Sun Microsystems, Inc. has announced new Java technologies for deploying fast applications based on Java. Available immediately are two high performance Java Just-In-Time (JIT) development technologies: the JIT compiler for the Solaris SPARC platform (beta version) and the JIT Validation Test Suite. Both products can be downloaded at http://www.sun.com/workshop/java/jit/.

These high performance products complement Sun's development, deployment and management software solutions, geared for businesses transitioning to high speed, web-based business computing solutions.

JIT technology significantly increases the speed of Java applications by translating byte code to native machine code, allowing applications to run faster than programs without the JIT technology. Performance increases up to 50 times have been documented with JIT compilation, with improvements highest for long-running, compute-intensive programs such as those used for engineering or scientific work.

"We're already delivering tools such as Java WorkShop that quickly build Java applications," according to Larry Weber, vice president and general manager, Sun's WorkShop Products. "With new technologies such as JIT compilation we are delivering the means to build quick applications."

Benchmark tests, including Pendragon Software's CaffeineMark test, show that Java applications deployed with JIT technology increased performance 50 times over non-JIT environments. Detailed benchmark results can be found at http://www.sun.com/workshop/java/jit/.

Speeding Up the Benchmark Numbers

The CaffeineMark benchmark test, by Pendragon Software, accurately measures Java performance which is a function of the hardware, operating system and Java Virtual Machine (VM).

The Linpack Benchmark is a numerically intensive test that has been used for years to measure the floating point performance of computers.

Rigorous Testing: JIT Validation Test Suite

Sun also announced general availability of the JIT Validation Test Suite. This suite of comprehensive tests is critical in assuring users that the fast code they get through use of the JIT compiler is not compromised in quality.

Availability

The JIT compiler for Solaris SPARC platform is compatible with Solaris 2.5 and Solaris 2.5.1. The JIT compilers for Solaris Intel platform, Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT, and Macintosh are expected to be available within 60 days.