JavaStation
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | Sun SPARCstation |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Sun Microsystems |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Successor | Sun Ray |
| Products | Network computers specialized for Java applications |
The JavaStation represented a specialized version of Sun Microsystems' Network Computer (NC), developed during the period from 1996 to 2000, with the primary purpose of executing applications written solely in Java.
Its architecture was derived from the well-established Sun SPARCstation lineup of UNIX workstations. In line with NC design principles, the JavaStation omitted components such as a hard drive, floppy, or CD-ROM drive. Notably, it incorporated PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse connectivity along with a VGA output for monitors, setting it apart from typical Sun hardware configurations.
Models
A range of JavaStation variants was manufactured, including certain pre-production units produced in limited quantities.
The production releases consisted of:
- JavaStation-1 (part number JJ-xx), internally referred to as Mr. Coffee: featuring a 110 MHz MicroSPARC IIe processor encased in a compact Sun "unidisk" style chassis.
- JavaStation-NC or JavaStation-10 (part number JK-xx), with the codename Krups: an enhanced iteration of Mr. Coffee equipped with a 100 MHz MicroSPARC IIep CPU and superior graphics performance, housed within a uniquely curved vertical case design.
Models produced as prototypes or in limited runs included:
- JavaStation/Fox: an experimental redesign based on the SPARCstation 4 Model 110.
- JavaStation-E (part number JE-xx), known as Espresso: a variation of Krups featuring PCI expansion slots and an inactive ATA interface, presented in a newly styled enclosure.
- Dover: hardware compatible with PCs, utilizing a Cyrix MediaGXm processor.
- JavaEngine-1: an ATX form-factor adaptation of Krups, intended for embedded applications.
- A device based on the 68030 processor developed by Diba, Inc. around 1996, regarded as an early model resembling JavaStation.
Sun had intended to release a third-generation "Super JavaStation" incorporating a JavaChip co-processor designed to execute Java bytecode natively; however, this model never reached production.
Eventually, the JavaStation series was succeeded by the Sun Ray family of thin client terminals.
Operating systems
The JavaStation came pre-installed with JavaOS stored in flash memory but also allowed users to install alternative operating systems such as Linux or NetBSD.