US internet technology giant Sun Microsystems has invited Aim-listed computer games developer Bits to join a group of companies looking to develop a new standard of Java technology. The collaboration will focus on developing Sun's communication enabling Java software for the 'electronic development and deployment' of multi-platform games. Chief executive Foo Katan claims that time needed to take games 'from concept to product' could be reduced. Business development director Leanna Ligh added that the idea is to be able to 'pick up any form of communication and play the same game on it'. Other collaborating gaming and technology companies include Liquid Edge Games, Sony On-Line Entertainment and Tao Systems. The company also took the opportunity to announce that full-year figures to 31 March would be 'in line with current market expectations', a situation Ligh acknowledges 'goes against the recent trend of computer games developers'. House broker Collins Stewart forecasts a £920,000 loss.