In 1991, SUN was a producer of UNIX workstations. The company was in the vanguard of developing "open systems" for companies who wanted easy network access.

A project, code-named Green, was formed to explore the use of inexpensive, programmable microprocessors in a variety of consumer electronic devices, including PDAs, interactive TV Boxes and household appliances at that time.

It was experimented with C++, but proved unworkale across the vast array of equipment designs. Java pioneer James Gosling began developed a new programming language for this demanding environment which was initially named Oak and hastily renamed Java.