Sun Microsystems Inc has confirmed rumors that it has licensed technology from IBM Corp’s subsidiary company Taligent Inc for use with its Java 2D Application Programming Interface (CI No 3,150). Sun will incorporate the technologies which include bi- directional line layout used in the globalization of text, and high-level graphics capabilities for combining and manipulating geometric shapes, into the Java 2D API, a set of classes designed to enable developers to build sophisticated graphics in Java applications. The JavaSoft division of Sun believes the incorporation of the technology will strengthen Java’s position and capabilities. Developers using the Java 2D API with the new technology should be able to easily display lines of text in multiple languages and have access to enhanced graphics capabilities. JavaSoft’s vice president of software products, Jon Kannegaard said: This is a another step forward in the evolution of Java. Taligent was founded in 1992 as part of an agreement between IBM and Apple Computer Inc to develop the next generation microcomputer operating system. It was later decided people didn’t want a new operating system and it turned to rapid application development.
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