“As expected, Sun today announced that it submitted its Java
specification to ECMA, formerly known as the European Computer
Manufacturers Association. If ECMA accepts the task, it would set
out rules for how Java works and then pass its standard to the ISO
for consideration. ISO certification would make it easier for
companies and governments to incorporate Java.
Sun dropped its earlier plan to go through the ‘publicly
available specification’ (PAS) process of an ISO committee called
JTC1, or the Joint Technical Committee 1.”
“In a nutshell, the difference between the processes offered by
the respective organizations comes down to the method used to
control Java. JTC1’s methodology and the PAS process hands control
of the action to the committee. The Java Community Process lets Sun
keep some of the control, namely crucial veto and nominating
powers.”