[JAVA3D] ANNOUNCEMENT: Java 3D plans

• To: JAVA3D-INTEREST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
• Subject: [JAVA3D] ANNOUNCEMENT: Java 3D plans
• From: Doug Twilleager <Doug.Twilleager@xxxxxxx>
• Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 21:28:28 -0800

There has been speculation about Sun's intentions with
Java3D, and this helps resolve the confusion. There will
probably be some complaining about Sun's reduced
commitment. But an open source approach has worked well
for VisAD (and Vis5D), and with a little effort and wisdom
on Sun's part, can work well for Java3D.

Cheers,
Bill

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Reply-To: Discussion list for Java 3D API <JAVA3D-INTEREST@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

We take this opportunity to announce that Sun is renewing its
commitment to Java 3D.  The highlights of this announcement are:

    .   Sun is in the process of making the source code for Java 3D
        available through a public source license in the very near
        future.

    .   Sun will work with the Java 3D community, via the Java
        Community Process (JCP), to actively evolve the API going
        forward.

--------------------

The renewed emphasis on Java 3D complements Sun's increased efforts
in the desktop space and the recent release of the Java Desktop System
(JDS).  More information will be forthcoming, but here are a few
details concerning our plans.

    .   Sun is right now working on making the source code for Java 3D
        available through a public source license.  This will be done
        via a java.net project, which will include a developer's web
        site and CVS repository.  This will allow developers to
        download the Java 3D source code, and to contribute bug fixes
        and utilities.  The time frame for this release is before
        JavaOne 2004.

    .   We will be forming an expert group under the JCP process to
        define and implement the next version(s) of the Java 3D API.
        Our current thinking is that we want to work with the expert
        group to create a 1.4 version of the Java 3D API that will add
        programmable shaders, and possibly other critical features, if
        they can be done without architectural changes to the
        implementation.  We hope to get this release out relatively
        quickly.

    .   We also want the expert group to help define the next major
        revision (1.5? 2.0?) to the Java 3D API, which could involve
        more widespread changes to the API.

We look forward to working with the Java 3D community to move the
API forward.

Doug Twilleager
Sun Microsystems

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