Though voters will be selecting companies rather than individuals in the ratification process, Rankin stresses that the members see themselves not as representatives of their respective companies, but as representatives of all Java developers. On December 12, the elected committees will officially take their seats. Each member will serve a three-year term. As Sun wants to hold elections every year, the terms will be staggered so that 5 of the 15 seats are normally up for ratification or election each year. This year, the members will draw lots to decide who will serve three years, two years, and one year.
Members can serve more than one term.
I think we're still working on figuring out how we can most effectively move Java technology forward. It's definitely a step in the right direction. About the author Jennifer Wilson is an associate editor at JavaWorld .