(1) An open source Java-based platform for integrating software tools for application development. Running under Windows and Linux, it provides a universal platform for tools created as Eclipse plug-ins. IBM started the Eclipse consortium in late 2001 with $40 million and donated a large amount of code. In 2004, it was spun off as an independent foundation. For more information, visit www.eclipse.org. See NetBeans.

(2) (ECLIPSE) An early series of 32-bit minicomputers from Data General. The development of the initial 32-bit ECLIPSE MV/8000 was the subject of Tracy Kidder's best-selling book, "Soul of a New Machine" published in 1981 by Little, Brown and Company.