Sun Splits the Java 2 Platform Into Three Editions

At the JavaOne Developer Conference, Sun Microsystems announced a reorganized architecture for Java, splitting the Java 2 platform into three editions aimed at different markets. The Standard Edition (J2SE) covers desktops and workstations, the Enterprise Edition (J2EE) carries the full toolset for heavy-duty server systems, and the Micro Edition (J2ME) is deliberately kept small to fit consumer devices with limited memory, splitting work between the constrained client and a server where that makes sense.

Every edition ships with Sun’s Java VMs, the language itself, the core packages, and optional add-ons, and all three share the language and many of those core packages so code and skills carry across the line. Sun’s pitch is one end-to-end blueprint stretching from small portable devices all the way up to the datacenter, making it easier for developers, service providers and device makers to target the market they actually serve.