Network nirvana and the intelligent device

Sun's Jini technology can make a network look like one large computer. The technology will let developers and manufacturers create a whole range of computerized appliances that can instantly connect into a network to share information and services regardless of the underlying operating system or hardware. Once connected, every other computer, device, and user on the network will know that the new device has been added and is available. If Sun succeeds in getting developers to implement and improve Jini, it will have a tremendous impact on networking, especially for wireless and mobile users. Devices in a Jini distributed system provide their own interfaces, which ensures reliability and compatibility. Jini provides the distributed-system services for lookup, registration, and leasing. It consists of four program layers: directory service; JavaSpace; remote-method invocation; and the boot, join, and discover protocol. Any device with an operating system that supports a Java virtual machine can be plugged into the network. The author discusses the origins of Jini, its functions and its competition.