Apple Releases Beta Version 1.0 of Mac OS Runtime
for Java (MRJ)

Apple Challenges Developers to Show the “Geek Factor” at Macworld

CUPERTINO, Calif.–Nov. 6, 1996–Apple Computer, Inc., today announced
the availability of the beta version 1.0 release of Mac OS Runtime for
Java. This product highlights Apple’s strategy to make the Mac OS a
best-of-breed development platform for the Internet. Mac OS Runtime for
Java is an implementation of Sun Microsystems’ Java virtual machine (VM)
and run-time environment, enabling developers of Mac OS-based
applications to create Java applets and standalone Java applications,
and to embed Java functionality into applications written in native
PowerPC or 68K code.

As part of this beta software release, Apple also announced the MRJ
Coding Contest, an opportunity for a developer using Mac OS Runtime for
Java to create interesting and innovative Mac OS-based applications–and
win new Apple products! For official rules and submission information,
check the websit at: http://www.devtools.apple.com/mrj/.

“Java is becoming a key requirement for many of the markets in which
Apple competes,” said Larry Tesler, vice president of Apple’s AppleNet
division. “The Mac OS Runtime for Java is the implementation of the Java
virtual machine on the Macintosh and Mac OS-compatible systems that
customers and developers have been asking for. We’re committed to
increasing levels of performance, stability, timeliness, and universal
applicability as time goes on.”

Mac OS Runtime for Java Technologies
Mac OS Runtime for Java includes the high-level API as well as a
lower-level invocation API to enable developers to load Java class
libraries, create Java objects, and call Java methods in order to build
hybrid Mac OS-Java applications. Used in conjunction with currently
available Java development environments, Mac OS Runtime for Java
includes several technologies that enable developers to incorporate Java
into existing applications, as well as use Java to create new
applications. They include:
–JManager, a simple high-level API that allows an existing application
to embed or host Java applets and applications;
–JShell,the basic format for developing standalone Macintosh
applications written in Java. A simple shell is provided, and any
developer can easily combine their Java code into a JShell to create a
standalone “double-clickable” application;
–JBindery, a utility that allows for the easy conversion of a
.zip/JAR/.class package into a JShell based application;
–JRI, the standard interface from Sun for use in calling Java code from
C/C++ code. JRI provides more complete control over MRJ than does
JManager. Developers can utilize as much of JRI as they feel is
appropriate, in addition to the basic functionality of JManager;

–Apple Applet Runner, a simple player that allows users to view Java
applets and applications. The full source code to this Viewer is
included in the SDK.

Why Java?
The introduction and popularity of Sun Microsystem’s Java as both a
programming language and a platform began in late 1995. Since then, Java
has become a standard for both distributed (applet) code and standalone
applications. Java’s unique benefits to both developers and users
include built-in threading, automatic memory management and protection,
and innate cross-platform compatibility. By allowing developers to
freely integrate Java into their applications and by providing an
implementation of the Java VM via Mac OS Runtime for Java, Apple
demonstrates a commitment to both Java and the Internet.
Customers for Mac OS Runtime for Java Include:

–Individual users browsing the World Wide Web who can use Java to get
interactivity and additional functionality provided by downloadable Java
applets;
–Internet developers and content authors who want to create interactive
and dynamic web pages using Java;
–Intranet developers who want to standardize on a suite of technologies
that allow them to build custom applications for cross-platform
environments;
–Component software developers who want to standardize on a suite of
technologies such as Java and JavaBeans, OpenDoc, and CORBA to create a
variety of software components that can be used on a variety of systems;
–Application software developers who are considering using Java instead
of C++ and other languages.

Availability and System Requirements Mac OS Runtime for Java and the
corresponding SDK are freely available via the web at:
http://www.devtools.apple.com/mrj/.

The minimum system configuration for Mac OS Runtime for Java is a 68030
or faster processor and System 7.1 or later. The RAM requirements vary
depending on usage.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry
and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based
on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software,
personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in
Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and
markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business,
education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and
government customers in more than 140 countries.

Apple’s home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/

-30-

Apple, AppleSoft, Mac OS and Macintosh are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names mentioned are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby
acknowledged.