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Microsoft Corp.

Sun Seeks Injunction Against Microsoft Over Java Technology

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sun Microsystems Inc. has filed two new motions in its suit against Microsoft Corporation in U.S. District Court, requesting a preliminary injunction to require Microsoft to include a compatible Java implementation in Windows98 and its software tools for the Java programming environment. The company claims that Microsoft is attempting to break the cross-platform compatibility of the Java technology and deliver a version of the technology that works only with Microsoft's products. Sun is seeking a level playing field for developers and wants to ensure that Windows users have access to the same modern, network-based computing environment as users of other computers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sun has filed two new motions in its suit against Microsoft, requesting a preliminary injunction to require Microsoft to include a compatible Java implementation in Windows98.
  • The company claims that Microsoft is attempting to break the cross-platform compatibility of the Java technology and deliver a version of the technology that works only with Microsoft's products.
  • Sun is seeking a level playing field for developers and wants to ensure that Windows users have access to the same modern, network-based computing environment as users of other computers.
  • The company has asked the court to bar Microsoft from shipping its software tools for the Java programming environment unless they generate only fully compatible Java software.
  • Alan Baratz, president of Sun's Java software division, stated that Sun would be gratified to settle the matter at any time, but until that happens, they believe it is essential to ensure a compatible Java implementation in the marketplace.
  • Sun has previously filed a motion asking the court to bar Microsoft from using Sun's Java Compatible Logo on its products.
  • On March 24, U.S. District Court judge Ronald M. Whyte granted Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s request and issued a preliminary injunction that prevents Microsoft from using Sun's Java Compatible logo to promote and distribute its Internet Explorer 4.0 and related products.

Statistics:

  • October 7, 1997: Date of Sun Microsystems' existing suit against Microsoft.
  • November 17, 1997: Date of Sun's motion asking the court to bar Microsoft from using Sun's Java Compatible Logo on its products.
  • March 24, 1998: Date of the preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court judge Ronald M. Whyte.
  • $9 billion: Annual revenues of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Sources:

  • http://java.sun.com/aboutJava/info/index.html (information on Sun's legal action and Java platform)
  • http://www.sun.com (Sun Microsystems' website)
  • http://www.sun.com/aboutSun/announcements.html (press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems)
  • http://java.sun.com (information on Java technologies and services)
  • Lisa Poulson, Sun Microsystems, Inc. (contact information)
  • Anne Little, Sun Microsystems, Inc. (contact information)
  • Elizabeth McNichols, Sun Microsystems, Inc. (contact information)

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