Java SE 6 is generally perceived as the desktop client-based version of Java. It can serve as a basis for future enhancements to the enterprise-level version of Java, known as Java Enterprise Edition. The new beta is downloadable at http://java.sun.com/javase/6/download.jsp .

Java DB, which is the Sun-supported distribution of the Apache Derby database, will be included in the Java SE 6 Development Kit, as will the GroupLayout component from the NetBeans GUI Bulder, codenamed Project Matisse. Sun also is announcing that PC builders Lenovo and Founder Technology Group will offer the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) with their PC hardware.

The database, which has a footprint of 2 MB, is a transactional relational database that supports triggers and stored procedures. It can be used to store persistent data on the client or server. "Developers now have a database out of the box," said Bill Curci, Sun product marketing manager for the Java Platform.

Java DB will be available through early-access weekly builds at https://mustang.dev.java.net/ .

Incorporating the GroupLayout component into the JDK provides a Swing-based visual designer for building user interfaces for Java applications. "It makes for a better user experience for drag-and-drop layout," said Curci.