(19)

(11)

EP 1 057 110 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 04.11.1999 (43) Date of publication: 06.12.2000 Bulletin 2000/49 (21) Application number: 99907134.3 (22) Date of filing: 18.02.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 12/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9903/519 (87) International publication number: WO 9944/138 (02.09.1999 Gazette 1999/35)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IE NL SE (30) Priority: 26.02.1998 US 76048 P 20.03.1998 US 44944 (71) Applicant: SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. Palo Alto,California 94043 (US)	(72) Inventor: SCHEIFLER, Robert Somerville, MA 02144 (US) (74) Representative: Collins, John David et al Marks & Clerk,57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields London WC2A 3LS London WC2A 3LS (GB)