Sun Backs Open-Source Java

Sun Microsystems has announced that it will fund a scholarship program to encourage open-source development and implementations of Java standards. With its $3 million pledge, Sun hopes to fund thirty development programs per year for three years to help offset the costs of Sun's technical support services while programmers are undergoing the Java compatibility tests. The Java compatibility test suites themselves range in cost from $50,000 to $100,000 for each implementation of the Java standard. The scholarship program is open to universities, non-profit groups and other qualified persons.