Jini(tm) technology represents a significant step in the evolution of distributed computing, as a simple yet remarkably reliable and flexible infrastructure that enables all types of devices to simply connect into impromptu networks, making access to and delivery of new network services as simple as plugging in a telephone. Built on top of a Java software infrastructure, Jini technology enables all types of digital devices to work together in a community organized together without extensive planning, installation, or human intervention. In a Jini distributed system, Java programs interact spontaneously, enabling services to join or leave the network with ease, and allowing clients to view and access available services with confidence. A Jini system can link office components such as printers, faxes, and desktop computers. Beyond these traditional networks, the technology is also ideal for building the home-based networks that are now emerging: entertainment systems, cars, smart houses, and personal computers.

This book contains the formal specification for the Jini technology. It offers a review of distributed computing fundamentals, an overview of the Jini architecture, and an introduction to the key concepts that are the source of the technology's simplicity and power--remote objects, leasing, distributed events, and a two-phase commit protocol. The formal specification provides the definitive description of every element of the Jini architecture, including detailed information on such topics as:

* Jini Discovery and Join protocols * Jini Entry usage and the AbstractEntry class * Jini Distributed Leasing concepts * Jini Distributed Event programming model * Jini Transaction model and semantics * Jini Lookup service and lookup attribute schema * Jini device architecture

As networks continue to pervade our personal and professional lives, there is an urgent call for the flexible and robust network infrastructure that Jini represents.