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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