-- Java Persistence APIs, for mapping Java objects onto relational databases

-- Compliance with updated specifications for building Web services, including JAX-WS 2.0 (Java API for XML-based Web Services) and JAXB 2.0 (Java Architecture for XML Binding)

"I would say that this brings some cutting edge technologies to Java and really confirms that this has matured in terms of a technology, said analyst Shawn Willett at Current Analysis. "I would also say that the more open process involved with this has helped both ISVs and users get a feel for the technology and contribute where they can, ensuring that it will likely have a faster uptake than J2EE 1.4 did."

Sun, however, has not made any new decisions on whether to open-source the Java programming language, something it has declined to do in the past. "There has been no discussion on open-sourcing of Java at this time," the Sun representative said.