UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, SUN MICROSYSTEMS OPEN FIRST "ACADEMIC JAVA CENTER" IN THE UNITED STATES

PITTSBURGH, September 7 -- The University of Pittsburgh will celebrate its selection as the first Academic Java Center to be established in the United States by Sun Microsystems, Inc. with a reception and ceremony from

3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, in the William Pitt Union Ballroom on the Pitt campus.

Sun Microsystems has initiated a global program to authorize academic institutions to teach Java technology to students and prepare them for certification testing while also offering advanced technology services to local businesses. Through this program, participating universities can collaborate with local businesses to give students practical, hands-on experience implementing Java technology pilot projects. A total of 15 centers will be established worldwide.

The University of Pittsburgh competed with schools across the country and was selected as the first Java Campus in the U.S. Other sites selected are the University of Western Ontario in Canada, the University of Hong Kong, the University of Kent in England, Temesak Polytechnic University in Singapore and UNICID in Brazil.

Hosted by Sun and expected to attract local government and business executives as well as University officials, the Sept. 9 event will provide an opportunity to unveil the benefits associated with being named a Java Campus. These include:

• Development of an advanced Java Training Center

• Access to all of Sun's Java training and course materials;

• Availability of Java certification training for students through

non-credit classes at the Java Center;

• Development of a corporate sponsorship and intern program

"By entering into this unique strategic partnership with Sun Microsystems, the University of Pittsburgh can offer Java technology to its students, therefore enhancing their potential for job opportunities after graduation," said Pitt Provost James Maher. "Additionally, by working with area businesses, this endeavor can contribute to the economic vitality of the region and the Commonwealth."

-30-

9/7/99/shg

NOTE TO EDITORS: This event is by invitation only; your coverage is welcome.