (Java virtual machine), a Sun official said at the ClusterWorld Conference & Expo event here on Tuesday.

J2SE 1.6, which is scheduled for a beta release this fall with general availability eyed for 2005, is slated to feature an “isolates” function to boost application-sharing in the JVM, according to Murali Kaundinya, senior Java architect for Sun Software Services.  The isolates capability would enable isolated entities to perform localized computation without requiring a second JVM, thus enabling multitasking within the JVM, according to Kaundinya.

Also planned for Version 1.6 is support of Sockets Direct Protocol. “It provides you with high-speed communication between Java programs,” Kaundinya said. Improvements made in J2SE also will be incorporated into J2EE shortly afterward, he said. 

J2SE 1.5, which has been available in beta since January, is expected to be ready in a general production release by the JavaOne conference in June, Kaundinya said. Version 1.5 is focused on making Java programming easier.

Also at ClusterWorld Expo:

* Penguin Computing announced availability of a 64-bit release of Scyld Beowulf, which is a second-generation Linux cluster operating system. From Penguin subsidiary Scyld Software, the 29-series release of Scyld Beowulf for Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron reduces time to deploy a distributed parallel application by providing integrated parallel programming code libraries, a deployment architecture, and cluster management interfaces, according to Scyld. Penguin also announced availability of turnkey Linux cluster systems based on AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon architectures and featuring Scyld Beowulf. The systems incorporate InfinBand interconnect technology from InfiniCon Systems.

* Datacenter management company Cyclades unveiled AlterPath PM10i, an $849 Intelligent Power Distribution Unit offering 10 individually controlled power receptacles compatible with 100V-240V systems. The product when deployed with a Cyclades remote console server enables IT professionals to remotely power off, power on, and reboot servers and network devices using the same console management session from any location via telnet, Secure Shell, or through a secure Web session.

* Engineered Intelligence announced that its CxC parallel computing software is a featured option on the IBM Departmental Supercomputing Solution.

* Voltaire introduced Voltaire ISR 9288, an InfiniBand switch for large-scale server clusters and grids. The unit features 288 ports of 10Gbps full bisectional bandwidth in a single chassis.