Wireless at the root of Jini

In an effort to emulate some of the inherent capabilities of wireless networks, Sun Microsystems has developed Jini, a technology that creates a "federation" of Java-enabled devices. Jini offers a standard that lets software and hardware devices recognize each other and share information, services and resources. It allows devices such as mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers and printers from various vendors to network spontaneously.

"We want to introduce the kind of fluidity you get in a cellular network in a computer network," said Jim Waldo, chief architect of Jini. By fluidity, Waldo means the ability wireless users have to move between networks and stay connected all the time, not only to the network but also to services available in that area. He envisions Jini-enabled computers that don't have to be plugged into access services but merely moved into the proximity of other Jini devices.

In the wireless marketplace, Jini may fuel many services that have been discussed and even offered but may be too complex for non-technical consumers. "It's an enabling technology for them," said Billy Moon, program director for new concepts at Ericsson Inc.

For example, customers would no longer have to configure computers, printers and mobile phones to interact with each other. A mobile phone would immediately recognize a nearby printer, where a user might print an e-mail message via the phone. Mobile phones could also access information about available features or services.

The idea for Jini stemmed from an experimental site Sun Microsystems built in Aspen, Colo., covered by a wireless Ethernet. There, people carry laptops that stay connected to the network wherever they go. "That is part of what inspired us to develop Jini," Waldo said.

Where Internet protocol may become the standard networking protocol of the future, Jini may be the standard operating system, said David Cooperstein, senior analyst of telecom strategies for Forrester Research.

Jini should be available for free on Sun Microsystems' Web site during the fourth quarter. Nokia also has expressed interest in Jini.