Starts in 1991 by Project Green --- a group in Sun that detaches from the main campus as a semi-autonomous task force focused on operating software for consumer electronic devices such as smart set-top boxes |
Gosling (creator of Sun NeWS which had major conceptual impact both on current Java and Telescript models) realizes that C++ is not adequate and initiates development of a new language Oak, later renamed as Java. |
A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant -- codename *7) based on Oak/Java ready in 1993. Green Team incorporates as FirstPerson, Inc. |
*7 proposal to Time-Warner rejected in 1993. 3DO deal falls through in 1994. FirstPerson, Inc. dissolves. |
Small group (then ~30 people, now Java Team) continues development and decides to adapt Oak as a Web technology. |